Our Community

Santa Cruz County comprises urban, suburban and rural communities. Often on “Best Places to Live” lists, it is also historically one of the most socioeconomically, ethnically, religiously and gender diverse counties in California. Its beaches, mountains and redwoods provide an inspiring environment of natural beauty to sustain the soul. Located 30 miles from Silicon Valley, it shares the creative energy and affords a cosmopolitan culture. The presence of UC Santa Cruz’s healthcare pipeline programs and Cabrillo College’s world class nursing program create a local academic environment, making the founding of our residency an expected next step for our community. The South County (Watsonville) is predominately Latinx with a large farmworker population (75% of patients served by Salud Para La Gente, for example, are non-English speaking) affording training in bilingual, bicultural competence.

In our residency program, your education is enriched by the opportunity to serve this wide-ranging population, including the most in need. Truly, our program is a testament that ‘global health is local health’.

Meeting the Needs of the Community

In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values, our program seeks to be an integral part of our community members beyond their visits to the Family Medicine Center and Hospital. In an effort to impact the health of these individuals, residents participate in Community Medicine Outreach Programs catering to the needs of local school children, the elderly and those who would otherwise be without care. It is our focus on community-oriented primary care that guides the resident experience in preparation to ‘make a difference’ for the community you serve upon graduation.

Santa Cruz Area Places of Interest

City of Santa Cruz Official Site: Official website of the City of Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce: Since 1889, the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce has been committed to promoting the economic vitality and prosperity of Santa Cruz County.

Visit Santa Cruz County: Find your flow and follow it to Santa Cruz! Come enjoy our Santa Cruz beaches, redwood forests, cuisine, recreation, wine history…

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Voted the ‘World’s Best Seaside Park’

Visit California: 5 Amazing Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Harbor: Gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Lookout: news website dedicated to serving the community of Santa Cruz County with deep, nonpartisan reporting

Edible Monterey: mission is to celebrate the local food cultures of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season

Event Santa Cruz: monthly happenings that showcases thriving local businesses and the people behind them

Santa Cruz Good Times: Santa Cruz County's premier weekly newspaper since 1975

Growing Up Santa Cruz: community centered newspaper that will support families in Santa Cruz County in their endeavor to raise healthy and happy children

Watsonville & Pajaro Valley: Strawberry fields and apple orchards provide a gorgeous backdrop that welcomes visitors. The Pajaro Valley – which can be seen from the summit of Mount Madonna – includes the communities of Corralitos, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Pajaro, Royal Oaks, Pajaro Dunes and Watsonville.

Instagram Handles

@growingupinsantacruz

@beachboardwalk