The UC Merced San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME) is an innovative approach to training future physicians, a pathway that will emphasize quality of care anchored in community-based research and educational experiences. The diversity of the San Joaquin Valley, including health systems, diverse patient populations and broad community partnerships, is a core component of the e
ffort to improve the health and health care of the region. The new program is a collaboration between the UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Merced and UCSF Fresno, to train the next generation of San Joaquin Valley physicians. It is the latest addition to the University of California’s innovative Programs in Medical Education (PRIMEs), which seek to increase the diversity of the medical profession and remedy the uneven distribution of physicians in California. The SJV PRIME is a special track at the UC Davis School of Medicine for medical students who are committed to ensuring high quality, diverse and well distributed medical care to improve health for populations, communities, and individuals in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Students interested in gaining knowledge and expertise in caring for populations in the San Joaquin Valley are encouraged to apply for SJV PRIME regardless of their eventual specialty choice. Applicants to the SJV PRIME program must meet all of the requirements of the UC Davis School of Medicine and should apply through the regular UC Davis School of Medicine admissions process.
