Diversity Hub

We in the department of Neurosurgery are working in partnership with the non-profit organization Oasis for Girls to offer paid internship programs for underserved high school female youth of color (ages 14-18) to expose them to medical and healthcare professional careers with mentorship, career path exploration, and professional development through hospital rotations in labs, the OR, and other academic or healthcare locations, with research projects, presentations, and interactive activities. We accept a group of 15-18 youth per cycle with 3 application / intern cycles per year. We are expanding our programs to reach other demographics (e.g. young Black males, LGBTQ+ youth, college pre-med students). Altogether these programs are housed under the title Neurosurgery Community Internship Programs (NCIP).

This year-long, structured program is designed for first time applicants who believe they need additional preparation in order to be competitive applicants and for previously unsuccessful applicants to dental school. The program are especially interested in individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, underserved communities and/or from groups traditionally underrepresented in the profession. The comprehensive program is designed to help participants become more competitive dental school applicants in a future admission cycle, and consists of the following key elements; (1) Mentoring and academic advising; (2) A full year of upper division science course work through the University of California, Berkeley Extension; (3) Assistance with the dental school application process; (4) Academic and learning skills development; (5) Intensive DAT review course; (6) Faculty mentoring; and (7) Interprofessional collaboration with the Medical and Pharmacy post-baccalaureate programs.

The ADA Foundation Dr. David Whiston Leadership Program annually provides two $5,000 awards - the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award and the Henry Schein Cares Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award - to deserving individuals who have demonstrated leadership skills in efforts aimed at improving the oral health of the public. The award funds are designed to cover the costs associated with attending a leadership development program offered by the American Management Association.

The Fresno County Medical Society Scholarship Foundation is an incorporated entity (501 (c) (3) of the Fresno-Madera Medical Society, created to administer a perpetual and revolving scholarship fund for deserving medical students of Fresno and Madera counties. The Scholarship Foundation was made possible by the excess funds realized from the Sabin Oral Polio Sunday Clinics in 1962-63. With the efforts of the citizens of both counties, these clinics were organized and sponsored by Fresno-Madera Medical Society to immunize the population of Fresno and Madera counties against poliomyelitis. Throughout the years, additional funds have been generated through contributions, memorial gifts and repayments on monies from former recipients. All applications for scholarships are reviewed and considered by the Scholarship Foundation Board, members of the Fresno-Madera Medical Society. All information submitted is confidential. Scholastic achievement, need and prospects for completion of the chosen curriculum are important considerations and factors in granting a scholarship.

The LEAD Scholarship Program equips students for leadership in diverse contexts by developing their intercultural competence within a learning community. LEAD Scholars will be able to: 1) Construct a biblical foundation for diversity; 2) Discuss and analyze cultural worldviews; and 3) Practice leading with cultural humility.

Inside UCSF is an annual outreach program geared towards students at two- and four-year degree schools who are interested in pursuing careers in health and science. This interprofessional opportunity is designed to: introduce students to a specific health science career path; provide opportunities to meet with students and faculty; and offer a chance to become inspired about future career possibilities.

Current, selected UCSF medical students will take on a semester-long mentorship role over selected UC Berkeley AMSA (American Medical Students Association) members in order to expose the mentees to what being a medical student is like. The mentors will be available by email, text, etc. to answer the mentees' questions and provide guidance. The mentors and mentees are also required to meet face-to-face at least once during the mentorship, and also during possible UCSF campus/medical school tour(s). This is an excellent outreach opportunity for UCSF medical students to help and guide aspiring doctors, and this is a fantastic opportunity for premedical students to receive top-notch mentorship!

The Women in Academic Medicine group was formed at UCSF Fresno in 2014 to create a supportive community to help foster and support women pursuing academic careers in medicine at all stages of their careers. The group meets quarterly (October, January, April and July) to provide career development and networking opportunities.

The Health Professions Education Pathway trains innovators from all health professions fields who promote excellence in teaching, translate theory and novel strategies to the learning environment, and expand knowledge in the field of health professions education.

SNMA is committed to increasing the pipeline of students of color that consider and prepare for medical & scientific careers. Its community mentoring programs provide science appreciation and education, mentoring, and academic enrichment to students interested in pursuing health-related careers. At UCSF, SNMA provides academic preparation, recruitment and retention programming in order to assure the pipeline to medicine is supported.