On Friday, March 20th, 2026, fourth-year medical students at California Northstate University | College of Medicine opened their Match Day envelopes, revealing where their next chapter in medicine will begin. 🎉
Today marks more than a destination. It represents years of dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Each match is a testament to the strength, passion, and purpose of the Class of 2026.
We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see the impact you will make in communities near and far. Your journey is just beginning, and your future is bright.
Year Founded
2025 MATCH Placement
Alumni
Academic Courses
Giving Future Students a Firsthand Look At Their Healthcare Journey
Guests heard from deans, engaged with current students, attended college-specific breakout sessions, and learned about scholarship opportunities like the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). The event showcased CNU’s commitment to developing future healthcare leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement. READ MORE
Congratulations Class of 2029!
Organized by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Christine Deere, the White Coat Ceremony welcomed an overwhelming turnout. The room was filled to capacity with proud family members, friends, and supporters, all gathered READ MORE
The Next Generation of Physicians Meets the CNUCOM Staff
The CNUCOM Class of 2029 includes 118 students selected from 3,461 applicants. The average MCAT is 513.3, and the average GPA is 3.83. Students come from diverse backgrounds: 61% Asian, 19% White, and others representing multiple ethnicities. Eleven percent hold graduate degrees, and one student is a military/veteran scholarship recipient. Matriculants represent top institutions including Yale, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins. READ MORE
In a recent post on the Dean’s Blog, the significance of the White Coat Ceremony was thoughtfully explored, offering a powerful reflection on what it truly means to begin the journey of becoming a physician. The message highlighted the deep symbolism of the white coat and the profound responsibility it carries for those entering the profession.
The Dean praised the incoming Class of 2029, not only for their academic accomplishments but for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. Chosen from thousands of applicants, these students represent the future of medicine as researchers, advocates, and future healers dedicated to the well-being of their communities.
The blog emphasized that the white coat is not just a tradition but a timeless emblem of trust, compassion, and ethical responsibility. It is a visible reminder of the sacred promise to put patients first, to act with humility, and to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
As students recited the Physician’s Oath during the ceremony, the moment served as a reaffirmation of the values that define the medical profession. The Dean reminded faculty and staff that their role goes beyond instruction, it is a shared responsibility to mentor and inspire the next generation of physicians.
The White Coat Ceremony, as reflected in the Dean’s message, is more than a rite of passage. It is a renewal of the mission to cultivate not only skilled clinicians but also compassionate leaders who will carry forward the principles of humanity, service, and integrity that are the foundation of medicine. READ THE DEAN’S BLOG HERE
Dean, College of Medicine
Dean James Martel, MD MPH FACS, a graduate of Stanford University, obtained his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School and his Master of Public Health in biostatistics and epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health. He interned at Beth Israel Hospital and completed his ophthalmology residency at Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of Johns Hopkins Medical School. He served as Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education at California Northstate University College of Medicine since 2011 and as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, as well as Professor of Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery at CNUCOM. He is an accomplished scholar with an extensive publication record and active research portfolio. He is also the Medical Director of Martel Eye Medical Group and provides on call ophthalmology services for four hospitals in the Sacramento, California area.
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 2026.
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.
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.
Explore the beautiful California State University campus in this guided tour video! Get a first-hand look at our vibrant student life, facilities, and key landmarks across campus. Whether you're a prospective student or just curious, this tour gives you a glimpse of what it's like to be part of the CSU community.
