Curriculum
This is a five-year, dual-degree, program leading to the regular MD with special emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities and medically underserved populations. The first two years will be in the regular Problem Based and Integrated coursework at UCLA or UCLA-UCR. Additionally, Students will participate in Pre-Matriculation program that sets the direction for the program and establishes an early group bonding. Students will participate in special Selectives during the first and second years. The summer between the first and second year will focus on a project/research related to health disparities, problems with access to care, underserved populations and students will present their project/research on Poster Day at the end of the summer.
Third-year clinical clerkships that include Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology will be situated in clinical arenas that particularly address underserved and disadvantaged populations.
During the fourth year students will complete an advanced degree, including a MPH, MBA, Master of Science, etc that designs and implements a project related to improving health for the underserved.
The fifth year will be within the DGSOM Colleges. The "Colleges" will further prepare students for residencies and future role as leaders. College activities include seminars, special and specific electives, a research project and an intense advising and mentoring program. Sub-Internship opportunities to enhance their career goals will be stressed. PRIME seniors will present a leadership project as part of the UCLA School of Medicine Senior Scholarship Day.