Colton, California is now home to one of the nation’s fully accredited medical schools—an achievement that reflects years of community partnership, vision, and local investment in the future of healthcare. The California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) School of Medicine has received full accreditation for its Doctor of Medicine program from the Liaison Committee of Medical Education (LCME)—the highest national standard for medical education in the United States.
For the City of Colton and the surrounding region, this milestone represents far more than institutional recognition. It affirms that a medical school built through intentional collaboration with the community now meets—and upholds—the same rigorous standards as the nation’s most established medical institutions. Full accreditation confirms that CUSM graduates are fully prepared for licensure examinations and entry into accredited residency programs across the country.
“Full LCME accreditation represents a defining moment in the life of our institution,” said Dr. Paul Lyons, CUSM President and Dean. “It affirms the strength of our academic model, the integrity of our governance, and our unwavering commitment to educating compassionate, highly skilled physicians who are prepared to serve communities where the need is greatest.”
Founded with a mission to address physician shortages and healthcare inequities, CUSM was intentionally established in Colton to serve the needs of the Inland Empire. The university’s location is not incidental—it reflects a deliberate choice to anchor medical education in a community historically underserved by the healthcare system, while creating new opportunities for residents to pursue careers in medicine and biomedical sciences.
That mission is already delivering measurable benefits. CUSM reports a 99% residency match rate, with more than 70% of graduates remaining in California and the Inland Empire. Many choose to practice close to home, directly strengthening the regional physician workforce and expanding access to care for families across Colton and neighboring communities.
“For me, this moment represents the culmination of a lifelong dream,” said Dr. Prem Reddy, Founder and Chairman of the CUSM Board of Trustees. “I was born in a small rural village in Southern India, without electricity or running water, and I was the first in my family to attend college, let alone medical school. Education has transformed my life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it provides. CUSM was created so that others might be given the same chance to learn, to serve, and to give back far more than they ever imagined possible. This accreditation milestone affirms that a medical school grounded in service, compassion, and excellence can change lives for generations.”
CUSM was founded in 2015 by the Prime Healthcare Foundation, which committed $80 million to establish and sustain the university. This investment reflects a long-term commitment to medical education, workforce development, and community health. Through a unique private-public partnership involving the Foundation, the County of San Bernardino, and the City of Colton, the university was designed to build a sustainable pipeline of physicians and biomedical leaders for historically underserved communities.
Today, CUSM is recognized among the nation’s leading medical schools, attracting thousands of applicants each year to its Colton campus. Students are selected not only for academic excellence, but for a demonstrated commitment to service, leadership, and community impact—values that align closely with the city and region the university calls home.
“We began with a dream to build more than a medical school - we set out to create a lasting contribution to medicine and society," said Dr. Kavitha Bhatia, Founding Vice Chair of CUSM and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation. “CUSM was created on the belief that medicine is an act of service. The Prime Healthcare Foundation’s support reflects a belief that educating compassionate, service-driven physicians is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the future of healthcare. This remarkable milestone truly belongs to our extraordinary students, faculty, trustees, partners, and communities.”
CUSM welcomed its first medical students in 2018 and celebrated its inaugural graduation in 2022. In May 2026, the university will graduate its fifth MD class—marking a new chapter for the Colton-based institution as a fully accredited medical school positioned for continued growth and national impact.
Each year, CUSM admits 130 new MD students and 60 students into its 10-month Master of Biomedical Sciences program. The university also received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2022, further reinforcing its academic standing.
For Colton, this achievement represents a point of pride and a promise fulfilled—a reminder that transformative institutions can be built locally, serve globally, and change lives for generations to come.