Kaiser Permanente Medical Scholars Pathway

The Medical Scholars Pathway (MSP) is a comprehensive partnership between Northern California Community Colleges and Kaiser Permanente Northern California aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students interested in pursuing a healthcare career. Studies have shown that most underrepresented students first attend community colleges over 4-year universities.

Our 3-year Longitudinal program aims to support these students transfer to 4-year universities while concurrently providing mentoring, research, and clinical opportunities to help prepare them for their eventual application to careers as physicians

Medical Scholars Pathway Roadmap

The Four Pillars of MSP

Creation of a supportive learning environment
Academic preparedness
Professional and Leadership Development
Community Health Research

UCSF School of Medicine Office of Post-Baccalaureate Collaboration

The collaboration between Kaiser Permanente Northern California Graduate Medical Education and the UCSF School of Medicine’s Office of Post-Baccalaureate and Outreach Programs plays a vital role in supporting our MSP students. Through this partnership, we offer training workshops for community college counselors and advisors, connect students with faculty members who contribute to our Building Blocks for Success series, provide valuable information about summer internships and research opportunities, and offer access to mentorship opportunities that help guide students on their academic and professional journeys.

Partnership with Math Engineering Science Achievement Program (MESA)

Established in 1993, MESA’s community college program prepares a diverse group of students for successful transfer to four-year universities in STEM fields. Through MESA, students enhance their academic and leadership skills, improve educational performance, and build confidence in their ability to excel professionally. With a strong commitment to equity, MESA focuses on supporting students from historically underrepresented groups, helping them achieve higher education and graduate-level success.

Participating Campuses

Hartnell College
Mission College
West Valley College
Napa Valley College
Solano College
Laney College

Criteria

Students must be on a premedical pathway and attend a participating community college campus
Must be enrolled in MESA
Must be committed to participating in the Building Block for Success workshop series; Community Health Education and Engagement in Research (CHEER) and in the Leadership and Community Health Forum (LeCHe)
The Building Block for Success workshop series is a prerequisite for Community Health Education and Engagement in Research (CHEER)
The Community Health Education and Engagement in Research (CHEER) is a prerequisite for the Leadership and Community Health Forum (LeCHe)
To be eligible for the Building Block for Success workshop series students must undergo a readiness assessment by their local MESA team

Curriculum

Year 1: Building Blocks for Success

The first year focuses on integrating incoming MSP students into our learning community while providing academic preparation. Through workshops and guided peer advising sessions, students gain an understanding of the steps needed to apply to medical school, identify potential challenges, develop their educational plans, and explore career options, all from the perspective of a first-generation college student. The curriculum is built on introducing and mastering the Pre-Professional Competencies recommended by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which are essential qualities that medical schools look for in applicants.

Proposed Timeline

12 virtual workshops
Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 11:30a-12:30p
2 in-person conferences
Participation in the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit
Participate in the UC Davis Premedical Conference or the SUMMA Conference

Program Goals

Ensure workshop accessibility to encourage maximum and consistent attendance and participation.
Foster a strong sense of community and belonging among MSP scholars, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing, expressing ideas, and asking questions.
Align workshop activities and objectives with the AAMC Core Competencies

MSP Student Learning Objectives

Students will enhance their introspective abilities, identifying their motivations for pursuing a medical career and recognizing the strengths that will contribute to their success.
Students will acquire skills in studying, goal setting, and note-taking, which they can apply across all courses.
Students will develop professional skills, including crafting application materials specific to the medical field and medical school applications.
Students will learn to work effectively in teams and communicate with others to achieve collective goals.
Students will be able to assess their areas of proficiency and identify growth opportunities in relation to the AAMC Core Competencies.

Program Criteria

Must be on a full-time pre-health educational track
Must be a first-year community college student or must have permission from your local MESA team
Must undergo a readiness assessment and educational planning with their MESA counselor.
Must participate in semester check-ins with your MESA counselor
Must participate in study groups or tutoring for STEM courses offered by their local MESA team
Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater
Attend all mandatory sessions and complete mandatory assignments
Complete the application AND pre-program survey below

Application deadline is September 12, 2025

Pre-Program Survey

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Cell Phone(Required)

School(Required)

Hartnell College

Laney College

Mission College

Napa Valley College

Solano College

West Valley College

Upload readiness letter(Required)

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Insight Statement 1(Required)

Why are you interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and how do you believe this program will help you achieve your goals?

Insight Statement 2(Required)

What challenges have you faced in your academic journey, and how do you plan to overcome them during this program?

Insight Statement 3(Required)

What specific academic or professional skills would you like to develop through this program, and how do you plan to apply them in your future career?

Insight Statement 4(Required)

How do you manage your time and academic responsibilities, and how will you balance participation in this program with your other commitments?

Year 2: Community Health Research Programs

Participating in our community health programs is essential for premedical students as it provides hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the challenges faced by underserved communities. Our programs allow students to engage directly with their community members, healthcare professionals, and community organizations, fostering essential skills such as communication, cultural competency, and problem-solving. Exposure to community health also reinforces the importance of preventive care and public health initiatives, shaping well-rounded future physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also socially conscious. Additionally, these experiences strengthen medical school applications by demonstrating a commitment to service, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

Apply to Community Health Research Programs here.