Celebrating Excellence: Award-Winning Achievements of our Regional Hubs!

We are thrilled to share that some of our Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity (RHHOs) have been recognized with several prestigious awards, underscoring their commitment to excellence and innovation in medical education.

The UC San Diego School of Medicine: Region X Hub of Healthcare Opportunity (CMSP Region X) was named among the 2024 Best Medical Schools -- a testament to its innovative research, exceptional faculty, and dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Moreover, the UC Riverside School of Medicine: Inland Empire Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity (CMSP Inland Empire) earned an impressive seventh place for diversity in the U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings. This recognition highlights their ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive environment and address healthcare disparities through a diverse and culturally competent workforce. Additionally, their Pathway Programs, which supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in healthcare and STEM fields, received the Insight Into Diversity magazine 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for their impactful role in creating educational opportunities that promote diversity and equity.

The UC Davis School of Medicine: Greater Northern Regional Hub (CMSP AvenueM) has also been spotlighted. Ranked as the nation’s third-best primary care training program and fifth in research by U.S. News & World Report, UC Davis continues to set a high standard in medical education. Their primary care program has been particularly celebrated for its focus on community-based care, innovative curricula, and commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations. Additionally, Dr. Charlene Green, their Assistant Dean of Admissions, Outreach & Diversity, has been honored with the Maury Cotter Leader of Change Award by the National Consortium for Continuous Improvement in Higher Education. Her outstanding leadership and sustainable initiatives drive transformative change in medical education.

We couldn't be prouder of the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our regional hubs. These accolades not only affirm the quality of education and leadership within our program but also inspire us to continue our mission of advancing healthcare education across California.

CMSP Central Office and regional hub staff gathered together for an in-person convening in April 2024

Recruitment is Underway at Each of the Regional Hubs

Our regional hubs are actively recruiting for the third cohort of CMSP scholars, set to begin in January 2025. Prospective students interested in applying can explore the application opportunities for each hub below:

Greater Northern California Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity: https://avenuem.ucdavis.edu/apply
Inland Empire Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity: https://cmsp.ucr.edu/applying
Region X Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity: https://cmsp.ucsd.edu/apply/index.html
San Joaquin Valley Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity: https://sjvmedbridge.ucsf.edu/

Recent Highlights from Each Regional Hub

CMSP AvenueM: The CMSP AvenueM program is hosting a series of robust, multi-day events, called Transfer Bridge, designed to support students as they transition to one of the three partner institutions: UC Davis, Cal Poly Humboldt, and Sac State. The CMSP AvenueM-Sac State Transfer Bridge took place in July, while the CMSP AvenueM-Cal Poly Humboldt Transfer Bridge occurred in mid-August. These were scheduled specifically to happen in conjunction with each university’s official transfer experience. The CMSP AvenueM Transfer Bridge events featured an array of activities, local clinic tours, pre-health clubs,

Scholars from the CMSP Avenue M

pre-health organizations, faculty speakers, and on-campus resources tailored to facilitate a smooth transfer from community college. They also invited UC Davis School of Medicine students who were alumni of Sac State, Cal Poly Humboldt, and UC Davis. This was the university students’ favorite experience as it showed that alumni found success as UC Davis School of Medicine students. Like the two Transfer Bridges before them, the AvenueM-UC Davis Transfer Bridge is planned for September to match the official UC Davis transfer experience.

CMSP Inland Empire: The UCR CMSP Program concluded this summer with the Future Physician Leaders (FPL) Program Symposium, where a large majority of their CMSP scholars participated. During the 9-week summer program, scholars had the opportunity to work on a community health project that addressed a health disparity currently affecting the Inland

Scholars from the CMSP Inland Empire Program

Southern Region. They were given a hypothetical grant of $5,000 and were asked to create a health intervention for their respective health disparity. During the FPL symposium, two groups presented their community health project and proposed health interventions. Guests had the opportunity to learn more about the work the FPL students completed by partaking in a poster session.

