chemistry, or public health. The medical school portion emphasizes not only advanced medical knowledge but also the development of skills necessary for providing care in underserved and rural communities, particularly in the central valley. These courses address the unique healthcare needs of the Central Valley's residents, including agricultural workers, immigrant populations, and low-income families. Students in the program study the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers, such as workforce shortages, limited healthcare access, and the higher prevalence of certain diseases in agricultural communities as well as preventative care for these issues.
=== Rankings ===
UC Merced was ranked 58th (tie) in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings of "Best National Universities" (out of a total of 436 national universities included in the rankings). In the same 2025 rankings, UC Merced was also ranked 26th (tie) in the category of "Top Public Schools", ranked 3rd (tie) in "Top Performers on Social Mobility", …
