Program Curriculum
PRIME-LA is a five-year, concurrent/dual degree, program
The program leads to the regular M.D. with special emphasis on leadership to address healthcare in California (and the U.S.) communities that lack sufficient doctors. Students in PRIME-LA will begin their medical school experience by participating in a Summer Foundations Program that sets the direction for the program and establishes early group bonding while learning about leadership.
In 2021, DGSOM launched a new medical school curriculum — DGSOM HEALS. During the first year, PRIME-LA students complete the DGSOM at UCLA core pre-clinical curriculum. Students also participate in special selective courses. In the second-year, students participate in clinical clerkships that include Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Radiology.
The third year of the new curriculum is the Discovery Year. The DGSOM Discovery Year is a required component of the M.D. curriculum to provide third-year medical students with a nearly year-long period of protected time for a deep and substantive creative and scholarly experience in an area of their interest. The program encourages the acquisition of attitudes and skills for self-directed, lifelong learning and scholarship. PRIME-LA focuses on projects/research related to health disparities and problems with access to care in California communities.
During the fourth year, students will complete an advanced degree that designs and implements a project related to improving health for the underserved. Advanced degree options include MBA, MPH, MPP, MSCR, MA, and MLS.
The fifth-year or final year of medical school is further enhanced by the Specialty ACE program composed of experienced faculty advisors enthusiastic about mentoring medical school students in their selected specialty. The final year further prepares students for residencies and future roles as leaders. Activities include seminars, special and specific electives, a research project, and an intense advising and mentoring program. Sub-Internship opportunities to enhance career goals are stressed. Seniors present their leadership projects as part of the DGSOM Senior Scholarship Day.