pre-health resource guide for academic support
TRANSCRIPT
Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture
924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 200-Q
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Office: (310) 794-0663
Fax: (310) 794-2862
Navigating UCLA
as a Pre-Health/Pre-Medical Student
A Quick Resource Guide
By Anabel Alcaraz Vargas
Letter From the Editor 4
Health Careers 5
Community Programs Office 5
Student Association (CPOSA)
Health Projects
Pre-Health Clubs 6
STEM Clubs 7
Transfer Student Resources 7
Pre-Health/STEM Programs 7
Clinical 7
Mentorship Opportunity 8
Interesting Minors 8
Research 9
Pre-Health Conferences 10
Summer Opportunities 10
Scholarships 11
Frequently Asked Questions 12-14
Useful Websites 14
Additional On-Campus Resources 14
Closing Remarks 15
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Table of Contents
2 | Pre-Health Resource Guide
The Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC) provides
data for policy makers, program planners and the general public so they can
make better informed decisions about how to address these issues. Under the
leadership of Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista and with support from generous
sponsors, CESLAC is the leading research institution in:
Pioneering medical education, including notable efforts in creating the
first courses at UCLA in which medical and public health students focus
on Latino health
Deconstructing myths and stereotypes about Latinos in California
Providing reliable data on Latino health
Emphasizing the positive contributions of Latinos to the state's economy
and society
Administering MEDPEP, a medical preparation and education pipeline
program working to reverse the underrepresentation of Latino and other
minorities in the health professions
Médicos, Enfermeros, y Dentistas Para El Pueblo (MEDPEP) is a medical
preparation and Education Pipeline program designed to support low-income
Latino and underrepresented minority (URM) students through their communi-
ty college experience and transition to four-year universities and health profes-
sional programs.
Interested in learning more about MEDPEP?
Email us at [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEDPEP
Awareness of Culture and History.
Education. Health. Empowering and
strengthening our communities.
Cinco De Mayo.
Letter From the Editor
Hello, and welcome,
My name is Anabel Alcaraz Vargas. After taking a fifth year, I
graduated from UCLA in June 2014, with a double major in biology and
Chicana/o Studies. I came to UCLA directly from high school, knowing
I was interested in the field of medicine, but I did not know of any re-
sources or opportunities available to me. As a result, I had a
difficult time making the transition. Fortunately, during my second year,
I heard about Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine (CCM), a
student-led pre-health organization, and I became involved. This group
provided me with the support I needed and engaged my interests.
As I have gone through my undergraduate career, I learned to be proac-
tive about my education and discovered the power of reaching out and
developing support groups. I created this pamphlet as a way of making
information accessible to all pre-health/pre-med students. Inside you will
find information about student-led organizations, minors, scholarships,
summer opportunities and more! Please be advised that this is only a
brief overview of resources and opportunities; use this as a starting
point, and make sure to keep searching for additional information. I wish
you all the best on your journey. Remember to be an advocate for your
education and always ask for help when you need it.
Best,
Anabel Alcaraz Vargas
Disclaimer: Although this guide is catered to UCLA admits, please note that other campuses
may have similar resources. This guide is intended to be a reference point and by no means
highlights all the resources available at UCLA. Please refer to the UCLA website for more
information.
4 | Pre-Health Resource Guide
Community Programs Office
Student Association (CPOSA)
CPOSA, located in the Student Activities Center, houses
various service groups focused on health, education, and
social justice. Their projects are student-led. Joining al-
lows you to become a student leader and gain experience in your field of
interest. Below are different health projects within CPOSA. Please note
that while some groups focus on specific communities, membership is
open to anyone interested in volunteering.
Health Projects Asian Pacific Health Corps
Black Hypertension Project
Black Latino Aids Project
Dental Education Outreach
Donation of Tissues and Organs
Flying Samaritans
Inglewood Clinic Group
Latino Student Health Project
Medical Experience Through Service in Healthcare
University Muslim Medical Association Volunteer Project
For more information please visit SAC 106E
or http://www.uclacommunityprograms.org/
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Health Careers Remember to keep an open mind, as there are many ways to get
involved in health care. Provided is a list of various careers to
consider as you explore your interests.
