School of Medicine Student Affairs

Helping You to Maximize Your Academic Pursuits

Students working with a standardized patient

Program in Medical Education (PRIME)

The UC Riverside School of Medicine's Program in Medical Education (PRIME) is designed to produce physicians who are specifically trained to address the healthcare needs of the African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) communities of Inland Southern California.

  • The program will admit six students annually, who will complete educational and clinical activities that prepare them to provide equitable care to ABC populations.
  • The program begins with a two-week summer immersion program prior to the start of the academic school year.
  • The UCR School of Medicine will partner with ABC clinicians and organizations to allow students to integrate working with ABC populations throughout the course of their medical education.
  • Students will have the option to pursue a master’s degree (e.g., MPH, MPP, MBA, etc.) in the field of their choosing, before completing their final year of medical school.
First prime class
The inaugural PRIME class arrived in 2022.

Goals and Objectives

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the unique health concerns affecting ABC communities.
  • Conduct culturally sensitive and informed history, physical exams, and care of patients from an ABC community.
  • Develop a service-learning project that examines and addresses health disparities that disproportionately affect ABC communities.
  • Serve as mentors and future leaders who will advance the provision of quality care to ABC communities.

How to Apply

PRIME applicants will submit their primary medical school application through AMCAS and complete a secondary application to indicate their interest in the PRIME program.

The secondary application will consist of two essay questions and PRIME applicants will participate in an additional interview for the program.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for admittance to the incoming class of 2028 is November 1st, 2023 (11:59 p.m. ET). This includes the application and all supporting application materials such as unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, a photo, and MCAT scores (if taken). The Secondary Application deadline is December 4th, 2023 (11:59 PM PT)

students at prime breakfast event

Selection

A review of application materials is conducted by the PRIME admissions committee and determines the applicants who will be invited for interviews. Notification of acceptance into the program will be sent between January 2024 through April 2024.

About Interviews

Qualifying applicants will be invited to participate in the interview process. This includes both the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and a short one-on-one interview.

PRIME Summer Immersion Program

The program begins with a two-week summer immersion program  that is scheduled to take place from July 17 to 28, 2023, prior to the start of the academic school year. During the Summer Immersion Program, you will learn things such as:

  • Skills for medical education success.
  • Self-advocacy.
  • Meet a mentor series.
  • Visit local and state legislature.
  • Interact with ABC community leaders.

Additional Elements

  • Quarterly ABC case conferences.
  • Small group AA studies.
  • Monthly director check-ins.
  • Structured flourishing and wellness sessions.
  • Individualized career and flourishing plans.
  • Structured financial wellness sessions.
  • Collaboration with UC Irvine LEAD-ABC PRIME.

Program Contacts