Medical Students – Educational Tracks - Introduction to Integrated Health Care (IIHC)

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Application Period Will Open this Fall

Virtual Summer Session: June 19 – July 17, 2027

Since 2013, the Introduction to Integrated Health Care (IIHC) program has provided first-year medical students with a unique opportunity to explore Kaiser Permanente’s integrated healthcare model. Recognized for its emphasis on innovation, prevention, health equity, and a diverse workforce, Kaiser Permanente delivers nationally recognized patient care and outcomes. Through IIHC, students gain firsthand exposure to the healthcare system of the future while learning about the exceptional residency and career opportunities available throughout Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

As an IIHC participant, you will engage virtually with our distinguished faculty, residents, physicians, program leaders, and administrative professionals. The program offers valuable insight into culturally responsive, population-based healthcare and the role of integrated care in improving health outcomes. We encourage applications from medical students who are underrepresented in medicine and/or have a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities and advancing health equity.

The IIHC Virtual Summer Program will be held June 19 through July 17, 2027. Programming includes:

  • Weekly virtual presentations held Monday through Thursday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (PDT)
  • Five Saturday workshops (including orientation) held approximately 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (PDT)

Participants are expected to attend all program activities. Please note that the schedule is subject to change, and any updates will be communicated in advance.

We invite you to apply this fall and take the next step in your medical education journey. Join us for this enriching experience and discover how integrated healthcare can shape the future of medicine. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Why Participate in IIHC?

As an IIHC participant, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn from experienced physicians, residents, faculty, and healthcare leaders across Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
  • Explore Kaiser Permanente’s integrated healthcare model, a nationally recognized approach to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
  • Gain insight into population health, health equity, preventive care, leadership, advocacy, and healthcare innovation.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of culturally responsive care and strategies for improving health outcomes in diverse communities.
  • Connect with and build relationships with medical students from across the country who share a commitment to serving underserved populations.
  • Participate in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with healthcare professionals.
  • Learn about residency training opportunities within Kaiser Permanente Northern California and gain early exposure to Kaiser Permanente’s clinical learning environment.
  • Strengthen your professional development through mentorship, career exploration, and leadership-focused programming.
  • 24/7 online access to program materials throughout the program.
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Ideal Candidates

We encourage applications from first-year medical students who:

  • Are passionate about community health and health equity.
  • Have demonstrated service to diverse or underserved populations.
  • Are interested in leadership, advocacy, and innovative models of healthcare delivery.
  • Want to learn more about training and career opportunities within Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Applicant Eligibility & Application Requirements

Application Period
October 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be enrolled in an accredited medical, osteopathic, or podiatric school.
  • Be a first-year medical student (MS1) at the time of application and entering their second year (MS2) when the program begins.
  • Be available to participate in the entire four-week program, including:
    • Weekday virtual presentations: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-6:30 PM (PDT)
    • Saturday workshops (5 total, including orientation): 9:00 AM-1:00 PM (PDT)
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to community health, health equity, and culturally responsive care.
  • Successfully complete their first year of medical school by Spring 2027 and remain in good academic standing throughout the program (summer remediation or make-up courses are not permitted).
  • Programming schedule is subject to change.

Required Application Materials

A complete application must include:

  • An essay describing:
    • Your interest in medicine
    • Your experience serving diverse communities
  • A current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • A letter confirming good academic standing from your medical school (required with no exceptions)

Notification Timeline

Applicants will be notified of their application status in mid-March 2027.

IIHC 2027 Information Sessions

Attend an information session to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process.

Wednesdays | 12:30 PM-1:00 PM (PDT)

  • November 4, 2026
  • December 9, 2026
  • January 6, 2027
  • To RSVP for any of the sessions listed, please click HERE.
  • IIHC 2027 Flyer

The application period is currently closed. Please check back in October 2026.

IIHC Alumni

IIHC 2019 Video credit to Hye-Jin Yun

IIHC Quote Poetry from the Class of 2025’s Six-Word Memoirs

“Continue learning with a growth mindset”
“Learned deeply, grew immensely, grateful beyond.”
“Empowered to advocate, lead, and serve.”
“Ideas sparked. Action coming next.”
“Equity is action, not just intention.”
“Turned challenges into strength this summer.”
“Uplift others, challenge barriers, seek change.”
“Everybody, every identity, equal care period!”
“Empowered voices, healing hearts, united vision”
“Future physicians leading change, inspiring equity”
– 2025 Participants

What I learned about community health, research, and advocacy during the program has really changed how I want to plan my career; I hope to share that learning with others. – 2026 Participant

Thank you so much for all the work you and everyone else involved put into making this such a successful program. I learned so much, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to such a vast amount of information, as well as an incredible network of people, including students who will one day be my future colleagues. I am very interested in becoming an ambassador. I was already planning to spread the word about this program to incoming first-year students at my school and other students who I think would really benefit from it, especially through the various organizations I’m involved in.  – 2026 Participant

I really enjoyed the program even more than I initially anticipated and would love to be able to spread awareness so other students know how great the program is too! Also, thank you very much for hosting such an incredible program; I truly loved every second of it, and I just wish we could join a part 2 next summer! I will honestly never forget the things that I learned in the sessions, and I can’t wait to apply to join the KP team in the future. – 2026 Participant

Stay connected!

Visit us on our new platform Connect at KPNC at https://connectatkpnc.com/ to connect alumni, faculty, residents, fellows, mentors and peers.

Reconnect with peers and utilize the trusted Kaiser Permanente environment to expand your professional network.

Build your Kaiser Permanente community by actively engaging with social networks and fostering a culture of support and giving back. You’ll be amazed at how vibrant and connected your Kaiser Permanente community can be!

Program contact information

Benjamin Thomas, MD, Co-Director
Benjamin.Thomas@kp.org

Ruben Gonzalez MD, Co-Director
Ruben.Z.Gonzalez@kp.org 

Susana Martinez-Caldera, UME/GME Regional Program Manager IV
Susana.Martinez-Caldera@kp.org

Amanda Coy, UME/GME Regional Program Manager IV
Amanda.Coy@kp.org

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