Addressing the Healthcare Crisis in the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire is facing a severe physician shortage, with only 34.5 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents, a rate far below the national average (Reach Out Report, 2018). Some communities have just one doctor for every 9,000 patients, making access to quality healthcare increasingly difficult. This growing disparity underscores the urgent need to inspire and guide local students toward careers in medicine.

Barriers to Medical Education

For many students, pursuing a medical career feels out of reach due to a lack of resources and guidance. In the Inland Empire, only 48% of high school students complete the A-G coursework required for admission to California’s public universities—lower than the 52% statewide average (Inland Empire GIA). Without adequate academic preparation, fewer students can enter pre-med pathways, limiting the number of future healthcare professionals in the region.

Why Mentorship Matters

By 2030, the Inland Empire is projected to face significant college enrollment shortfalls, potentially leaving thousands of students without access to higher education (Reach Out Report, 2018). This challenge disproportionately affects low-income and underrepresented students, making mentorship an essential tool in bridging the gap for those who aspire to enter medicine but lack the support to navigate the path.

Our Mission: Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals

Med Mentor Community was created to provide accessible, structured mentorship for high school students interested in medicine. By connecting students with undergraduate mentors, we help them:

• Discover diverse medical careers and specialties.
• Navigate pre-med coursework and requirements.
• Gain exposure to extracurriculars, research, and clinical experience.
• Build a strong foundation for college applications and medical school preparation.

Our Core Values: Building a Supportive Community

At Med Mentor Community, we believe that success in medicine starts with a strong community. Our mentorship program is built on these core values:

• Relatability: Our mentors have firsthand experience navigating the pre-med journey and understand the challenges students face.
• Support: We believe every student deserves guidance, encouragement, and access to essential resources.
• Accessibility: Medical career mentorship should be available to all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.
• Community: We create a network of students and mentors who support and uplift one another.
• Empowerment: We equip students with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to take control of their futures.
• Growth: We foster academic, personal, and professional development to help students become well-rounded, compassionate future healthcare professionals.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Programs like UC Riverside School of Medicine focus on recruiting and training local students to address regional healthcare shortages (UCOP Report, 2021). Med Mentor Community complements this mission by ensuring that students have the guidance and resources they need to successfully enter and thrive in medical careers. By investing in aspiring healthcare professionals now, we are working toward a stronger, healthier future for the Inland Empire.

Join us in making a lasting impact—one student at a time.