Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) launched the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan as a roadmap for the school’s next chapter. As KPSOM evolves from its formative years into a more mature institution, this plan is built upon on a strong foundation and reflects input from across our community. It sets a clear direction for advancing medical education, expanding our impact in academic medicine, and strengthening KPSOM’s role as a leader in shaping the future of healthcare.
Since welcoming our inaugural class, KPSOM has grown rapidly in size, scope, and influence. This strategic plan clarifies our priorities and aligns our collective efforts around a shared direction.
Strategic Plan Structure
The Strategic Plan is organized around four Strategic Initiatives, supported by five Building Blocks. Together, these elements provide clear direction and the capabilities needed to achieve our goals.
Strategic Initiatives
Our Strategic Initiatives define where we will focus our attention and efforts over the next five years. Each initiative reflects our mission and builds on KPSOM’s distinctive strengths.
Reimagine Physician Training
KPSOM will continue reimagining physician training by building on its distinctive model and preparing learners for a rapidly changing healthcare environment. We will advance competency-based education, responsibly explore emerging technologies, and refine learning experiences that prepare graduates to lead and adapt.
Key actions include:
- Develop a Competency-Based Education Model.
- Integrate AI and forward-thinking tools.
- Develop medical education strategy.
Discover Transformational Healthcare Practices
KPSOM will expand research capacity and strengthen support for scholarship that improves health, advances healthcare delivery, and addresses real-world challenges. We will foster collaborations that accelerate discovery and community impact.
Key actions include:
- Grow research capacity and infrastructure.
- Lead in health systems effectiveness and equity research.
- Grow student-led scholarly opportunities.
Cultivate Leaders of Change
KPSOM will develop leaders who can inspire, innovate, and create meaningful change across healthcare. We will invest in students, alumni, faculty, and staff through leadership development, mentorship, alumni engagement, and faculty development.
Key actions include:
- Build strong alumni networks.
- Launch a Leadership Institute.
Enrich the Health of Our Communities
KPSOM will deepen partnerships that advance health, strengthen pathways into medicine, and support community-driven solutions. This work extends the school’s mission beyond the classroom and clinic into the communities we serve.
Key actions include:
- Expand immersive learning and service.
- Grow Pathway programs.
Building Blocks
Our Building Blocks provide the infrastructure, partnerships, and resources needed to bring the Strategic Initiatives to life.
Innovation
KPSOM will strengthen its capacity to evaluate, adopt, and responsibly integrate emerging technologies. These efforts will enhance learning, research, and operational effectiveness across the school.
Key actions include:
- Launch a Center for Innovation.
- Integrate AI tools.
KP/KPSOM Collaboration
KPSOM will deepen collaboration across the Kaiser Permanente ecosystem. Stronger integration will support education, research, innovation, community engagement, and shared services.
Key actions include:
- Launch a collaboration council.
- Strengthen coordination across Undergraduate Medical Education, Graduate Medical Education, and Continuing Medical Education.
Class Size Growth
KPSOM will thoughtfully grow class size to extend its impact while preserving a personalized, high-quality educational experience.
Key actions include:
- Grow to 60 students per class.
- Maintain educational quality.
Inclusive Academic Community: Elevate Our Culture
Guided by Inclusive Excellence, KPSOM will strengthen mentorship, professional development, and community-building efforts. This work will help foster an academic community where all can contribute and thrive.
Key actions include:
- Embed inclusive principles throughout the school.
- Expand KPSOM’s academic identity across KP and beyond.
Revenue Diversification
KPSOM will pursue long-term sustainability through tuition strategy, philanthropy, partnerships, sponsored research, and new revenue opportunities. Diversifying revenue will help support the school’s continued impact.
Key actions include:
- Thoughtfully introduce tuition.
- Launch philanthropy program.
- Explore new programs and partnerships.
Our Process
The Strategic Plan was developed through a collaborative process shaped by broad engagement across the KPSOM community. This inclusive approach helped ensure the plan reflects shared priorities and a collective vision for the school’s future.
Timeline
The Strategic Plan spans 2026-2030 and beyond, building on a two-year planning effort informed by perspectives from across the school. In 2026, KPSOM established the foundation for success through strategic workgroups, constituent engagement, governance structures, milestone development, and goal setting. Beginning in 2027, the focus will shift from planning to implementation as priorities are translated into action across the school.
Looking Ahead
In the years ahead, KPSOM will advance its Strategic Initiatives and Building Blocks through phased implementation, continuous assessment, and ongoing refinement. While many objectives are expected to be achieved within the five-year planning horizon, some initiatives are designed to spark long-term transformation that will continue to shape KPSOM's identity, influence, and impact well beyond 2030.
“This Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap for the next five years. It reflects our collective ambition and our confidence in what KPSOM can achieve together. As we enter our next chapter, we have a remarkable opportunity to transform how physicians are educated, expand research that improves health and healthcare, develop leaders who will drive meaningful change, strengthen our partnerships with communities, and help shape a healthier future for generations to come.”
John L. Dalrymple, MD
Dean and CEO