Santa Clara University, Sutter Health to open new medical school

May 16, 2026 - 09:10

Santa Clara University and Sutter Health have announced plans to establish a new medical school, set to open in northern Santa Clara. The institution will be named the Mark and Mary Stevens School of Medicine, honoring a major philanthropic gift from the couple. The school will be built near a planned Sutter Health medical complex, creating a hub for medical education and patient care.

The partnership aims to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region. The curriculum will focus on integrating clinical training with ethical practices, drawing on the university's Jesuit values. Students will have access to Sutter Health's network of hospitals and clinics, providing hands-on experience from the start.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming years, with the first class of students enrolling by the late 2020s. The school will offer a four-year Doctor of Medicine program, along with joint degrees in public health and business. Officials say the initiative will help alleviate physician shortages in Northern California, particularly in underserved communities.

The project represents a significant investment in the local healthcare infrastructure. Both organizations have committed to recruiting diverse faculty and students, with a focus on community health. The new school is seen as a major step forward for medical education in the Silicon Valley area.