Medical school milestone

The first class of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine knew it wouldn’t be easy.

The academic requirements and pressures of medical school can be a lot to manage under normal circumstances.

But members of the class of 2024 faced a unique challenge: They began their studies in July 2020, during a pandemic.

“Medical education can be unforgiving at times, but all of us students were starting at a new institution and doing it amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bennett Gosiker, a class of 2024 graduate.

First to put on caps and gowns

Despite the unusual conditions, Gosiker and his classmates stayed focused on their studies. And they succeeded.

In May 2024, the class of 2024 became the first to graduate from our school of medicine. The school was named in honor of our former chairman and CEO who died in November 2019.

A total of 37 students took part in the commencement ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.

“These students took a chance on a brand-new school,” said founding dean and CEO Mark Schuster, MD, PhD.  “They started their medical education journey early in the pandemic, and spent their time not only learning, but also making important contributions to patient care and our school’s growth. I am filled with pride and respect as I reflect upon their achievements.”

The class of 2024 learned where they’ll go next in March on Match Day. Match Day is when applicants around the country find out where they will complete their residency. They all successfully matched, which is an enormous achievement and a testament to the excellence of our students and the faculty who trained them.

Sixty-two percent of our school of medicine students will remain in California for their residencies. Approximately 20% of students will be in a Kaiser Permanente residency program for all or part of their training.

Becoming ‘the doctor I wish I had’

“The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine was founded to provide world-class medical education — the kind that ignites in students a passion for learning, a desire to serve, and an ability to lead revolutionary improvement in health care,” said Andrew Bindman, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Kaiser Permanente. “These graduates have been shown the value of the integrated care model and are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients and communities.”

Gosiker is proud to be part of the next generation of health care leaders.

“Getting to become the doctor I wish I had while growing up — and doing so while being out and proud of who I am — brings my journey full circle,” Gosiker said. “I’m excited to become an LGBTQ-inclusive primary care physician. I’m going to ensure the health needs of my community get the attention they deserve.”

Dr. Schuster, who will be stepping down as dean in late June 2024 and succeeded by John L. Dalrymple, MD, was honored to nurture the class from the very beginning.

“Our class of 2024 graduates have developed the qualities that define the best physicians,” he said. “They will enter their residencies with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while improving care quality and addressing health inequities.”

Learn more about the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine.