M.D. Program

Community Health Scholars

Admissions

Each year, the Community Health Scholars Programs accept:

  • 8-12 REACH students
  • 8-12 Rural-PRIME students
  • 8 TEACH-MS students
  • 4-6 Tribal Health PRIME students

CHS applicants apply through the traditional UC Davis School of Medicine (SOM) admissions pathway and must meet the same requirements as all SOM students. Applicants may apply to more than one program that meets their career goals. The CHS programs select applicants for a second interview after the applicant has completed the SOM interview.  

REACH

The REACH program will accept up to 8 students each academic year. Applicants must meet UC Davis School of Medicine admissions requirements, as well as demonstrate:  

  • Commitment to practice in California’s Central Valley after graduation/residency 
  • Strong ties to California’s Central Valley communities, such as having grown up there, currently residing there, or having considerable prior experience 

Rural PRIME

The Rural PRIME program will accept up to 12 students each academic year. Applicants must meet UC Davis School of Medicine admissions requirements, as well as demonstrate:  

  • A significant knowledge of and/or experience in rural settings, including a familiarity with underserved populations 
  • Commitment to practice in a rural community in California after graduation/residency 

TEACH-MS

The TEACH-MS program will accept up to 8 students each academic year. Applicants must meet UC Davis School of Medicine admissions requirements, as well as demonstrate:  

  • Significant knowledge of and experience in urban underserved areas, including a familiarity with different populations and cultures, public health issues specific to urban environments 
  • A desire to practice primary care in urban underserved communities (such as Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics) 

Tribal Health PRIME

The Tribal Health PRIME program will accept up to 6 students each academic year. HP scholars will matriculate to UC Davis medical school through the traditional pathway or through Huwighurruk Tribal Health Postbaccalaureate Program. Applicants must meet UC Davis School of Medicine admissions requirements, as well as demonstrate:  

  • Significant experience with AI/AN communities and commitment to serve tribes and communities after graduation/residency  
  • Knowledge of and experience in tribal, AI/AN communities with understanding of diversity among tribes.  

To Apply

  1. Apply to the UC Davis School of Medicine (UCDSOM) through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) by October 1. 
  2. Applicants invited to complete the UCDSOM Secondary Application will have an opportunity to indicate their interest in one or more of the CHS programs in the Secondary Application.
  3. Applicants interviewed by the UCDSOM will then be reviewed by the CHS Directors. Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  4. Qualified applicants will be invited for a CHS interview between January and April.

For more information, visit the UC Davis School of Medicine Admissions page.