The program leads to the regular MD with special emphasis leadership and advocacy to address healthcare disparities in medically underserved populations in California (and the US). Students in PRIME-LA will begin their medical school experience by participating in a Leadership and Advocacy Summer Foundations Program that sets the direction for the program and establishes early group bonding while learning about leadership and advocacy. During the first two years PRIME-LA students complete the regular DGSOM at UCLA core curriculum. Students also participate in special selective courses during the first and second years. The summer between the first and second years will focus on a project/research related to health disparities and problems with access to care within underserved populations. Students will present their project/research at the DGSOM Josiah Brown Poster Day held at the end of the summer.
In the third-year students participate in clinical clerkships that include Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology. Clerkships are situated in clinical arenas that particularly address underserved and disadvantaged populations.
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, and MS.
The fifth year will be within the DGSOM Colleges. The "Colleges" further prepare students for residencies and future role as leaders. College 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 project as part of the DGSOM Senior Scholarship Day.
