In additon to the health career mentorship, students also participated in skills building, health topics, simulation and discussions to prepare for their educational journeys by exploring personal development topics such as perseverance, humility, imposter syndrome, and mentoring.
Week One
Doctors Academy students kickoff the first day of the Summer Experience! Students receive their ticket to a life changing experience through a facility clearance badge. Students learned about what is expected of them, then Caruthers and Sunnyside High School students met each other playing get to know you Bingo. Students practiced 21st Century Skills by collaborating and creating skits. Students also kicked off their teen Mental Health Training and their small group book study.
Week Two
Fresno City College Nursing Faculty hosted Doctors Academy students in the beautiful and historic Old Administration Building. They provided skills station to learn about breath sounds, mobility tools and hand hygiene. UCSF Fresno Mobile HeaL joined the day to share about their work in the community.
Week Three
UCSF Fresno Family Medicine faculty, residents and SJV PRIME medical students introduce skills for the students to explore. Students were introduced to and practiced taking vital signs on each other. Faculty shared the importance of health screening specifically pap smears that students had the opportunity to practice. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a simulated birth with the high fidelity manikin. Dr. Milianes shared an engaging presentation about “The Art of Observation”, so they students can practice thinking like a doctor.
Week Four
Dr. Eckroth Bernard and ASPIRE students taught the Doctors Academy students how to suture. DA students also had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Ward, Detective Dean, and Substance Use Navigators from CRMC and St. Agnes about the dangers of opioids such as Fentanyl and were trained on the use of Narcan, the naloxone nasal spray.
Week Five
Students had a spectacular time exploring skills and interacting with UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine faculty, residents and medical students. Students placed IVs, used ultrasound to identify concerns, intubated and ran through a mock code.
Thank you to all the hospitals and clinics that allowed Doctors Academy students to shadow and observe:
- UCSF Fresno Faculty
- Adventist Health (Caruthers, Hanford, Kerman, Riverdale, Selma)
- Central California Faculty Medical Group
- Clovis Pediatric Group
- Community Medical Providers
- Community Health Systems
- Costanzo Orthodontics
- Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission
- Fresno Geriatric Medical Group
- Minarets Medical Group
- Pain Solutions
- Robert Pauline Physical Therapy
- South County Animal Hospital
- Toribio Psychological Services
- University Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists
- University Orthopaedic Associates
- Valley Children's Hospital
UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy looks forward to summer 2024!
Student Feedback
"The shadowing/mentoring experience has been invaluable to me. It has provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of someone more experienced. The insights and knowledge shared during the process have enriched my understanding and expanded my skill set. Moreover, being mentored has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to explore new possibilities and take on challenges. The support and guidance I received have played a crucial role in my personal and professional development. Overall, the shadowing/mentoring experience has been a transformative journey, shaping my perspective and laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors." Sunnyside Student
"The shadowing/mentoring experience was definitely a great opportunity to be apart of. I was able to develop a large understanding of what it means to work in health care." Caruthers Student
"Leaving the hospital, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to spend the day with such an exceptional mentor. The experience has deepened my understanding of medicine, reinforced my passion, and instilled a sense of purpose. Inspired by Dr. Nelson's, compassion, and dedication, I am more determined than ever to follow Dr. Nelson's footsteps and make a positive impact on the lives of future patients." Sunnyside Student
"This shadowing experience was a great opportunity for me to see the daily life a physician. It was super educational, I learned so much and gained new inspiration to pursue a health care career. My mentors were such wonderful people I'm so glad to have worked with them!" Caruthers Student
"Shadowing in Family Medicine at Community Regional Medical Center has meant a great deal to me. It has been an invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of being a part of the medical team. The experience has provided me with a deep appreciation for the comprehensive and patient-centered approach that Family Medicine practitioners bring to their practice. Through shadowing, I have had the privilege of observing the interactions between healthcare professionals and patients, witnessing the compassion and empathy they demonstrate in providing care. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of building strong doctor-patient relationships based on trust and open communication. Their mentorship has not only expanded my medical knowledge but has also provided valuable advice on career paths, work-life balance, and the challenges that lie ahead in the field." Sunnyside Student
"The mentornship experience was great I really enjoyed it. It was a much-needed experience, and it really assured me that physical therapy is the career I want to pursue in the future. Everyone was so welcoming and nice, and working with patients and connecting with them was so rewarding and it made going everyday worth it." Caruthers Student