Student Experience
State funding supports UC Davis/UC Santa Cruz program to train future Central Coast physicians
The UC Programs in Medical Education Central Coast (PRIME Central Coast) is recruiting for its inaugural cohort of students, who will begin their medical training in 2027
Students interested in PRIME Central Coast should apply to UC Davis School of Medicine through the American Medical College application Services (AMCAS).
New state funding is helping to further advance a partnership between UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis to train physicians to serve the Central Coast.
The two campuses last year announced the new UC Programs in Medical Education Central Coast (PRIME Central Coast). Applications to the program opened in May, with the inaugural cohort of students set to begin their studies in July 2027.
The 2026-27 California budget includes $3.3 million to support PRIME Central Coast in hiring employees who will further build the program and in delivering professional development opportunities for Central Coast physicians who will be part of the program.
“UC Santa Cruz is committed to improving the health of our region and we deeply appreciate the support of the legislature and governor,” Chancellor Cynthia Larive said. “Sen. John Laird’s advocacy and support is helping to change the trajectory of health care in our region. PRIME Central Coast will train talented students from our own communities and prepare them to serve those communities as physicians.”
The University of California’s Programs in Medical Education (UC PRIME) is a successful and unique medical school program that supplements standard training with an additional curriculum tailored to meet the needs of California’s communities that lack sufficient access to health care. PRIME graduates go on to work in these medically underserved regions, expanding health care services with an increased understanding of the regional needs.
“UC Santa Cruz has a long-term goal of establishing a medical school, which would be a great boost to the Monterey Bay Area’s medical system,” said State Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). “Last year, I worked to get money in the state budget for the first students—now being recruited—who will return to the Central Coast for their clinical coursework and residency.
“I am pleased that the budget we just approved provides an additional $3.3 million for the next round of students. This will be a long process over the coming years, and I look forward to continuing to be a partner in this effort.”
Students interested in PRIME Central Coast should apply to UC Davis School of Medicine through the American Medical College application Services (AMCAS). If invited to complete a secondary application, they may indicate interest in PRIME Central Coast at that time. Students must first be admitted to UC Davis School of Medicine before being considered for a second interview for PRIME Central Coast.
“The UC Davis School of Medicine is eager to train students from the Central Coast who are committed to returning to their communities to address physician workforce shortages and improve the health of the people they serve,” said Melody Tran-Reina, MD, executive director, Community Health Scholars Programs at UC Davis.
As with other students, their first half of medical school will focus on curriculum and their second half on patient care experience. Unlike traditional students, PRIME students will frequently return to the Central Coast for their clinical rotations under the supervision of physicians at area hospitals and clinics. Studies show that more than half of physicians practice within a 100-mile radius of where they trained in residency, highlighting the need to expand clinical training opportunities in areas of need. PRIME Central Coast aims to cultivate a physician workforce that is from the Central Coast, trained in the Central Coast, and stays in the Central Coast, addressing health disparities in the region.
UC PRIME is helping to address a growing health care crisis in California. By 2030, the state will have 11.5 percent fewer physicians than needed, with the Central Coast and Central Valley regions facing an even more severe 18.7 percent shortfall in primary care doctors—one of the worst gaps in the state. Currently, 60 percent of Californians who pursue medical education must leave the state for their training. PRIME Central Coast will help retain more of the state’s talent by developing medical training opportunities in communities where doctors are most needed.
With a multi-prong strategy for educating and training health professionals, UC Santa Cruz is building a pipeline of talented and compassionate physicians and medical leaders who are committed to serving California’s Central Coast communities.