Value-Based Medical Student Education Training Program - The Investigators, who are primary care doctors and faculty at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, plan to create a new educational program for medical students. Students will learn about primary care through classroom lessons (component 1) and hands-on training in underserved communities (component 2) in the course of a year. Each student will receive long-term mentoring from a primary care doctor (component 3) until graduation to a residency program. This program will be studied for efficiency and effectiveness to become a model for other medical schools aiming to tackle the shortage of primary care doctors across the United States through focused student education. By providing intensive education in caring for the underserved, cultural sensitivity, types of primary care practices, financial aid, advocacy, quality improvement, and leadership, the program aims to increase the expertise of the future medical school graduates in becoming the leaders of tomorrow primary care, working intensively for every person have access to high quality medical care. By providing hands-on training in various models of primary care, with a focus on the underserved, our program aims to provide various practice options to ensure that one of them will match the student interest and chose it for their career. By providing one-on-one mentoring, the program aims to increase students' interest in emulating the primary care physicians serving the underserved in the physician shortage areas. Medical students can choose whether or not to join this program—it's optional. Those who participate will receive stipends to encourage them to join and stay involved. Most of our students participate in free medical care thought out their education, and therefore this program aligns with their interest. The program is practical because the organizers have experience in creating and running programs, especially in primary care for underserved communities and educational trials. They are also currently in charge of the medical school's academic program. The University has a longstanding commitment to working with community institutions that serve populations in need, showing dedication to both patient care and education The investigators will regularly gather feedback from students to improve the educational program and make it as effective and efficient as possible. By the end of the funding period, our goal is to have a well-refined program that effectively increases the number of primary care doctors practicing in physician shortage areas in Florida and other underserved areas. We will share the students' progress data with relevant stakeholders and professional community to ensure the program's long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. Priority 2: Funding preferences: Public-Private Partnership. We are requesting funding preference number 2 for public-private partnership. The University of Central Florida (public institution) is partnering with the following private institution for this project: True Health, Grace Medical Home, Oviedo Family Health Center, Express Family Clinic (Letters of agreement in Attachment 8). Needs/priorities addressed: The UCF College of Medicine is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and educates medical students across Florida. Much of Florida's underserved population lacks adequate access to primary care. Additionally, there is a significant need for more primary care physicians in the region for all people. Population to be served: This proposal aims to significantly enhance the availability of highly skilled primary care providers practicing in Florida and across various healthcare settings in the US, where our medical graduates will serve as physicians. This initiative promises to elevate the standard of care for underserved populations and all patients throughout the United States.
