This episode discusses how the University of California Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine (SOM) has supported community college students on their pathway to medical school amidst the physician shortage in the Inland Empire.  According to the California Health Care Foundation, the Inland Empire has only 39 Doctors per 100,000 people. A physician shortage leads to limited access to health care, increased health care cost, lower quality of health and greater health disparities. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, UCR SOM took proactive measures by becoming part of the Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity (RHHOs) of the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP), an innovative pipeline program aimed at increasing the number of physicians. CMSP identifies promising students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. These students are provided with mentorship, guidance, and education opportunities that prepare them for success in the medical field. Throughout the program, aspiring physicians gain exposure to various medical disciplines, engage in hands on experiences, and receive academic support to excel in their studies. The program's comprehensive approach helps cultivate a new generation of healthcare professionals who are passionate about serving their community. So, join Stephanie Sandoval, Health Educator and Fara Aidul, Community Health Project Manager, as they explore this crucial issue. We will hear from Kaylynn Rivas, Rechelle Patterson, Alexiana Quinones, and Rubbab Naqvi, California Medicine Scholars (CMSP) interns as they each share their own experience with CMSP and how it has impacted their career path as first-generation students. 

Fore more information about CMSP at UCR please visit: https://cmsp.ucr.edu/

Fore more information about CMSP please visit: https://californiamedicinescholarsprogram.org/