UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis are partnering to launch a new program that will train future physicians deeply committed to the health and well-being of Central Coast communities and increase access to care.

Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) was responsible for including $1.5 million in the state budget for the two campuses to establish the UC Programs in Medical Education Central Coast (PRIME Central Coast). The new program, which will complement existing UC PRIME programs across the state, aims to accept applications in early 2026 and enroll its inaugural cohort of students in 2027. 

“UC Santa Cruz is deeply committed to meeting the health care needs of the Central Coast, and this is an important step in our efforts,” Chancellor Cynthia Larive said. “We are grateful for the financial support of the legislature and governor, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, and especially appreciate the advocacy and vision of Senator John Laird.  We are also thankful to the UC Davis School of Medicine for their support and partnership to establish a medical school pathway with our campus. PRIME Central Coast will be a good complement to UC Davis Rural-PRIME and will focus on training the future physicians so needed in our region.”

Read the full article here: https://news.ucsc.edu/2025/07/uc-santa-cruz-partners-with-uc-davis-to-l…