Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) has introduced legislation to establish a medical school at Fresno State.

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Arambula, himself a medical doctor, said AB 207 would address the shortage of health care professionals and physicians in underserved communities in the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Stanislaus.

According to industry research collected by Arambula’s office, the Central Valley has less than half the number of doctors per every 100,000 residents compared to the rest of the state. In addition, nearly 30 percent of the state’s doctors are nearing retirement age, which will exacerbate the shortage of doctors in the near term.   

“I have witnessed the shortage of primary care doctors and the challenges faced by underserved communities in areas like the Central Valley,” Arambula said in a statement. “I believe it is important to directly address the growing shortage of primary care doctors by providing concrete solutions. I am proud to support Fresno State and look forward to providing opportunities that will benefit the region, our students, and our medical professionals.”