SMU Partners with California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine to Expand Medical School Pathways for MBS Students
For students pursuing careers in medicine, Samuel Merritt University (SMU), a leader in healthcare education for over a century, is making the path to medical school clearer and more accessible through a new partnership with California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM).
Through this collaboration, eligible students in SMU’s Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program will be offered a guaranteed interview with CHSU-COM. It’s the latest addition to SMU’s growing network of Guaranteed Interview Partnerships, designed to create clear, supportive pathways into healthcare professions.
A key component of the agreement is a focus on service. To qualify, students must complete at least 50 hours of volunteering, clinical shadowing or community-based work, a reflection of both institutions’ shared belief that engaging with patients and communities early in training creates a deeper understanding of the human side of medicine.
“This partnership is a reflection of SMU’s commitment to opening doors for aspiring medical professionals and addressing California’s growing need for healthcare providers,” said Dr. Sathees Chandra, PhD, Dean of the SMU College of Health Sciences. “By pairing academic excellence with substantial service experiences, we’re helping students from diverse backgrounds turn their passion for healing into careers that serve and are shaped by the communities around them.”
The guaranteed interview gives students valuable face time with CHSU-COM’s admissions team and firsthand experience navigating the medical school interview process, an important step toward admission and professional growth. CHSU-COM will continue to evaluate applicants holistically, considering academic performance, service experience and alignment with the university’s mission.
“We are proud to partner with Samuel Merritt University (SMU) and other colleges and universities in the Central Valley to help address the shortage of physicians in our region,” stated John Graneto, DO, MEd, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This collaboration strengthens both institutions' commitment to creating more opportunities for students to enter medical school and build a strong healthcare workforce that will bring quality care to communities in need.
