AB 1591: California Podiatric Pipeline Program.

The bill aims to promote careers in podiatric medicine by establishing a pipeline program for California residents. The program will provide comprehensive academic enrichment, career development, mentorship, and advising to support students from underrepresented regions and backgrounds in pursuing a doctor of podiatric medicine degree. The program will be administered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, which may use funds from the existing Health Professions Education Fund for its purposes. The department will also award planning or coordination grants to participating universities or colleges to support program implementation. The program's goals include increasing the number of podiatric medicine graduates and expanding residency opportunities for podiatric graduates. The department will annually report to the legislature on program participation, matriculation r…