This summer, our rising senior Doctors Academy students engaged in hands-on training, interactive simulations, and professional development activities designed to prepare them for both their final year of high school and future careers in healthcare. Over the course of six unique sessions, they connected with healthcare providers, practiced real-world clinical skills, and explored multiple medical fields. In addition, students received Narcan training, completed Teen Mental Health First Aid, and shadowed a healthcare provider for 10 hours each week over five weeks.
June 12 | Kick Off Day
The summer journey began with a focus on professionalism, confidence, and preparation. Students practiced networking, professional handshakes, and learned what it takes to make a strong first impression as they prepare for their senior year and beyond.
UCSF Fresno Family Medicine resident and founder of Application Architect, Dr. Darlene Diep, encouraged students to start preparing now to become competitive college applicants, reminding them that success doesn't begin senior year—it begins with the choices they make today.
June 15 | Samuel Merrit University
Learning came to life at Samuel Merritt University as accelerated nursing students led interactive stations on hygiene, nutrition, skin care, mental health, and more. Through hands-on activities, Doctors Academy students explored healthy living while experiencing the power of peer-to-peer learning.
The day highlighted how today's nursing students are preparing to educate and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
June 22 | UCSF Fresno Family Medicine Day
Students stepped into the world of Family Medicine through immersive experiences that showcased the breadth of primary care. From childbirth simulations and joint injections to preventive medicine and harm reduction, they explored how physicians care for patients through every stage of life.
The experience offered a deeper appreciation for the relationships, compassion, and versatility that define family medicine.
June 29 | UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine and Surgery Day + Narcan Training
The pace picked up as students entered the fast-moving world of emergency medicine and surgery. Through mock codes, intubation, ultrasound, patient backboarding, and emergency simulations, they experienced the teamwork and quick decision-making required in critical situations.
Students also completed Narcan training, gaining practical knowledge about responding to opioid overdoses and the important role healthcare providers play in saving lives within their communities.
July 6 | California Health Sciences University – College of Osteopathic Medicine Day
At California Health Sciences University, students discovered osteopathic medicine through hands-on learning and innovative technology. They explored anatomy using augmented reality, participated in clinical simulations, and learned osteopathic principles that emphasize treating the whole person.
The day came full circle as a Doctors Academy alum shared their journey from high school student to future physician, inspiring students to imagine where their own path may lead.
July 13 | Conclusion
The final class celebrated the power of mentorship and lifelong learning. Dr. Elizabeth Black, a UCSF Fresno pediatric subspecialist, shared how mentors helped shape her journey into medicine and encouraged students to invest in the relationships that will guide their own futures.
Students also learned alongside UCSF Fresno SJV PRIME medical students, who led hands-on clinical workshops while strengthening their own teaching skills. It was a fitting reminder that every healthcare professional is both a lifelong learner and an educator.
View video highlights of the summer program:
Thank You to Our Partners
This summer, more than 60 physicians, nurses, residents, medical students, and healthcare professionals generously shared their time, expertise, and passion with Doctors Academy students. Through mentorship, shadowing, simulations, and hands-on learning, they helped students see what is possible while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Their investment created experiences that will leave a lasting impact long after the summer ends. Thank you for believing in our students and helping shape the future of healthcare in the San Joaquin Valley.
UCSF Fresno Faculty
Adventist Health
Clovis Pediatric Group
Community Regional Medical Center
Costanzo Orthodontics
DeMera Allergy Asthma & ENT Center
Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission
Fresno Dental Surgery Center
Fresno Surgical Hospital
Innovative Minds
Inspire Health Medical Group
Kaiser Permanente
MixMed Compounding Pharmacy
Robert Pauline Hands On Physical Therapy
Sierra Pacific Orthopedics
South County Animal Hospital
Toribio Psychological Services
United Health Centers
In the News
UCSF Fresno graduate gives back to Doctor's Academy as mentor and future faculty (ABC30)
Student Voices
Quotes from our students reflecting on their summer experience, what inspired them most, and how this program shaped their vision for the future.
I am very grateful for this opportunity and truly enjoyed every minute of my mentorship experience. It gave me valuable insight into what a career in pediatrics is really like and helped me realize that it is something I may want to pursue in the future. I also gained a better understanding of the medical and healthcare field as a whole and learned so much throughout the experience. I am thankful for everything my mentor taught me and for the time they invested in helping me grow. Caruthers Student (Placement: UCSF Fresno Pediatrics Team)
Shadowing a dentist was an incredibly valuable experience because it allowed me to see firsthand what a typical day in the profession looks like. I gained a better understanding of patient care, clinical procedures, and the responsibilities of a dentist. My mentor took the time to explain treatments, answer my questions, and share educational insights that deepened my interest in dentistry. Sunnyside Student (Placement: Dental Office)
It was an amazing experience and my mentors in the clinic were great people. I got exposed to the workload of others and see how its managed. Caruthers Student (Placement: Adventist Health)
I overall loved how I got to see a lot of patient care and interactions while also seeing the behind the scenes of what being a doctor is like. Sunnyside Student (Placement: Community Regional Medical Center)