FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rancho Cucamonga, CA — March 13, 2026 — The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians of California (ACOFPCA) is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 Student Chapter Presidents representing California’s colleges of osteopathic medicine. These student leaders will help foster student engagement in osteopathic family medicine while strengthening connections between medical students, residents, and practicing physicians throughout the state.

California continues to face primary care physician shortages, making the development of future family physicians increasingly important. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) receive comprehensive medical training with additional emphasis on whole-person care and osteopathic principles. Student leadership within osteopathic medical schools plays an important role in encouraging interest in primary care and supporting the next generation of physicians.

2026–2027 Student Chapter Presidents

Charlotte Suiza, OMS I

Student Chapter President
Western University of Health Sciences
College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Located in Pomona, California, the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences was established in 1977 and is one of the most established osteopathic medical schools in the western United States. The program emphasizes osteopathic principles, patient-centered care, and preparing physicians to serve diverse communities.

Connor Hatfield, OMS I

Student Chapter President
Touro University California
College of Osteopathic Medicine

Located on Mare Island in Vallejo, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine prepares physicians through an integrated curriculum that emphasizes primary care, public health, and service to underserved communities.

Chandler Kesler, OMS I

Student Chapter President
California Health Sciences University
College of Osteopathic Medicine

Located in Clovis in California’s Central Valley, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine was established to help address physician shortages in the region and improve healthcare access for underserved communities.

“The leadership of student chapter presidents is vital to strengthening the future of osteopathic family medicine in California. Charlotte Suiza, Connor Hatfield, and Chandler Kesler represent their campuses with professionalism and dedication, and ACOFPCA looks forward to working with them to expand student engagement and mentorship opportunities across the state.”

— Rebeccah Rodriguez-Regner, DO, FACOFP, FAOASM
President, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians of California

Throughout the coming academic year, these student leaders will help promote ACOFPCA educational programming, encourage participation in mentorship opportunities, and strengthen connections between students, residents, and practicing osteopathic family physicians throughout California.

About ACOFPCA

The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians of California (ACOFPCA) represents osteopathic family physicians across the state and is dedicated to advancing the specialty through education and leadership development.