Welcome to California Northstate University College of Medicine, where we not only embrace technology but also lead the way in innovation! It has been exhilarating to witness the remarkable progress our college has made in medical training, research, supporting students, and focus on the future.

Our mission is unwavering: to nurture compassionate, driven, and innovative physicians equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Since our founding in 2015, we have established a reputation that reaches beyond California, resonating on a national scale. Our curriculum has been thoughtfully crafted to tackle the unique challenges faced by today's physicians, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to thrive in the evolving landscape of modern healthcare. The best is yet to come.

We are fortunate to offer a rich and diverse clinical experience throughout the Greater Sacramento area and beyond. During the preclinical years, our student-centered curriculum integrates hands-on learning, allowing our medical students to benefit from the expertise of our faculty and clinical specialists from the region. In their third and fourth years, students gain invaluable clerkship experiences within some of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in the nation, including Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health. Furthermore, we extend our care to private physicians’ offices and collaborate with our faculty in various underserved clinical areas throughout the region.

Over the past year, we have observed an extraordinary increase in student presentations at both local and national conferences. Our recent annual research day highlighted the outstanding efforts of over 300 students, who showcased their clinical and basic science projects. Many of these projects garnered recognition from both their peers and national organizations. Simultaneously, a substantial number of students are successfully securing positions in prestigious residency programs, a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of our faculty.

Our students train in a cutting-edge facility located in Elk Grove, California, where we prioritize student support, educational excellence, and overall wellness. Our integrated curriculum emphasizes educational technology and small group learning, pairing students with dedicated mentors and career advisors to enhance both their academic performance and career strategies. Additionally, we have a comprehensive academic counseling department to further support our students’ needs. We also incorporate advanced technology into our clinical simulation laboratories and utilize a variety of patient models to enrich clinical development.

We are excited to announce the expansion of our campus with the construction of an 11-story teaching hospital on the site of the former Sacramento Kings ARCO/Sleep Train Arena. As we embark on this journey of growth, we remain committed to prioritizing student feedback and engagement. At CNU, we take pride in our institutional agility, leveraging this strength to explore new possibilities in medical education through the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative practices.

Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS
Dean California Northstate University College of Medicine
Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

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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.”