California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) has announced a grant from Bank of America to enhance healthcare in rural Inland Empire communities. The funding will support CUSM’s initiative to provide simulation-based clinical equipment and training to healthcare facilities and providers in these underserved areas.
“We are thrilled that Bank of America shares our mission to tackle critical healthcare challenges in our region,” said Dr. Paul Lyons, President and Dean of CUSM. “Beyond our educational role, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for training, access, and equipment to providers in the most underserved areas. This generous grant from Bank of America will significantly advance our efforts.”
CUSM operates a cutting-edge clinical simulation suite designed for the education of medical students, training of residents, and ongoing professional development for healthcare providers throughout the Inland Empire. The facility features 15 individual patient rooms for Standardized Patient encounters, offering realistic patient interactions. Additionally, it includes four large-team simulation rooms with high-fidelity simulators for team-based training and crisis management. Three debriefing rooms allow for reflection and discussion on simulation experiences, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment.
“The CUSM simulation center is crucial in preparing our future rural doctors with practical experience and essential skills,” said Dr. Gordon Green, Senior Associate Dean for Simulation and Patient Safety at CUSM. “This training is vital for ensuring that healthcare professionals deliver top-quality patient care. We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their support, which enables us to extend this invaluable training to those in the field.”
CUSM admits 130 new medical students annually for its four-year MD program and 60 students for its 10-month Master of Biomedical Sciences program. Nearly 30% of incoming MD students are from the Inland Empire, and 22% are first-generation college students. CUSM prioritizes admissions for students from the Inland Empire.
“Access to healthcare is crucial for personal and financial success, making CUSM’s focus on rural communities vital,” said Bansree Parikh, President of Bank of America Inland Empire. “As one of the largest and fastest-growing regions in the nation, innovative approaches and strong partnerships are essential to delivering critical resources.”
About California University of Science and Medicine
California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) is committed to advancing medical education, research, and compassionate healthcare in an inclusive environment. Established in 2015 through a partnership with Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, the County of San Bernardino, the City of Colton, and Prime Healthcare Foundation, CUSM is a not-for-profit health sciences university dedicated to inspiring and preparing students to become exceptional physicians, scientists, and leaders.