The Primary Care College

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

At the end of the 3rd year in medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the students pick one of approximately six colleges to go into during their 4th year of medical school. These colleges supplement the student’s education and help with their career/specialty goals. The Primary Care College (PCC) is often chosen by students interested in going into primary care. Most of the students interested in Family Medicine choose the Primary Care College.

The Director of the PCC is Jodi Freidman, MD—Program Director of the UCLA Internal Medicine Residency Program. The Associate Directors of the PCC are: Daniel Lee, MD—Faculty of the UCLA-Santa Monica Family Medicine Residency Program; Alice Kuo, MD—Faculty of the UCLA Med/Peds Residency Program; and Art Gomez, MD—Faculty of the UCLA Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Goals of the Primary Care College

1. To prepare students considering primary care careers for success during:
  • 4th year subinternships
  • residency education
  • future generalist practice
2. To provide opportunities for students to:
  • develop clinical skills for success in the 4th year
  • receive career advice and mentoring
  • broaden their knowledge base in primary care topics
  • explore personal interests
3. To address important issues in primary health care including:
  • care for the underserved
  • care for special populations such as elderly, adolescents and children
  • women’s health
  • international health
  • preventative health
  • mental health
4. To foster relationships between persons with common goals and values, the Primary Care College and the community
  • students and faculty
  • students and students
  • faculty and faculty