Garamendi plan worth a look

Proposal would fast-track med school planned for UC Merced.

Fresno Bee Editorial
Friday, Jan. 09, 2009

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has offered an intriguing proposal to fast-track the medical school planned for the University of California at Merced. Garamendi's option may make sense because the UC administration is considering a slowdown of the planning for the medical school because of the economic downturn.

Proposed UC-Merced medical school aims to boost ranks of rural doctors

By Lisa M. Krieger

Mercury News
San Jose Mercury News
January 6, 2009
 
 
State Lt. Governor John Garamendi is proposing an ambitious fast-track medical school at University of California-Merced in an effort to create more doctors for the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most physician-poor regions in the state.

In a combined college/MD program, entering freshmen could shave up to three years off the time it takes to become a doctor. The cost would be only slightly higher than that of attending a traditional UC, said Garamendi.

"A new school has an opportunity to play a profoundly important role in meeting the health care needs of the San Joaquin Valley, and can be done in a way that is not expensive,'' said Garamendi. He will unveil his plan at a Thursday evening news conference in Fresno.

Entering freshmen — recruited from San Joaquin Valley high schools, with family ties to the region — would study at UC-Merced and local community colleges, then train in existing medical centers and clinics, instead of at a pricey research-oriented hospital.

They would be encouraged to train as primary care physicians and learn the challenges of practicing medicine in this vast region, where 130 languages are spoken and many residents suffer from chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory ailments from dust, diesel-burning farm equipment and wood-burning stoves.

Because his plan would use existing facilities, it could be started in a hurry, he said. He aims to see the first freshman class start in fall 2010.

Lt. Governor John Garamendi’s Issues Statement Commemorating Kwanzaa

                                                                            
"Today, December 26, 2008, millions of Africans around the world will begin their celebration of Kwanzaa.  This seven-day celebration reinforces the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles which affirm family, community and culture.  The principles at the heart of the Kwanzaa celebration are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.  These principles serve as vital tools in building hope and opportunity in our communities across the world.

"Today, we have a re-invigorated sense of hope and promise in America.  A hope rooted in the belief that our great diversity can unite, not divide, our country and our world.  Throughout this joyful and energetic celebration of Kwanzaa, let us all reflect on and appreciate these values which are integral to African culture and to mankind as a whole. Let us take this opportunity to renew our commitments to enhancing our communities, and pursue social justice and let us continue in our collaborative work to make good and peace more prevalent in the world. 
"Happy Kwanzaa!"

Lt. Governor John Garamendi’s Statement Wishing Californians a Happy Chanukah

SACRAMENTO – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi issued the following statement on the first day of Chanukah, the Jewish holiday that started at sun down on Sunday night and will end at sun down on December 29.

"In these tough economic times, Chanukah is a time to be with family and friends. It is a time to think about the Jewish value and practice of tzedakah which means righteousness and giving. There are so many Californians without work or a home who need food, clothing and other donations,” Lieutenant John Garamendi said. “I agree with Jewish leaders around the state of California encouraging families to limit their gift giving during the Festival of Lights and create new ways to make the eight nights special.”