LEAD-PRIDE Program

LEAD-PRIDE is the first medical school program in the nation designed to specifically develop physician-leaders who will serve the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ communities.

Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

LEAD-PRIDE is the first mission-based program in the country to focus on training medical students to become skilled physician-leaders who are prepared to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community, address health inequities and amplify the voices of the vulnerable communities we serve.  

The program was founded in 2026 by Ronnie Rivera, MD, MSEd, and Cristobal Barrios, MD, with financial support from UniHealth Foundation and the UC Irvine School of Medicine’s Deans.  

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Program Overview
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Curriculum & Training
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Application Information
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Contact Us

Vision

To develop the next generation of physician-leaders who are committed to public service, social justice and advocacy within LGBTQ+ communities. 

Mission

To uplift and support medical students in their pre-clinical and clinical training years and beyond as they become medical professionals capable of caring for the LGBTQ+ community and mentoring future generations of physicians to follow in their footsteps.  

LEAD-PRIDE integrates UC Irvine School of Medicine’s standard medical curriculum with focused didactics, service learning and scholarly projects in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Supported by intensive mentoring, leadership training and personal reflection, graduates will gain the necessary skills to effect systemic change and address health disparities by delivering patient-centered, trauma-informed, sex-positive and culturally humble care to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Welcome from the Program Directors

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Read Their Message
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Meet Our Program Leadership

Our program leadership brings together educators, clinicians and advocates dedicated to improving LGBTQ+ health outcomes through education, mentorship and innovation.

Program Leadership