About Us

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Our Organization

UCSF Fresno focused on improving health in the San Joaquin Valley and Central California through teaching, patient care, research and community partnerships.

The mission of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research is to nurture the development of individuals to become health care professionals who will ultimately return to the San Joaquin Valley and provide culturally competent health care services to the medically underserved.

 

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Junior Doctors Academy

The Junior Doctors Academy is geared towards students in middle school to broaden their experience and exposure to the health careers. With early introductions to health careers, STEM activities and academic counseling and support, the goal is for students to develop a heart for healthcare and continue into the Doctors Academy to strengthn their committment. 

 

 

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Doctors Academy

The Doctors Academy is a  4-year school-within-a-school program designed for high school students interested in health professions. DA students receive rigorous accelerated classes that emphasize math, science, and writing, personal and professional development workshops, academic counseling and support services, parent empowerment workshops, lectures from medical or health practitioners, observership placements in medical or health settings), and summer school enrichment programs.

We aim to provide services to students with opportunities to explore health careers, strengthen critical thinking skills, and develop a college-bound mindset so they can become competitive applicants to health professional schools. Throughout the program, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the San Joaquin Valley's rich cultural diversity, as well as the importance of culturally and linguistically competent health care. 

 

Services

Academic Counseling and Support Services

The goal for academic counseling and support is to keep students on track for calloege and medical school acceptance. Academic Program Coodinators monitor grades during the academic year and regularly meet with students to help enforce positive study habits and goals.

Health Professional Guest Speakers

To enhance the health career exploration experience, guest speakers from all specialties are invited to share during the scheduled class sessions or at our annual conference. Speakers have been from allied health, community organizations, doctors and surgeons with varied backgrounds

Study Trips

Study trips to universities, colleges, and healthcare facilities are provided throughout the year to expose students to opportunities and programs available in California.

 

DA Research Course

This research course is for students in their juior year during the spring semester. Students engage and participate in lectures, activities and assignments to introduce them to APA style medical research and to enhance the students’ knowledge and critical analysis of health disparities, health politics, and global health. The culminating project is a research paper and presentation during the annual Research Symposium held in July.

DA Summer Health Career Mentorship

This 5-week experience occurs the summer between their junior and senior year of high school, students are matched with a health professional for mentoring and shadowing. This experience also includes workshops and guest speakers to do in-depth study of health professional careers, college readiness, social justice, and developing hands-on skills and/or certifications.

 

JDA Summer Experience

This 2-week program for students entering eighth grade focuses on STEM education. Activities have included understanding physics with rocket launches and fetal pig dissection.

College and Career Readiness

All grades participate in the following:

  • Health Professions Workshops to learn about the various career options in healthcare
  • Aspiring Scholar Workshops to exercise good study habits, professionalism and self advocacy
  • Medical Topics and Cultural Competency curriculum
  • PSAT/SAT Preparation (high school only)
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Freshman Transition 

All incoming freshman are guided through and in-depth look at the services available to them and curriculum of the program.

 

 

 

 

 

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