The Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE) is an exciting component of I-EXPLORE developed in collaboration with UC Davis Health Community Physicians. The LCE provides first- and second-year medical students (pre-clerkship phase) with early clinical exposure in the ambulatory care setting, where they can apply classroom learning and newly developed clinical skills to the care of patients while simultaneously developing long-term relationships with community preceptors during their preclinical years.  

Students are paired with a preceptor at one of many clinics throughout the Sacramento region, who helps cultivate their clinical growth over the experience.   

During the first visit, students familiarize themselves with the health care team and clinic workflow and shadow their clinic preceptors during patient encounters. Over subsequent visits, students interview and examine patients, practice communication skills, and establish rapport with patients, families, and the health care team. As they move into their second academic year, students further strengthen their diagnostic reasoning and oral presentation skills in preparation for clinical clerkships.  

The goal is to give pre-clerkship students the opportunity to continually build upon their clinical skills as they move through the program in consistent alignment with the UC Davis School of Medicine I-EXPLORE graduation competencies. Access the graduation competency details by clicking here.

The creation of the longitudinal clinical experience is the culmination of many months of planning and work in partnership with more than 125 physicians throughout the local community. The Office of Medical Education is thankful to the many physicians who have volunteered to serve as preceptors; this endeavor would not be possible without their partnership.  

If you are interested in becoming a preceptor for the LCE experience, please email LCEsupport@ucdavis.edu.