Family Medicine is rooted in the understanding that all things are connected: the health of an individual is connected to policies where they live, which is connected to the history of the people who made those policies, which is connected to how those people worked and learned and lived.
The health of a pancreas is connected to the way a family moves through the world, which is connected to the way they impact a community, which impacts the health of members of that community. Organ functions, personal experiences, cultural norms, policies, practices, all of it is interrelated. Family Medicine understands and centers this truth. As a result, we understand that our health and well-being are inextricably bound to the health and well-being of all.
Our Approach
At UCSF Family & Community Medicine, we believe that the highest quality care grows from inclusive practices and strong relationships with patients and communities. Guided by the core values of trust, continuity, whole-person care, compassion, and community responsiveness, we strive to prepare physicians who are attuned to the diverse experiences that shape health and well-being.
We recognize that health outcomes are deeply connected to social, economic, environmental, and historical factors. Our department is committed to fostering a professional and educational environment that values all individuals, promotes fairness, and addresses barriers to care.
Educational Philosophy
We are committed to building a learning culture where every voice—patients, residents, staff, and faculty—is respected. Our teaching emphasizes collaborative learning, shared decision-making, and responsiveness to the lived experiences of our patients and communities. We work to ensure that every member of our department—faculty, residents, staff, and patients—contributes to a supportive environment free from discrimination.
Curriculum
We offer a structured, longitudinal curriculum that explores healthcare disparities, access to care, and the impact of social and structural factors on health outcomes. This curriculum encourages critical reflection and equips residents and faculty with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, equitable care for all patients.
Community Dialogue
Our department holds regular forums where faculty, staff, and residents meet to engage in dialogue, learning, and action planning focused on improving inclusiveness and health equity.
Patient Population
We proudly serve a diverse patient community, working closely with individuals and families across a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our commitment is to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care centered on the needs of the communities we serve.
Resident Class Composition
Our residency program uses a holistic review process that values applicants’ resilience, commitment to service, and readiness to engage with medically, economically, and educationally disadvantaged populations. We encourage individuals who have faced systemic barriers or who come from first-generation college backgrounds, low-income communities, or medically underserved areas to apply. We welcome applications from all individuals who believe they can contribute to and benefit from our program.
Faculty Composition
We recognize that mentorship and diverse perspectives strengthen education. While continuing to expand our faculty, we are proud of the community we have built, grounded in mutual respect and shared commitment to patient-centered care.
The resident diversity committee is a resident-led body that is supported by a $5000 annual budget from the residency. This committee sets priorities and structures according to the needs of its members. Residency leadership works closely with the committee on resident recruitment and redesigning residency systems.
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