GME Pathways to California Convening Summary 2026

We’re excited to share the summary from our recent convening, as part of the California Medicine Coalition's 3-part Back to California convening series. This event brought together leaders and key partners in healthcare, medical education and workforce to examine data findings from our research and consider implications for improving the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) to Graduate Medical Education (GME) path. Through presentations, data, and discussion, participants explored strategies for how the state, institutions and programs can optimally support diverse Californians to sustainably pursue primary care residencies and ultimately long-term practice in service to medically underserved communities.

Download Convening Summary

Read the full convening summary: here

Key Convening Presentations

  • Landscape and Initiatives (Health Management Associates): Mapping highlights indicate that PC+ GME programs are inadequately represented in areas with high concentrations of Black and Latine residents. Emphasized the need for holistic pipeline programs, longitudinal support, and centralized state-level data.

  • Student Perspectives (InterEthnica): A survey of Black and Latine medical students found they are mission-driven but have concerns regarding pay, prestige, and high costs of living. Mentorship and a clear pathway back to California are crucial for recruitment.

  • The Match (National Resident Matching Program): Analysis of 2022–2026 data shows that while California GME positions have grown, a significant percentage of California applicants prefer and match with out-of-state PC+ programs.

Session Videos

Session 1: California’s Primary Care+ Landscape and Lessons for Strengthening GME from Other States and Regional Initiatives

Session 2: Medical School Student Perspectives on Considering Primary Care Training in California

Session 3: Unpacking the Match and California’s Data with the National Residence Matching Program

Session Videos

Session 1: California’s Primary Care+ Landscape and Lessons for Strengthening GME from Other States and Regional Initiatives

Session 2: Medical School Student Perspectives on Considering Primary Care Training in California

Session 3: Unpacking the Match and California’s Data with the National Residence Matching Program