Medical and premedical students from across California will gather at the UC Riverside School of Medicine this Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, for the 2026 Unified California Community Health Conference (UCCHC), which is focused on advancing community health initiatives and collaboration among future physicians.
The student-run conference connects medical students, premedical students, community partners and residency programs to explore ways to improve health outcomes in communities across California.
“This conference is important because it keeps medical students across California connected to the communities we ultimately serve,” said Pamela Munoz, the vice president of UCCHC and a second-year medical student at the UCR SOM. “I hope attendees leave with new ideas for community health projects and meaningful connections so we can continue collaborating to serve our communities throughout our careers.”
Victor Cisneros, MD, MPH, the director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Health Outreach, GME, at the Eisenhower Medical Center will serve as Friday’s keynote speaker at the kickoff reception.
On Saturday, Lisa Fortuna, MD, MPH, professor and chair of the Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the UCR SOM, will serve as the keynote speaker. “The United California Community Health Conference brings together community leaders, clinicians, researchers, and students who share a commitment to improving health across California,” Fortuna said. “These conversations help inspire the next generation of health professionals while strengthening the partnerships that communities need to thrive."
The remainder of the day will include oral presentations, workshops, a residency fair, and a research symposium highlighting community health projects led by medical and graduate students.
Founded as a collaborative effort among medical students across California, UCCHC seeks to strengthen partnerships between academic medicine and community organizations while fostering the next generation of physicians committed to community health.
Registration for undergraduates is $40 and $60 for medical, graduate, and professional students and is open through March 14 at 10:30 am. More information can be found on the event website.
