MD4CA launched eleven initiatives designed to specifically increase the representation of Latinos in the medical profession. These initiatives are intentional strategic investments designed to have a sustainable impact for years to come.
Develop a narrative focused on educational opportunities and careers in medicine, tailored to inspire and empower Latino students. This narrative will be relevant to all individuals in the pathway and emphasize educational opportunities and careers in medicine that exist within the context of California's growing Latino workforce.
Create a holistic, connected place for workforce partners to track Latino and Underrepresented in Medicine (UiM) healthcare workforce data across the pathway while leveraging existing data sources.
Mitigate financial barriers, including cost of living and family support expenses, for Underrepresented in Medicine (UiM) undergraduates, medical school students, and residents in California to enhance well-being and academic and professional outcomes.
Build on the existing California Medicine Scholars Program, expand and scale the Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity model to increase the number of students transitioning to 4-year institutions, and ultimately matriculating to a California medical school.
Expand Cal State education programs to focus on training underrepresented Latino students in fields related to pre-medical studies, increase slots at California Osteopathic Medical Schools, and broaden partnerships with other Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
Expand medical school-based post-baccalaureate applicant slots in California to increase the number of Latino/UiM students accepted to medical schools and trained as physicians.
Advance holistic admissions practices across all California medical schools, ensuring the process values lived experience, community ties, and diverse strengths alongside academic metrics.
Accelerate expansion of UC medical school seats, with a focus on growing smaller PRIME programs and advancing UC Merced's medical education capacity.
Increase the number of primary care, community-based GME positions in under-resourced communities and explore long-term sustainable funding for GME programs such as securing GME Medicaid funding.
Build a unified primary care GME infrastructure that aligns advocacy, partnerships, and incentives to repatriate California medical students and residents training out of state into California’s physician workforce.
Strengthen programs that support culturally competent international medical graduates to practice in California’s underserved and Latino communities.
Join health systems, educators, funders, physicians, and community organizations working together to strengthen California’s physician pathway and expand access to care statewide.
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