Huwighurruk Tribal Health
Post-baccalaureate Program

Huwighurruk is a health education pathway for learners who are passionate about becoming physicians and are focused on serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Huwighurruk is designed to empower participants as they navigate their path to medicine. The program will provide a culturally focused framework, intertwined with academic rigor, to successfully recruit and retain prospective medical students focused on serving AI/AN tribes and communities within rural and urban areas. If requirements are met, students will have an agreement for acceptance into UC Davis School of Medicine and the Tribal Health PRIME Pathway the following academic year. This conditional acceptance to UC Davis School of Medicine requires the following: 

  • Maintain a 3.7 GPA or higher for the duration of the program.

  • An MCAT score of 499 or higher.

  • Completion of UC Davis School of Medicine prerequisite requirements

  • A letter of completion and recommendation from the program director(s), which outlines academic readiness for medical school.

In the Wiyot language, huwighurruk means plants, grass, leaves, and medicine. Our Huwighurruk scholars will be immersed in a culturally-focused framework intertwined with courses at Cal Poly Humboldt. Our mission is to successfully recruit, retain, and train prospective medical students focused on serving American Indian/Alaska Native tribes and communities in both rural and urban areas.

Program Highlights

  • Tuition: After completion of the FAFSA, educational fees will be covered as listed on Cal Poly Humboldt’s Tuition and Cost website: https://www.humboldt.edu/cost

  • Stipend: Students are eligible for a stipend to help offset living and program costs, especially as students focus on MCAT preparation.

  • Housing: For students utilizing program-provided on-campus residences, the Huwighurruk program will cover housing fees as resources are available. For students utilizing external housing, the program can assist with connections to other supportive resources.

  • Conditional Acceptance into Medical School: Huwighurruk students are accepted into UC Davis School of Medicine and the Tribal Health PRIME Pathway on the following conditions:

    • Successful completion of the Huwighurruk program with a 3.7 GPA or higher during program period

    • An MCAT score of 499 or higher

    • Completion of UC Davis School of Medicine prerequisite courses

    • A letter of completion and recommendation from the Huwighurruk program director(s) outlining academic readiness for the rigor of medical school

Questions? Contact us at tribalhealth@ucdavis.edu