University of the Pacific announced plans to open a medical school in Stockton by fall 2030, aiming to address the Central Valley's physician shortage. - The school will be the first M.D.-granting medical school in the Central Valley from Sacramento to Los Angeles.
- A $150 million campaign is underway, with over $25 million already raised from donors. - The school will partner with Dignity Health St.
Joseph's Medical Center for clinical rotations. - The Central Valley faces a severe shortage of primary care and specialist physicians, with all eight counties designated as medically underserved.