The California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP), established in 2022, is part of a statewide initiative building pathways from community colleges to medical school. The program has proven to be a catalyst for success for traditionally underrepresented students. Among its esteemed students is Austin P., a graduate of MiraCosta College and CSU, San Marcos, who exemplifies the strength and impact of the program.

A CMPS Region X mentor and third-year medical student, Austin recently co-organized the inaugural North County Aspiring Medical Professionals (NCAMP) Conference. The event helped bridge the mentorship gap for students in North County San Diego. Held in partnership with University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, the conference welcomed 65 students from local high schools, community colleges, and universities for hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and training sessions led by medical students and professionals.

“Despite the higher prevalence of disadvantaged students, I noticed a stark lack of North County school representation at the mentorship events I attended. This conference was our way of changing that.” — Austin P., CMSP Mentor and Medical Student, UC San Diego Medical School

Austin also shared his personal story—one marked by setbacks and a renewed commitment to medicine after receiving guidance from a physician mentor. Now, he is paying it forward. 

“I shared a story with the participants about my first physician mentor, someone I met when I had dropped out of school and long given up on becoming a doctor. He challenged every doubt I could voice and showed me that the journey was not only possible, but attainable. Since that moment, I promised I would pass on that message and that mentorship in his name; I have been striving to keep that promise in the hope that I can inspire another to continue the cycle.”

CMSP creates equitable pathways into medicine to ensure every aspiring healthcare scholar has the support they need to thrive. The program partners with medical schools at UC Davis, UC Riverside, UCSF-Fresno, and UC San Diego to recruit students from community colleges in their area. Through comprehensive academic support, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities, CMSP seeks to nurture a new generation of healthcare leaders equipped to address the pressing health challenges of our time.

CMSP is currently supported through funding from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) and generous philanthropic support, with FoundationCCC serving as the program’s Central Office. By supporting underrepresented students, CMSP is accelerating better medical care for all.

Learn more about the California Medicine Scholar Program >