From Community College to Medical School: Meet UCR’s California Medicine Scholars Program

What if your journey to becoming a physician could start at a California community college?

In this episode of Transfer Man Live, I sit down with Ana Guillen Lopez, Program Coordinator for the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP) at the University of California, Riverside.

CMSP is creating a pathway designed specifically to help California Community College students move toward a career in medicine—and it is especially focused on students from the Inland Empire and Inland Southern California.

Ana explains what CMSP is, who can apply, what students can expect from the program, and how this unique pathway can help aspiring physicians navigate the journey from community college toward medical school.

We talk about:

• How community college can be the beginning of a medical career

• The California Medicine Scholars Program and its Inland Empire mission

• Academic advising and transfer support

• Medical school advising and mentorship

• Research and internship opportunities

• Connections with UCR and CSUSB students and medical students

• Summer experiences and professional development

• What CMSP looks for in prospective scholars

• How students can prepare for a career in medicine

• Why Inland Empire communities need more physicians

• How to take the first step toward becoming a doctor

CMSP currently partners with Barstow College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Crafton Hills College, Moreno Valley College, Norco College, Riverside City College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Victor Valley College.

DREAMING OF BECOMING A PHYSICIAN?

Don't assume that medical school is out of reach because you're starting at a community college.

Programs like CMSP are designed to help students understand the pathway, build the experiences they need, find mentors, and stay focused on the ultimate goal: becoming a physician and serving your community.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Visit the official California Medicine Scholars Program website:

California Medicine Scholars Program — UCR

The current 2026 application deadline is October 31, 2026, with interviews scheduled for November and acceptance notifications beginning December 15. After October 31, admissions will be rolling and dependent on available seats.

If you're a California community college student who has ever thought:

“Maybe I could become a doctor…”

This episode is for you.

Don't just dream about the white coat. Find the pathway.

🎓 TRANSFER MAN

I'm Transfer Man, a California community college transfer counselor helping students understand college transfer, career pathways, admissions, and the opportunities that can change their lives.

For all things transfer:

TransferMan.org

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