CMSP Region X: Several CMSP Scholars had the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on anatomy workshops led by Paul Kingston, Ph.D., an anatomy and physiology education leader at UC San Diego. The students explored the heart, digestive, skeletal, and nervous systems, practicing heart auscultation and cranial nerve assessments. Dr. Kingston provided lab manuals tailored for these sessions, guiding scholars as

Scholars from the CMSP Region X Program

they studied the anatomical structures of four donors. CMSP extends its gratitude to Dr. Kingston, the Willed Body Donation Program, and the donors and their families for making this invaluable experience possible! One scholar shared after the workshop: "In the Fall I will be working in the Anatomy Lab with the medical students and this experience has been invaluable for me as I prepare to begin my work with them. I've been able to get more comfortable in the lab just by watching how Dr. Kingston operates in that environment. On a more personal level, I'm always eager to hear a different perspective on anatomy and this workshop series did not disappoint. I learned a lot from Dr. Kingston and from my peers."

CMSP SJV-Medbridge: As summer transitions into fall, the CMSP SJV-MedBridge Program is preparing for an exciting new chapter. Before looking ahead, it's worth reflecting on some summer successes! Two students from the pilot cohort, Ivan Soto and Jasmin Neri Sanchez, participated in UCSF’s prestigious Latinx Center of Excellence (LCOE) Aspiring Physicians Program (APP). This highly competitive, six-week summer program includes rigorous training, mentorship, and a $3,000 stipend for selected participants. Congratulations are in order for Ivan and Jasmin on their remarkable achievements!

With the conclusion of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) Mentoring to Medicine Program in July, the program is now focused on preparing for the next SJV-MedBridge cohorts. This year’s offerings include an enriched curriculum and new training opportunities, emphasizing collaboration and high-yield experiences. CMSP is also welcoming new program liaisons, Aisha Shahabzada and Raman Bains, who bring fresh perspectives to the team. For those interested in joining, the application for the third cohort of SJV-MedBridge students is now open, with a deadline of Friday, November 1. CMSP will be hosting informational webinars throughout the fall to guide prospective students, counselors, and educators through the application process. The program looks forward to welcoming new scholars this fall.

California Medicine Scholar Profile

Itzel Ferrer, a first-generation Mexican American, always strives to improve herself. She currently attends Porterville College and is majoring in Biology. Itzel is very involved on her campus, where she works as a biology tutor, participates in student government, is a student-athlete, founded the Med Club, and is a member of the CMSP SJV-MedBridge program. She plans to attend UC San Diego to study Microbiology.

Inspired by her grandparents, Itzel Ferrer knew from a young age that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping the underrepresented community. It wasn't until high school that she realized she wanted to become a doctor, but she was unsure of the proper steps to get there. The CMSP SJV-MedBridge Program has been a pivotal stepping stone for Itzel, guiding and mentoring her through her medical journey and providing numerous opportunities and resources to utilize in the future. Itzel is genuinely grateful for the support given to her by the program and staff. She plans to encourage others on her campus, including her club members, to join this amazing program.

Witnessing the language barrier and the lack of medical resources in her community has further fueled her determination to become a doctor. Itzel's primary goal is to become an advocate for the underrepresented community and provide equitable healthcare. After completing her education, she plans to return to the Central Valley, make a positive impact as a surgeon, and one day volunteer for Doctors without Borders.

Regional Hub Staff Profile

Ms. Teresa Cofield is the Director of Pathway Programs for the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside. Pathway Programs, which support high school, community college, university, and post-baccalaureate students who aspire to be physicians in Inland Southern California which includes the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.

Ms. Cofield has extensive experience as a member of the team of faculty and staff who prepared for and launched the UCR School of Medicine in 2013. She co-founded the Medical Scholars Program, the Post Baccalaureate Program, and the Community College Outreach Programs. She went on to lead seven additional programs and is especially proud to be part of the California Medicine Scholars Program and the community of scholars that will become leaders and physicians in medically underserved communities.

Prior to working for the School of Medicine, Ms. Cofield worked in the UCR Academic Resource Center, where she was an EOP Advisor and the founding coordinator of the California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a National Science Foundation-funded program providing mentorship, academic coaching, and research opportunities for underrepresented students to prepare for academic careers in STEM fields. A first-generation college graduate, Ms. Cofield earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics with an emphasis in economics and is a proud graduate of UCR.

