Preparing California's future physicians for the 21st century by leveraging innovation and emerging technologies.

Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS

Dr. Isaacs is a distinguished national leader in education, medicine, and healthcare operations, and is internationally recognized as an expert in head and neck oncology and skull base surgery. He serves as the Dean of California Northstate University College of Medicine, as well as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and Chief Academic Officer. To learn more about Dr. Isaacs' insights and perspectives on academic medicine, leadership, and the future of healthcare, we invite you to read his monthly blog, First Things First

CNU Medical Center was designed for the North Natomas site which was the prior home of the Sacramento Kings (ARCO / Sleep Train Arena). Construction of the hospital and medical university is planned to begin in 2025.

With the hospital of the future on the horizon, our prospects have never been brighter. Soon, our students will have the chance to deliver world-class patient care at CNU National Hospital, while championing diversity and leading the fight to reduce health disparities.


Our Values


  • Working as a team
  • Embracing diversity and workplace excellence
  • Caring about our students, our staff, our faculty, and our profession
  • Advancing our university, our goals, and our discipline
  • Responding to challenges that may impede Mission
  • Enhancing communication and partnership

Why Choose Us

We are committed to delivering an educational experience to ensure the student’s goal of becoming a confident and skillful physician. The curriculum at the College of Medicine is based on Clinical Presentations (CPs); symptoms or conditions that cause patients to seek the help of a physician. Examples include “sore throat”, “headache” or “chest pain”.

At the College of Medicine, basic science, clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, ethics training, hands-on learning of medical skills, and participation in patient care at our Sacramento-area affiliate hospitals and clinics will help our students become patient-centered, confident leaders in medicine.

  • 2015

    Year Founded

  • 95

    2024 Match Percentage

  • 504

    Alumni

  • 141

    Courses

Campus Tour
COM Classroom

Administrative Team

Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS

Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS

Dean
Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Christine Deere

Christine Deere, PhD

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions
Assistant Professor of Biology and Microbiology

Islam Mohamed

Islam Mohamed, B. Pharm, MS, PhD

Assistant Dean of Operational Services, Assessment, CQI & Accreditation
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Adjunct Assistant Professor, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy

Jennifer Gullo, MD

Jennifer Gullo, MD

Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs and Development
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
M3 OSCE Director

Edward Chang, MD, FACS

Edward Chang, MD, FACS

Assistant Dean of Medical Education
Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology

News

More News

MATCH 2025

Match Day is a pivotal moment for medical students, revealing where they will transition from medical school to residency.  “The Match” sets the trajectory for the next chapter in these physicians' careers and their roles in the nation's healthcare system. Students have matched at numerous notable institutions.


  • March 21, 2025

2025 Diversity in Medicine Summer Camp

Join CNU College of Medicine for a week-long camp for high school and college undergraduate studentsinterested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Our mission isto uplift and empower future generations of healthcare professionals while emphasizing the importance of diversity.


  • March 18, 2025