 |
|
Outreach Programs
Because our patients represent many diverse populations, UC Irvine's School of Medicine is committed to creating a health workforce that reflects and is responsive to the communities we serve.
We believe in galvanizing a diverse health provider pipeline that supports dedicated individuals from their earliest years in school until they see their last patient after a long and satisfying career in medicine. This work is a mission for a significant number of our medical students, residents and faculty members.
Casting a wide net
We reach out to thousands of students in middle school, high school and college each year who may be interested in a medical career. We also have an active and ongoing presence at schools locally as well as at national meetings.
The School of Medicine plays host to thousands of students annually for hands-on training in how to be a doctor. A new initiative, Open Medical School, is a series of Saturday events that will allow us to showcase the latest innovations in medical education.
Keeping kids inspired
Open Medical School draw new students with an interest in health careers. It also will enable us to reconnect with students we already know, and to continue efforts to motivate them and keep them on the path to medical school and beyond.
By going into communities, hosting students on our campus and showing them the realities of medical training, and mentoring students throughout medical school, our passionate team at UC Irvine is building a more diverse health workforce that is responsive to our growing and changing communities.
Open Medical School (OMS) is a free in-person event hosted every Fall and Winter Quarter at the UCI School of Medicine. This event aims to support college students on their journey to medical school. Supported by UCI School of Medicine community members, including medical students, faculty, and staff, OMS features informational sessions and experiential workshops, including hands-on learning, personal statement writing, and mock interviews. Sessions are intentionally structured to provide relevant information on the medical school admissions process and life in medical school and residency.
Registration link: https://bit.ly/UCIOMS2023
One of the many ways we work to build a more diverse health workforce is by creating direct relationships with schools, especially in underserved communities.
School of Medicine faculty members and medical student groups have long-standing partnerships with a variety of schools, to provide mentorship and role models from elementary school through community college.
For example, our Doctors for Diversity (D4D) and UC Irvine members of of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) work closely with several schools, including:
- Bryant Elementary School in Long Beach
- Jefferson Leadership Academy Middle School in Long Beach
- Middle College High School on the campus of Santa Ana College
Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) at UC Irvine is an organization dedicated to helping individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in a healthcare field.
Student members are able to interact with a wide variety of healthcare professionals, including but not limited to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry.
MAPS prepares and equips students with invaluable resources, knowledge and friendships. Students learn directly from counselors, admissions experts and outreach personnel on what certain programs seek in an applicant.
In summary, MAPS strives to provide its members with everything they need to become a well-rounded applicant and matriculate to the school of their choice.
UC Irvine School of Medicine's Postbaccalaureate Program is designed to assist disadvantaged applicants in gaining acceptance to medical school, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of physicians in underserved communities.
The program has placed more than 88 percent of its participants in a U.S. medical school.
Students accepted to the program are provided with a supportive environment aimed at:
- Strengthening learning skills
- Demonstrating proficiency in the sciences
- Preparing for the MCAT exam
- Becoming a competitive applicant who successfully gains admission to medical school
Learn more about our postbaccalaureate program and who may be eligible ›