California faces a growing need for doctors and public health professionals. By 2030, the state is projected to have 11.5 percent fewer doctors than required, with the Central Coast and Central Valley experiencing an even greater shortage of 18.7 percent in primary care physicians—the most severe gap in the state. Compounding the challenge, California’s medical workforce remains significantly less diverse than its population, limiting access and equity in care.
The UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbaccalaureate Program, offered through UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, helps address these disparities by preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving California’s diverse communities. The program is tailored to students—particularly those from underserved, rural, and agricultural areas—who aspire to advance community health.
Through rigorous coursework, personalized advising, and professional development, the UCSC Premed Postbacc equips students with the academic foundation, experience, and confidence to succeed in medical school. Grounded in the values and excellence of the University of California, the program provides a transformative pathway for aspiring physicians committed to making a difference where it’s needed most.
