Kern Medical

A 222 bed acute care teaching hospital located in Bakersfield, CA Kern Medical is a 222 bed acute care teaching hospital.

Since our beginning in 1867, Kern Medical has been striving for excellence in serving the community in which we operate. Employing an average of 1,800 staff members, Kern Medical is an integral part of the community. The Medical Center serves a community of approximately 840,000, and the hospital is owned and operated by the County of Kern. The health of the citizens of Kern County is a priority to Kern Medical, and it is the only hospital dedicated to physician resident training. As an academic teaching hospital, Kern Medical trains residents and fellows in the fields of Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, & Psychiatry ranging in duration from one to five years. We are affiliated with UCLA School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine, giving nearly 1,000 visiting doctors, researchers and other professionals and opportunity to assist our 65 full-time faculty physicians and take an active role in the teaching process. Kern Medical provides care for over 16,000 inpatients annually, while the clinics provide care and services for over 100,000 patients; our Emergency room experiences 43,000 visits per year.

04/01/2026

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood medications in healthcare today: fentanyl.

Often associated with alarming headlines and the dangers of illicit drug use, fentanyl can sound intimidating to patients. But in a hospital setting, it plays a very different role, one that is carefully controlled, highly effective, and essential for managing pain in certain medical situations.

We are joined by Dr. Jeff Jolliff, the Director of Pharmacy Programs and Residency Program Director for the Department of Pharmacy at Kern Medical, to help separate fact from fiction. We discuss what fentanyl is, why it’s used in hospitals, how it’s safely administered, and what patients should know if it’s part of their care. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

03/20/2026

It’s Match Day! 🎉

As we celebrate 70 years as an accredited teaching hospital, we’re proud to welcome our newest residents and fellows to Kern Medical. This milestone year reflects our long-standing commitment to high-quality graduate medical education and shaping the next generation of physicians who will serve our community and beyond.

We’re also excited to launch our ACGME-accredited Transitional Year Residency, welcoming an inaugural class of six residents. This new program provides a broad, rigorous clinical foundation across multiple specialties, preparing physicians for advanced training in fields like anesthesiology, dermatology, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and other specialty pathways. We are honored to shape the next generation of physicians, right here in our community and far beyond, and can’t wait to see the impact this class will make.

03/16/2026

A little music goes a long way 🎶 Over the weekend, local music group Vivaldi Strings performed in our waiting room, filling the space with beautiful music for our patients, visitors, and staff. Thank you to Dr. Chen for helping to coordinate the performance for us. Music has a special way of bringing comfort. 🤍

02/03/2026

In this episode of Health for Life, we’re diving into all things thyroid with Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Dr. Chandra explains what the thyroid does, the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what symptoms can look like at different ages — from young adults to older patients.

We also discuss how thyroid conditions can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall hormonal balance, plus when it’s important to seek care.

Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition, thinking about starting a family, or simply want to better understand how your hormones affect your overall health, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-understand insights.

Listen here!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5CnhYNgyZE4EE0429HTbX6?si=6c68df4edeef40bb
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thyroid-health-with-dr-sangeeta-chandramahanti/id1798837690?i=1000747649550

02/02/2026

This past Saturday, our Gynecologic-Oncology team hosted a cervical cancer screening event at the Columbus Clinic. With Dr. Ramzan, Dr. Furey, and our resident staff, 14 patients received cervical screenings, while 20 others received education and additional services. We’re grateful to Links For Life for providing mammograms to 19 patients and helping expand access to lifesaving care.

To make an appointment for a cervical cancer screening or other gynecologic services at our Columbus clinic, call 326-2800.

01/16/2026

Love, commitment, and compassion filled our halls this week!

While facing an extended hospital stay, one couple chose to turn a difficult season into a meaningful moment by getting married right here in our hospital. Our staff went above and beyond to help make their day special—including flowers, a cake made by our awesome café team, sparkling Martinelli’s apple cider, and thoughtful touches that transformed their hospital room into a place of celebration.

Our patient shared that their hospital stay was a powerful reminder of how fragile life can be—and they didn’t want to wait another day to say “I do.” We are so proud of our team for the care they bring to our patients every single day. 🤍

01/14/2026

Big news for Kern County families 💙
Kern Medical’s Pediatric Emergency Department is officially open! This new space provides specialized, compassionate emergency care in a child-focused environment. Every detail is centered on supporting children and their families when they need it most.

Kern Medical’s trauma center is one of the busiest in the state and treats both pediatric and adult patients. In fact, pediatric patients account for over 10 percent of all emergency department visits at Kern Medical.

Each treatment room is equipped with cardiac monitoring and pediatric-sized medical equipment capable of caring for newborns, toddlers, school-aged children, and teens. The department also prioritizes family involvement, allowing caregivers to remain with their child during treatment while ensuring clear, compassionate communication.

We are proud to expand access to high-quality emergency care for our youngest patients, right here in Kern County.

01/12/2026

Kern Medical hosts Central Valley healthcare roundtable 🏥

Kern Medical hosted Dr. Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Fong at a healthcare roundtable with nearly 60 attendees representing over 30 organizations across the Central Valley.

Kern Medical appreciates the visit by Dr. Oz, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Fong, and the opportunity to participate in a productive discussion with regional healthcare leaders. These conversations are important as policymakers continue to evaluate the challenges facing hospitals that serve rural and underserved communities. We value the opportunity to share information and perspectives and look forward to continued engagement with federal and state partners.

12/05/2025

Kern Medical was proud to take part in the 43rd Bakersfield Christmas Parade last night! 🎄✨ Our new state of the art Mobile Medical Office rolled down the parade route alongside many of our caring team members, spreading holiday cheer and celebrating the season with our community. A big thank you to our amazing team members who brought the decorations to life and organized our part in the parade. Thank you Bakersfield, we love celebrating with our community.

12/03/2025

In this December episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Ranjani Panithi, a highly experienced pediatrician at Kern Medical, to talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus — better known as RSV. As cases tend to spike in the winter months, Dr. Panithi helps us understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and which children are most at risk for severe illness.
We discuss the latest prevention tools, including new immunizations and maternal vaccines, how to care for children with RSV at home, and when it’s time to seek medical attention. Whether you're a new parent, caregiver, or just want to stay informed this cold and flu season, this episode offers expert insight to help keep your little ones safe and healthy.

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-rsv-with-dr-ranjani-panithi/id1798837690?i=1000739093647

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v06JpoMrTNAFEmB803JOD?si=aoeyczY5TRaHjD27AWEVIw

12/01/2025

Join us for a FREE virtual community health talk this Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm! Learn more about regaining bladder and bowel control, so you can get back to living life to its fullest!

Click here to register: https://bsci-nm.zoom.us/webinar/register/6117636525452/WN_cG6--1R7QTOKZjsmT5Ofug

11/19/2025

In this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by a pediatric endocrinologist to explore the fascinating world of hormones and how they impact children’s health. From growth and puberty to diabetes, the endocrine system plays a critical role in many aspects of childhood development.
We’ll break down what endocrinology is, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how early signs of hormone imbalances can affect a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Our guest also sheds light on growth hormone therapy, and puberty challenges.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about how hormones shape our health, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hormones-and-pediatric-endocrinology-with-dr/id1798837690?i=1000735017549

Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/07PaWFtixV6LdGfzRrhhez?si=AigY1wf5T8q0Z61pJjS8wg

Address

1700 Mount Vernon Avenue
Bakersfield, CA
93306

Telephone

+16613262000

Website

http://www.kernmedical.com/

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