Dentistry Optometry
Health Administration Physical Therapy
Medicine Physician Assistant
Nursing Pharmacy
Occupational Therapy Podiatric Medicine
Public Health
6 | Pre-Health Resource Guide
American Medical Student Association
American Medical Women's Association
Asian American Mental Health Initiative
Black Pre-Health Organization
Bioethics Brigades
Bruins Fighting Pediatric Cancer
Bruins Public Health Club
CAHPSA
Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine
Community Medicine in Koreatown
Doctors At Reach
FACE AIDS
FISH
Foundation Fighting Blindness-LA Chapter
Global Dental Brigades
Happy Feet Clinic
Health, Education, Advocacy and Lifestyle
Health Guardians of America
Health Outreach and Pre-Med Experience
Korean-American Missions Health Council
Maternal Infant Health
Medical Experience through Service in
Healthcare
Medical Friends at UCLA
Medical Literature Society
MEMO
Medication Assistance Program
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Nursing Students at UCLA
Operation Smile Student Club
PANGAEA
Peer Health Exchange
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Club
Pilipinos for Community Health
Pre-Dental Student Outreach Program
Pre-Medical Asian Pacific American
Medical Student Association
Pre-Medical Peer Association
Pre-Optometry Society
Pre-Pharmacy Society
Pre-Veterinary Society
Project Nicaragua
Students for Community Outreach,
Promotion and Education
Student Stroke Team
Students for Integrative Medicine
Together Educating and Advocating
Community Health Transcultural
Dental Club
UCLA Mobile Clinic Project
Vietnamese Community Health Project
at UCLA
Pre-Health Clubs
Listed are more pre-health student groups on campus. For additional infor-
mation, please visit http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/home/
STEM Clubs
If your interest lies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
(STEM), check out the following on-campus student groups.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Biological Anthropology Society
National Society of Black Engineers
Pilipinos in Engineering
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists
Society of Women Engineers
Transfer Student Resources
If you are a transfer student, please note that there are several
organizations which focus on your needs:
Bruin Resource Center
http://www.transfers.ucla.edu/
transfer_resources.html
Center for Community College Partnerships
http://www.cccp.ucla.edu/
Student Transfer Undergraduate Development
Pre-Health/STEM Programs
High Achievement in Math and Sciences
http://aapucla.com/mentoring/high-aims/
Pathway for Students into Health Professions Program
http://medpeds.med.ucla.edu/pshp.html
Clinical
UCLA Care Extender Program
https://www.uclahealth.org/volunteer/Pages/our-
programs/care-extender-program.aspx
UCLA School of Dentistry General Clinic Volunteer Program
https://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/learning/
volunteer-opportunities
Venice Family Clinic
http://www.venicefamilyclinic.org/volunteers/
volunteer-opportunities
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Research
UCLA has several programs and groups whose focus is recruiting
students interested in research. Take advantage of these opportunities, and
learn more by visiting websites and/or offices.
