SJV-MedBridge, the Fresno Regional Hub within the California Medicine Scholars Program, is Recruiting its Third Cohort
Applications Open Through Nov. 1, 2024
The Fresno Regional Hub within The California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP) is now accepting applications for its third cohort of students into SJV-MedBridge. SJV-MedBridge currently serves over 100 California community college students from across the San Joaquin Valley who receive tailored support on their path to medical school.
This state-funded effort aims to diversify the primary care physician workforce and respond to looming health workforce shortages. CMSP is a key part of California’s strategy to close a projected shortfall of more than 4,000 primary care physicians by 2030 and address widening disparities in access to care in rural and underserved communities.
UCSF Fresno is the lead institution for the San Joaquin Valley’s Regional Hub of Healthcare Opportunity and is currently accepting applications for its third cohort. The application filing period closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1.
Community college students who plan to be enrolled at least part-time during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters are eligible to apply. Applications are available here.
Students accepted into the SJV-MedBridge program benefit from a range of advising, internship, and volunteer health care
experiences through the CMSP network. This network includes four Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity based on the campuses of the University of California medical schools: UC Davis, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and UCSF School of Medicine regional campus in Fresno (UCSF Fresno). Scholars also receive support, such as mentoring and networking opportunities with medical professionals and current medical school students.
California Medicine Scholars Program in the San Joaquin Valley
Informational sessions providing a comprehensive look at the program and a walk through of the application will be provided throughout the fall. If you want to join to learn more, watch our website for updates.
Background
Founded in 2017 by a group of dedicated educators and physicians, our program began as a visionary response to bridge the health care gap in California.
In 2021, Senate Bill 40, proposed by Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-14), paved the way for the establishment of the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP). Shortly after, it became a Foundation for California Community Colleges program, where it continues to thrive. The program received a significant boost with $10.5 million in one-time funding allocated in the Governor’s 2021 Budget from the Health and Human Services budget category, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). The 2023-2024 state budget most recently included $2.8 million in ongoing annual funding for program sustainment.
Philanthropic funding from The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, and The California Health Care Foundation also supported the establishment, coordination, and early success of CMSP. Since its official launch in 2022, CMSP has experienced remarkable growth and success, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff, regional hubs, community partners, and philanthropic funders. As we plan for further program growth and sustainability, we remain steadfast in our goal to foster a more diverse and representative health care workforce that serves the communities we are deeply committed to.
Today, almost 45% of Californians have insufficient access to a primary care physician, and only 17% of medical students come from underrepresented groups. According to a survey released in February 2023 by the California Health Care Foundation and NORC at the University of Chicago, the majority of Californians (85%) believe that “making sure there are enough doctors, nurses, and other health care providers across California” should be a priority for the state government. Additionally, 42% of Black and Latino/x Californians say their community lacks adequate numbers of primary care providers—along with 53% of San Joaquin Valley residents and 48% of people living in the Inland Empire.
One crucial way to address these gaps is by expanding the number of physicians who match the diversity of the San Joaquin Valley and California. The California Community Colleges — with nearly two million students, 69% of whom are from diverse ethnic backgrounds — is uniquely positioned to improve diversity in the health workforce. CMSP’s four Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity include community colleges, universities, medical schools, community health clinics, and community-based organizations that collaborate to provide greater pre-med opportunities for students. These hubs are led by the following UC medical schools, which provide a bridge between institutions as students advance through the program:
Greater Northern California: Avenue M, led by UC Davis School of Medicine
Inland Empire Regional Hub: California, Medicine Scholars Program, UC Riverside School of Medicine
San Diego: Region X, led by UC San Diego School of Medicine
San Joaquin Valley: SJV MedBridge, Led by UCSF School of Medicine Fresno Regional Campus (UCSF Fresno)
California’s signed state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year approved AB107, allocating $2.8 million annually to support the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP). This ongoing funding ensures that CMSP's impactful work can continue and expand. Funding from The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, and The California Health Care Foundation also continues to support the program.
To learn more about how California aims to reduce health disparities for communities of color and the critical role the CMSP will play in helping to successfully meet California’s growing population demands, please visit https://californiamedicinescholarsprogram.org/
For more information about the San Joaquin Valley California Medicine Scholars Program, please visit: https://sjvmedbridge.ucsf.edu/
