The San Bernardino-based California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine, which was founded in part by Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, received preliminary accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the health system announced Feb. 20.
The CUSM School of Medicine will welcome its inaugural class of students this August.
The private, nonprofit medical school was created through support and funding from several organizations, including the Prime Healthcare Foundation, which contributed more than $60 million to the cause, San Bernardino County, and an affiliation with Claremont (Calif.) Graduate University, among other key institutions.
Prime Healthcare and community leaders involved with the project recruited Robert Suskind, MD, to serve as founding dean of the CUSM School of Medicine.
"I am grateful to the LCME for their vote of confidence in our mission and vision for CUSM," said Dr. Suskind. "Receiving accreditation is a major milestone for both the institution and the surrounding communities and provides the opportunity to really start making a difference in the Inland Empire of California."
"It has been a dream come true to establish a medical school sincerely believing that education and healthcare can profoundly improve the lives of others," said Prem Reddy, MD, chairman, CEO and president of Prime Healthcare. "It is a great privilege to help students shape the future of healthcare through dedication to clinical excellence and compassionate care."