CARE Fellows/Scholars
http://www.ugresearchsci.ucla.edu/care.htm
Collaboration in Undergraduate Research Enrichment
Community Development and Social Justice (CDSJ)
Scholars Program
http://aap.ucla.edu/#/mentoring/community-development-
and-social-justice-program-cdsj/
Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Program
http://www.ugresearchsci.ucla.edu/howardhughes.htm
McNair Research Scholars Program
http://aapucla.com/mentoring/mcnair-research-
scholars-program/
Minority Access to Research Careers
http://www.ugresearchsci.ucla.edu/marc.htm
Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences
http://www.ugresearchsci.ucla.edu/progpeers.htm
Research Rookies
Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans
in Science (SACNAS)
http://www.sacnasatucla.com/
Undergraduate Research Center for Science,
Engineering and Mathematics (URC)/
Interesting Minors Minors are a great way to learn about additional topics and only
require a few classes. For the entire list of minors, please visit
http://www.admission.ucla.edu/prospect/Majors/lsminor.htm
Applied Developmental Psychology
Biomedical Research
Civic Engagement
Cognitive Science
Conservation Biology
Disability Studies
Education Studies
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Systems and Society
Evolutionary Medicine
Gender Studies
Gerontology
History of Science and Medicine
Labor and Workplace Studies
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
Neuroscience
Public Affairs
Public Health
Science Education
Society and Genetics
Structural Biology
Systems Biology
Urban and Regional Planning
Mentorship Opportunity
Alliance in Mentorship provides you with
opportunities to connect and network with other
pre-health students, medical students, and health
professionals. For details, please visit
http://mimentor.org/
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Scholarships
First-years:
Delson Scholarship
Don R. Shepherd Scholarship
D. Lewis and Lynn Bosley Mingori Scholarship
Edward Scott Morrison Scholarhip
Gertrude Pomish Scholarship
Leah Bettleman Scholarship
MacDougal Scholarship for UCLA Undergraduates
Miller/Shigemura Scholarship
Myrtle Hickey De Luce Scholarship
Ola Zuckerman Class of 1934 Scholarship
Virginia Frey Scholarship Application
Transfer students (apply as Juniors):
Bernard Osher Foundation Reentry Scholarship
Edward Scott Morrison Scholarship
Helen Matthewson Club (HMC) Memorial Scholarship
John Ringlbauer UCLA Veterans Scholarship
Jo-Belle Wolf Undergraduate Scholarship
Los Angeles Links Scholarship
Transfer Alliance Program Scholarship
AB 540 students:
California South Area (CASA) 2
http://ltacasa2.webs.com/scholarships.htm
Mexican-American Dream Scholarship
http://cofem.org/about-cofem
SALEF’s “Fulfilling Our Dreams” Scholarship
http://www.salef.org/programs#!__programs
Univision’s “Es El Momento” Scholarship
https://www.scholarshipaid.net/app/univision/
AB 540 students: For more scholarships, please visit
http://www.e4fc.org/resources/scholarshiplists.html
Pre-Health/Pre-Medical Conferences
January
Pre-Medical & Pre-Health Conference, hosted at
California State University, San Bernardino
February
Stanford University Minority Medical Alliance
(SUMMA) Conference
March
Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine at UCLA
Pre-Health Conference
August
UCLA MEDPEP Pre-Health Conference
October
UC Davis Pre-Health Student Alliance Pre-Medical and Pre-
Health Professions Conference
Also check out LMSA/SNMA Pre-Health Conferences!
Summer Opportunities
Be proactive during your summers. Learn about different health fields by
participating in summer programs or internships.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Diversity Student
Summer Research Opportunity Program
City of New York Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene Health Research Training Programs
Diversity Summer Internship Program
John Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Health Career Connections
Internship positions available throughout United States
Harbor-UCLA Summer Urban Fellowship
Pre-medical/Pre-dental Summer Enrichment Program at UCLA
Summer Medical and Dental Education Program
UCLA Spur
UCSF Summer Research
10 | Pre-Health Resource Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I study for my classes?
Every class differs in regards to demand and difficulty. Use the different
learning strategies (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic) to adapt to each class.
Some classes may be more be problem-based while others may rely more on
lecture slides. Remember that repeated exposure to course material is im-
portant. Take time to preview class notes (if available), pay attention during
lecture and review notes after class. Attending office hours can help you
gauge the professor/teaching assistant’s teaching style and can prepare you
for upcoming exams. Forming study groups may also be beneficial as it
keeps you accountable for completing work in appropriate timeframe.
How do I meet with my departmental counselor?
Most departments have drop-in hours when you can stop by and talk to your
counselor to have all your questions answered. Find out when your depart-
ment holds them. If you need more time, go to your department’s office and
schedule an appointment.
How do I learn about the requirements for professional/graduate
school?
