California’s Central Valley is one of the most medically under resourced regions in the state, and the need for compassionate, skilled physicians who understand the communities they serve has never been greater. To help address this need, UCSF Fresno has created multiple pathways to recruit, train and retain doctors in the region including San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME): a specialized track at UCSF School of Medicine for students with strong connections to the Valley and a deep commitment to serving local communities. A collaboration between UCSF, UC Merced, and UCSF Fresno, the program’s curriculum is tailored to address health issues prevalent in the Valley and encompasses community engagement programs, core seminars, clinical immersion experiences, and robust mentorship and support.
We believe in nurturing the aspirations of students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world of medicine, which includes giving our graduates the financial freedom to pursue their passions. Student scholarships are crucial to ensuring that the brightest and most public service-minded students from the region can attend UCSF and graduate from SJV PRIME with minimal debt. Establishing a new scholarship or giving to one that already exists makes a difference in the life of a talented, purpose driven student and directly contributes to improving health care access in the San Joaquin Valley.
One such student is Belen Bravo, a first-year SJV PRIME student from Bakersfield, California. Belen’s journey into medicine began with a simple desire to help people. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to become a doctor. Her motivation evolved during her college years as she recognized the importance of representation in the medical field. Belen shares, “I wanted to represent my Latine community within the medical field to better care for this community and inspire other students like me to explore this career path.”
Belen expresses profound gratitude to the donors supporting her financial aid. “Thank you for your investment in my education! As a first-generation, low-income student, my career path has not been simple. Knowing that loans are one less thing I have to worry about has allowed me to direct my energy toward my studies and ensure I become the best physician possible for my future patients.”
Kenneth Fox is a third-year SJV PRIME medical student from Fresno, California. During his military service in the United
States Marine Corps and subsequent travels, he gained perspective into how medically under resourced his home community is. These experiences solidified his commitment to medicine and helping others.
Kenneth recently completed a year of clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in caring for patients across various specialties under the guidance of experienced physicians. One clinical experience with a patient stands out as particularly meaningful. Kenneth reflects, “Their unwavering strength and dignity in the face of an overwhelming prognosis reminded me that medicine is not just about curing; it’s about supporting, listening, and walking alongside patients through their most vulnerable moments.”
Kenneth expresses profound gratitude to the donors who have supported his journey. “I am immensely grateful for the support from donors. It has alleviated financial stress, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, clinical experiences, and personal growth as a future physician. Beyond the financial relief, this gift has reminded me that there are people who believe in my journey and potential to make a meaningful medical impact. It has motivated me to give back in the future, just as this generosity has helped me move closer to my goals.”
To learn more about how your gift to UCSF Fresno can help us continue the important work of educating the next generation of physicians for the Valley, contact Kathleen Smith, associate director of development, UCSF Fresno, at (559) 499-6426 or [email protected].
Established in 1975, UCSF Fresno is celebrating 50 years of training doctors and improving health in the San Joaquin Valley this year. A regional campus of the UCSF School of Medicine, UCSF Fresno offers training in eight medical residency programs, one dental surgery residency program and 20 Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and non-ACGME sub-specialty fellowships. UCSF Fresno plays a vital role in expanding access to health care in the Valley, training physicians and medical students for the region and state, conducting research that addresses regional health issues, and academically preparing students from the San Joaquin Valley to pursue careers in health and medicine.
