UC San Diego's PRIME program empowers future doctors to address health disparities

The University of California Board Meeting held on March 17, 2025, highlighted the significant impact of the PRIME (Programs in Medical Education) initiative, which aims to address health disparities among underserved communities in California. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from current and former students who shared their personal journeys and the transformative role of the PRIME program in their medical education.

Kimberly Gonzalez Zavalos, a fourth-year medical student, spoke about her experiences growing up in a predominantly Mexican immigrant community. She emphasized her commitment to addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, stating that the PRIME program provided her with the necessary support and community engagement to pursue her goals in medicine. Zavalos expressed gratitude for the program's focus on developing physician leaders who advocate for marginalized populations.

Jacqueline Cabral, another student, shared her background as a first-generation Latina and her journey through the PRIME program. She highlighted a community-based project where she developed a culturally relevant cookbook aimed at promoting healthier eating within the Latino community. This project exemplified the program's mission to empower students to engage with their communities and address systemic health challenges.

Dr. Chuck Vega, director of PRIME LC, reported on the program's success, noting that 81% of graduates work in safety net clinical settings, primarily serving Latino and low-income populations. He emphasized the importance of training healthcare providers who are not only skilled clinicians but also advocates for health equity.

The meeting also introduced the SJV PRIME Plus program, a new initiative aimed at training medical students in the San Joaquin Valley. This program is designed to create a pipeline of healthcare professionals committed to serving their local communities, with plans for an independent medical school at UC Merced.

The discussions underscored the University of California's commitment to diversity and health equity in medical education. Board members expressed support for the PRIME initiative, recognizing its vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in California. The meeting concluded with a call to continue investing in programs that promote equitable healthcare access for all communities.