Healthcare Pathways
The Central Coast region is faced with a growing physician shortage, especially in primary care. Based on supply and demand projections, we may be short as many as 1,151 full time primary care clinicians.[1] A variety of interventions and strategies are required to address the growing shortage of physicians, PAs and NPs. The Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association Foundation is working to support the pathways into medicine and healthcare through the following programs and partnerships.
SCMMA Foundation partners with the University of California Santa Cruz and California State University Monterey Bay to help support and connect people interested in or already pursuing careers in healthcare with shadowing and mentorship opportunities. Program Areas currently include the following.
Decision Medicine
For Middle and High School students - MESA (Mathematics Engineering, and Science Achievement) Program and Your Future is Our Business.
Bridge to Medicine
For Undergraduate and Graduate School Students - UCSCs Pre-Med and Post Baccaloreate Programs and CSUMBs Masters of Science Physician Assistants Program.
Residency Fund
SCMMA Foundation provides grants to the Natividad Family Residency Program in Monterey County and will soon support the Dominican Family Residency Program in Santa Cruz County.
If you would like to more information about these program areas, have interest in volunteering, or want to discuss how you can support these efforts, please contact us at (831) 479-7226 or (831) 455-1008.
Pathways to Medicine Speaker Series: Spring 2021 UCSC
Paths to Medicine: April 26, 2021
Guest Speakers: Dr. Belinda Magallanes and Dr. Joyce Orndorff
Physician Resilience and Wellness: May 3, 2021
Guest Speakers: Dr. Dawn Motyka and Dr. Martina Nicholson
Women in Medicine: May 10, 2021
Guest Speakers: Dr. Ciara Harraher and Dr. Amy McEntee
Practicing Medicine in the Pandemic: May 17, 2021
Guest Speaker: Dr. Gail Newel
Health Equity and Justice: May 24, 2021
Guest Speakers: Dr. Cristina Gamboa and Dr. Oscar Gantes
Residency Funds
Donate to support Graduate Medical Education in our region! Contributions to the Residency Funds support Residents in the Monterey Bay area by encouraging participation in advocacy and community service in the House of Medicine. To donate, click the "Donate Monterey" or "Donate Santa Cruz" buttons at the top of the page and select "The Residency Fund". Thank you for your support!
Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) Resources for Physicians
CalHealthCares
CalHealthCares administers loan repayment on educational debt for California physicians and dentists who provide care to Medi-Cal patients, which represent one-third of Californians and half of the state’s children. Eligible physicians can apply for up to $300,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a five-year service obligation. Eligible dentists can apply for a loan repayment up to $300,000 in exchange for a five-year service obligation or a Practice Support Grant up to $300,000 in exchange for a ten-year service obligation.
Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations (NEPO)
PHC hosts an annual NEPO Summit, which is an innovative educational event for physicians, public health professionals, advocates and community leaders that offers policy and best practices for reducing health disparities, building diversity in the workforce and increasing cultural competency in clinical care. A virtual NEPO summit will take place on October 8, 2021.
[1] Spetz, J., Coffman, J., & Geyn, I. (2017). California’s Primary Care Workforce: Forecasted supply, demand, and pipeline of trainees, 2016–2030. San Francisco, CA: Healthforce Center at UCSF.