Central Valley Health Network Held Youth Conference for 300 High School Students at CHSU Medical School

Over 300 Central Valley high school students from Merced, Mariposa, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings counties visited the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) campus for the 2026 Growing Health Leaders Youth Conference on March 18th.

The annual event was hosted by the Central Valley Health Network and was designed to introduce the students to health care careers through hands-on activities, informative sessions, and immersion in the medical school Simulation Center and facility.

“At Central Valley Health Network, supporting the healthcare workforce is a top priority, as it strengthens our community health centers and the communities they serve. This event gives students valuable exposure to healthcare careers and opportunities to envision their future. We’re grateful to our partners, especially California Health Sciences University, for allowing us to host this event on their campus, which will inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals,”

Jason Vega, Chief Executive Officer for the Central Valley Health Network.

An inspiring welcome address was provided by John Graneto, DO, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Graneto told the crowd that he hopes to them attend the CHSU medical school in the future.

“We are proud to collaborate with the Central Valley Health Network to bring events like this to our campus that help build a robust workforce of Central Valley physicians and health care professionals for our community,”

John Graneto, DO, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

CHSU faculty, staff, medical students, and other local health providers and representatives from hospitals, clinics, colleges, and organizations from around the region led stations to introduce the high school students to various career options:

• American Ambulance – Emergency Medicine
• Camarena Health – Dentistry
• California Health Sciences University (CHSU) – Food & Nutrition; Simulation Technology; Medical Student Panel
• Family Healthcare Network – Behavioral Health
• Fresno State – Sports Medicine
• Hinds Hospice – Social Work & Counseling
• Valley Children’s Healthcare – Clinical Lab Scientist; Non-traditional Nursing; Poison Control & Pharmacy

The students spoke to representatives from many organizations during a resource fair that included: CalViva Health, Family HealthCare Network, Gurnick Academy, Health Force, Impact Teen Drivers, Pacific Health Education, San Francisco Army Medical Recruiting Station, San Joaquin Valley College, UC Merced, UCSF Fresno, and the United States Navy.