UC Programs in Medical Education (UC PRIME)

California is facing a growing shortage of health providers. The state already has large regions that are Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and other regions with distinct Medically Underserved Populations (MUPs).

UC Programs in Medical Education (UC PRIME) is a unique medical school program that supplements standard training with additional curriculum tailored to meet the needs of various underserved populations.

Each program has a dedicated area of focus, targeted student recruitment, supplemental criteria for admission, relevant curricular content, and dedicated faculty mentorship. 

PRIME graduates go on to work in underserved communities and with underserved populations. However, it is important to underscore the significant role PRIME plays as a social mobility ladder, encouraging students from these same underserved communities to pursue a medical degree — 64% of PRIME students are from groups under-represented in medicine.

The PRIME programs by campus are:

Rural PRIME (Rural California) at Davis, est. 2007

Incorporates an award-winning model program in telemedicine with a commitment to rural health care.

PRIME-LC (Latino Community) at Irvine, est. 2004

Emphasizes Latino health issues, including increased proficiency in medical Spanish and in Latino culture.

PRIME-LEAD-ABC (African, Black and Caribbean) at Irvine, est. 2020 and at Riverside, est. 2022

Seeks to develop the next generation of physician-leaders who are committed to public service, social justice and advocacy within ABC communities.

PRIME-LA (Leadership and Advocacy) at Los Angeles, est. 2008

Trains future physicians to deliver culturally competent care and develops leadership skills.

San Joaquin Valley PRIME, est. 2011

Expands the San Joaquin Valley physician workforce by recruiting students who want to practice in the region.  

PRIME-US (Urban Underserved) at San Francisco, est. 2007

Enables students to pursue interests in caring for homeless and other underserved populations in urban communities. 

PRIME-HEq (Health Equity) at San Diego, est. 2007

Incorporates health disparities and minority health issues so graduates can contribute to equity in care delivery. 

PRIME-TIDE at San Diego, est. 2022

Prepares medical students for careers focused on providing healthcare to Native populations.