Hey guys, it's great that someone started this thread because when I applied I was having a hard time finding specific information about the program. I am a current Prime student and would like to offer my help in clearing up any questions about the Prime program.
I won't be able to answer questions right away since I come on to SDN infrequently but I will try my hardest to answer as many questions as I can. However, I cannot and will not answer any questions on the interview process, admissions process, or even dates. The admissions committee is working their hardest to get through the applications and give everybody a fair chance so just have patience. What I can answer are questions about the program itself. Also what I say is from my experience only so take it with a grain of salt.
One issue that you guys might want to have cleared up is that there are three programs in Prime itself and I've included the number of students that were in the program from last year in parenthesis. I'm not sure how many spots there will be this year but you will have the opportunity to rank which Prime program you want to be in.
1. Prime Westwood (10) - take classes (year 1 & 2) with the rest of Geffen and do rotations (year 3 & 4) at the same sites as Geffen
2. Prime Drew (4) - take classes with Geffen and some rotations are different which are sites more focused in underserved communities. You are technically also in the Drew program and have to finish their requirements also.
3. Prime Riverside (4)- take classes at UCR with the Haider program and same rotations with Geffen.
With all the Prime programs, you will get an MD degree from David Geffen Medical School but you will have to get a masters (usually between your 3rd and 4th year) to fulfill the Prime requirement. You have many options: MPH, MPP, MS, MBA, etc. Basically any masters is possible as long as you can relate the masters to helping you become a leader in serving the disadvantaged. You can also do the masters at any school you want but you will have to apply to get in. There are a few other requirements for the Prime program but they are not as major as the masters requirement. This is a 5 year program. I hope this clears up some things for people. If not, feel free to ask questions on this thread.
Other than that, I would like to say that I am completely happy with my decision to come here and that I really love the Prime program and the people in it because they are some amazing folk. Good luck everybody!
