Transforming the Future of Medical Education at UCR School of Medicine
Since 2013, the UC Riverside School of Medicine has been driven by a powerful mission: to improve the health of the underserved people of Inland Southern California and to prepare our students to become exceptional physicians dedicated to serving their patients and communities.
As the field of medicine continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, so too must the way we educate the next generation of physicians. To ensure our students are not only prepared for today’s healthcare landscape but also ready to lead in tomorrow’s, we are re-imagining our curriculum to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Beginning in 2027, UCR School of Medicine will launch an enhanced, forward-looking curriculum designed to equip students for real-world impact. Rooted in the four pillars of medicine – the basic sciences, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, and health systems sciences - this enriched curriculum reflects our commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence in medical education.
We are aligning our program with the latest research, evolving healthcare needs, and evidence-based practices to ensure every UCR medical student graduates ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and communities.
Some of these transformative elements are already being piloted, while others are under active development. Together, they represent an exciting new chapter in UCR SOM’s ongoing mission to shape the future of healthcare in Inland Southern California and beyond.
Learn About the Enhanced Curriculum Schedule
By enriching our curriculum, we not only elevate the learning experience, we shape the future of healthcare.
Curricular Enhancement Timeline
The enhanced curriculum will go live in June 2027 but it has been in development since 2023.
- Vision Phase begins: A Vision Curriculum Team was formed - early 2025 thru April 2025
- The Vision Curriculum Team delivered the overarching framework for the enhanced program at the UCR SOM Thought Leaders' Retreat - May 28, 2025
- The Vision Management Team completed the operational guidelines for Curricular Enhancement Design Teams - July 2025
- Design Phase begins: 13 design teams are formed to devise the critical components of the enhanced curriculum - August 2025 to May 2026
- Thought Leaders' Retreat to update the UCR SOM community of the progress and products - Spring 2026
- Implementation Phase begins: Continued piloting of initiatives and use of feedback to make expected adjustments - June 2026 to May 2027
- Curriculum goes live - June 2027
The Vision Management Team serves as the coordinating and managing body for the longitudinal enhancement process, providing regular updates to the Medical Education Committee (MEC), department chairs, the Dean, students and the UCR SOM community through June 2027.
What Does This Mean for Current and Future Students
Our current students are getting a great education and will also benefit from this enhancement program as the components are ready for early roll out.
In the end, all of our graduates will enter their residencies with strong knowledge, clinical skills, and professional values and be prepared to enter the healthcare workforce ready to adapt to new discoveries, emerging technologies and evolving healthcare systems.
We will continuously update our content, introducing innovations in teaching to strengthen student performance and to surpass board requirements. Our students will develop a commitment to lifelong learning, helping to become patient-centered leaders who sustain excellence throughout their careers.
The UCR School of Medicine will continue to strengthen the healthcare workforce of Inland Southern California by advancing equity, improving outcomes and building healthier communities for generations to come.
Early Initiatives Already Underway
- Biostatics / Epidemiology module.
- Evidence-based medicine.
- Value-based care.
- LGBTQIA+ health sessions.
- Enhanced clinical reasoning sessions.
- Redesigned Y1 - Y4 start of year orientations and Y1, Y2 midyear check-ins.
- Redesigned Block 10: USMLE Step 1 Review Course.
- Student scholarly activities and research curriculum.
- Piloting of select sessions from Designated Emphasis Programs to benefit all students.
Student Involvement Opportunities
As we continue to develop the enhanced curriculum, there will be opportunities for students to contribute to the process. Some current examples:
- Faculty-led / student-assisted curriculum exploratory groups.
- Lifestyle medicine and nutrition.
- Gender-based medicine.
- LGBTQIA+ health.
- Student evaluations of new sessions.
- Pilot Pioneer Program: Enables students to volunteer to participate in pilot sessions and provide feedback.
- Community campaign to name the enhanced curriculum.
- Students participating on Curriculum Enhancement Design Teams.
If you are interested in participating, please look out for online announcements of upcoming opportunities.