February 6,
2025By Physicians for a Healthy California CalMedForce
Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), the charitable arm of the California Medical Association, today announced over $30,000 in MedStudentsServe awards to support medical student projects across the state that will enhance the health and well-being of California’s communities.
The 13 medical student organizations and groups awarded in this cycle will support projects ranging from mobile clinics providing critical care to underserved communities, vision screenings for the unhoused, trauma-informed services for survivors of violence, and preventative health fairs tackling chronic disease, to initiatives improving indigenous health literacy and humanitarian aid.
The MedStudentsServe program aims to develop the next generation of California’s physician leaders. The funds are a part of a program administered by PHC and funded through endowment and restricted funds, which fund medical students or student organizations that support educational, advocacy, community service and outreach programs that enhance the health and well-being of California’s communities.
Among this year’s awardees are:
Student-Run Free Eye Clinic (California Northstate University College of Medicine)
This initiative provides free vision screenings and ophthalmic materials to medically underserved communities in the Greater Sacramento area. Focusing on BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ populations, immigrants, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness, the project offers comprehensive eye exams and glasses, blood pressure checks, and educational materials. By reducing barriers to essential eye care, this program improves health outcomes and supports marginalized groups with culturally competent services.
La Cosecha Health Fair (David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA)
La Cosecha’s health fair addresses the critical health care needs of California farmworkers, a vulnerable and underserved population. Building on last year’s success, which served 300 individuals, the 2025 event will offer expanded services, including indigenous language translators, skin cancer education and preventive screenings. Through partnerships with community organizations, La Cosecha breaks barriers to care, fostering health, safety, and well-being for farmworkers and their families.
Doctor Buddies (University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine)
This impactful program helps neurodivergent children reduce anxiety around medical visits by simulating safe, supportive health care interactions. Children practice using medical tools and communicating about exams, while medical students gain valuable experience providing tailored, compassionate care. By fostering understanding and preparing both patients and providers, Doctor Buddies promotes equitable, non-traumatic health care.
For a full list of this cycle’s awardees and their projects, click here.