UCSF School of Medicine Regional Campus at Fresno

ABOUT THE UCSF SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
REGIONAL CAMPUS AT FRESNO

The UCSF School of Medicine Regional Campus at Fresno (UCSF Fresno) addresses one of the San Joaquin Valley’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of physicians serving local communities. Access to care for all is a foundation for a vibrant and healthy community. UCSF Fresno trains physicians and medical students to serve the Valley, state, and beyond. In the 1990s, UCSF Fresno launched pathway programs that begin as early as middle school. By sparking interest in medicine among young students, these programs aim to inspire and guide the next generation of doctors for the region.

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​Pathway programs are intentionally designed to carry students through their academic journey. Starting in middle and high school, students in UCSF Fresno’s Junior Doctors Academy and Doctors Academy programs respectively, are introduced to health care careers, mentorship, and academic enrichment.  From there, they can continue at local community colleges through the SJV MedBridge program, transfer to Fresno State and apply to health professional schools.  Through SJV PRIME+, a partnership with the UCSF School of Medicine, UC Merced, and UCSF Fresno, students can pursue a bachelor's degree, a medical degree, and the opportunity for residency training all in the Valley. This locally rooted path opens doors for students and ensures that talented young people from the Valley have a clear route into medicine.

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Statistics show that physicians are more likely to remain in the communities where they grew up or where they completed their medical training. By expanding high-quality medical education in the Valley, UCSF is increasing the likelihood that newly trained doctors will choose to practice here long term, strengthening the local health care system.

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​The impact of this work goes far beyond workforce numbers. By cultivating physicians who are connected to the San Joaquin Valley, UCSF Fresno helps build a health care system that better understands and responds to the needs of local communities. This improves access to care and quality of care. ​

Over time, this multi-layered approach will help transform the health care landscape of the Valley. By investing in young people today and creating pathways for them to succeed, UCSF Fresno is ensuring that future generations will have access to high-quality medical care close to home.