CMSP Events and Workshops for Students

Upcoming Events and Workshops for Students

Please help us spread the word about upcoming events by sharing them with students. For more information and to stay updated, please follow the California Medicine Scholars Program on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

CMSP is pleased to announce an upcoming MCAT Workshop Series for the Fall semester. This four-part series, scheduled from September to November, is open to all students seeking to deepen their understanding of the MCAT.

September 17, 2024, 1 p.m. - Part 1: MCAT Format and Content Overview
Gain a solid understanding of the MCAT's structure and content in this introductory workshop. We'll cover the four main sections, including the types of questions you'll encounter and effective strategies to approach them. This session is perfect for students looking to build a strong foundation for their MCAT preparation.

October 8, 2024, 1 p.m. - Part 2: MCAT Study Strategies
In this foundational workshop, learn effective study strategies to optimize your MCAT preparation. We’ll explore time management techniques, resource recommendations, and study plans to help you tackle the exam with confidence. This review is ideal for students in all stages of their MCAT journey.

October 24, 2024, 1 p.m. - Part 3: MCAT Resources Available for Exam Prep
Discover the best resources available for MCAT preparation in this introductory workshop. We'll explore study guides, practice exams, online platforms, and free tools to help you effectively prepare for the exam. Perfect for students looking to build a well-rounded study toolkit.

November 7, 2024, 1 p.m. - Part 4: Courses Needed for MCAT and How to Register
Learn about the essential courses required for the MCAT and how to register for them in this foundational workshop. We'll cover the key subjects you should take, the registration process, and tips for creating an effective plan.

Other Resources to Share with Students

CMSP has curated a collection of valuable resources that can support students on their journey to medical school. We encourage you to share these resources with students.

Undocumented Student Action Week: Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) scheduled for October 14-18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration focused on supporting those in our system who assist undocumented students. For more information, please contact the main office at undocuinfo@foundationccc.org.

Anatomy & Physiology Crash Course: In 47 episodes, Hank Green will teach you anatomy and physiology. This course is based on an introductory college level curriculum, with Human Anatomy and Physiology, 9th edition, by Marieb and Hoehn as its main reference text.

Data and Evaluation

Research Spotlight

Advancing Health Equity Through Primary Care Policy
This recent report from the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) focuses on different aspects related to primary care, including (1) the ways in which primary care access can improve health outcomes, (2) the underlying systemic factors that create unequal access to primary care, (3) state-level initiatives to strengthen primary care in California, and (4) actionable recommendations across five areas of impact to strengthen primary care and advance health equity. The recommendations emerged from the CHCF-sponsored Summit on Primary Care Policy to Advance Health Equity, which brought together 30 experts in primary care and health equity, including state officials, consumer advocates, community leaders, providers, and patient representatives. Related to education, actionable recommendations encompass expanding and scaling health professions pathway programs, as well as state investments to educational institutions that demonstrate they are producing health professions representative of the state’s diversity.

Modernizing and Leveraging Education-Workforce Data Systems
This stakeholder brief from the Project on Workforce based out of the Harvard Kennedy School is part of a series that focuses on improving college-to-jobs connections. The brief identifies key actions that organizations can take to leverage education-workforce data to advance economic opportunities for students. Authors will discuss challenges related to optimizing data systems at the national level, such as fragmented data sources, inconsistent data functionality for users, and limited data capabilities, among others. Beyond barriers, the authors highlight recommendations for policymakers, higher education institutions, and employers. These recommendations focus on developing data systems that can help policymakers and practitioners understand the constantly evolving needs of the education and workforce sectors, while simultaneously helping students make informed decisions about their educational and career choices.

In the News

In case you missed it, the following link highlights our work:

UCSF Fresno: SJV-MedBridge, the Fresno Regional Hub of the California Medicine Scholars Program, is Currently Recruiting

This publication is written and developed by Jessica Garcia, with support from the CMSP Coordinating Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges Communications team. To learn more about the California Medicine Scholars Program, please visit our website. For more information contact us at: info@california-medicine.org.