Gary CHu, MD

Gary Chu, MD

Academic Title

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

Contact Information

Office Phone: (916) 686-7300
Fax: (916) 686-7310
Email: Gary.Chu@cnsu.edu


Education

  • BA, University of California Berkely, CA
  • MD, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN

About

Dr. Gary Chu is an internal medicine physician, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing medical education, physician wellness, and community service. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and then received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He completed his residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Chu practices Hospital Medicine at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, where he also serves as Chief of Physician Health and Wellness. He teaches and mentors California Northstate University medical students in the clinical setting and has co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications with medical students, reflecting his passion for scholarship and mentorship. Outside of medicine, Dr. Chu is an avid practitioner of kendo, the Japanese martial art of the sword. He recently earned the rank of Sho-dan (First Degree Black Belt), a milestone that signifies the beginning of formal study in the art. He has achieved multiple podium finishes in regional kendo tournaments and embraces the values of discipline, humility, perseverance, and lifelong learning that define kendo. His commitment to service has been recognized with numerous honors, including Volunteer of the Year from Special Olympics Northern California, the Medical Honors Award from the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Kieran Fitzpatrick Community Service Award from Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento.

Research

Combining his interests in medicine and martial arts, Dr. Gary Chu has conducted research on kendo safety. His published work examining the protective performance of aging kendo helmets has contributed to improving athlete safety while helping preserve the traditions of the sport.