The UCLA Career Center and AAP host various workshops about the re-
quirements for professional/graduate schools. Also, student-led pre-health
organizations often have speakers or presentations in which this information
is made available. Finally, pre-health conferences are an excellent way to
learn and network. Remember that some activities are recommended, and
that your experiences will differ from those of other students. Participate in
activities that interest you.
Should I attend my professor’s or TA’s office hours?
UCLA is a large institution. Attending office hours can help make your edu-
cation more personal. Moreover, office hours provide a great opportunity to
ask additional questions or get clarification. They can help you understand
material better and can also establish a relationship with a professor or
teaching assistant. Keep in mind that graduate/professional schools ask for
letters of recommendation, and you can use office hours as a way of devel-
oping relationships so it will be easier to ask for those letters when you need
them.
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What resources are available to undocumented students interested in the
medical or health field?
A student network exists called Pre-Health Dreamers, where members share in-
formation, experiences, and opportunities. If you are undocumented and want to
go into any health field, please visit http://www.phdreamers.org/ You may also
find IDEAS at UCLA a powerful support group.
Does UCLA offer tutoring?
Yes. The Academic Advancement Program (AAP), located in Campbell Hall,
offers FREE peer learning (tutoring) for students. Subjects include Spanish,
English, math, chemistry, and biology. Please take advantage of this opportunity
to learn with fellow students.
What other services does AAP provide?
AAP offers both peer and professional counseling. In addition AAP has a Gradu-
ate Mentoring and Research Program, which provides students with opportunities
to connect with a graduate student who can provide advising and guidance. AAP
also offers research opportunities, STEM programs, and community events.
Where do I go to find more information about scholarships?
You can go online, http://www.ugeducation.ucla.edu/src/ , or visit the Scholar-
ship Resource Center (SRC), located in 233 Covel Commons (the building across
from Bruin Café). Be sure to ask their personnel if they know of any additional
scholarships. The SRC is also available for meetings to learn about writing per-
sonal statements and scholarship applications.
How do you choose which classes to take?
Since UCLA is on the quarter system, you need to be strategic about what cours-
es to take. Learn to create a balance. If you know certain classes are difficult,
spread them out through the year, this ensures that you will have adequate time
to spend on each class and you can obtain the grades you want. Also remember
to check how work and/or other responsibilities fit into your schedule. The pur-
pose of creating a plan is to avoid stressful situations. If you need guidance, talk
to your counselor or peer mentor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Closing Remarks
You do NOT have to be a science major to be
pre-health/pre-med. As long as you complete all the
prerequisites for the field you are interested in, you are free to
choose any major.
Do not let a hardship define you. Learn from the
situation and move on.
Be proactive about your education.
Ask for help. The journey you are embarking on is
challenging, but having adequate support and resources will
definitely make this experience easier.
Be true to yourself. Do not try to fit the mold of what you think
or hear a pre-health student should be. Your individuality and
experiences make you unique. Embrace your story.
“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about
progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be
broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their
sakes and for our own”
-Cesar Chavez
“Liberating education consists in acts of cognition, not transferals of
information.”
-Paulo Freire
Wish you all the best!
If you have additional questions, please feel free to email
me at [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Websites
Does UCLA have a pre-health/pre-med counselor?
Although UCLA does not have a counselor specifically to advise
pre-health/pre-med students, other counselors are available to help. In addition,
there are a lot of programs and opportunities to obtain guidance. Keep in mind
that peers and upperclassmen can be great resources and mentors.
I am interested in community service. How do I start?
UCLA has an array of organizations whose focus is community service. In partic-
ular, the Community Programs Office Student Association (CPOSA), located in
the Student Activities Center (SAC), has community service-oriented groups.
Their three caucuses are education, health, and social justice. All student groups
are a conscious effort to work in community with people of color.
https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/amcas/
http://www.aap.ucla.edu/mentoring/mentoring_handouts.html
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/Pages/
default.aspx
http://www.fao.ucla.edu/
http://www.nursingcas.org/
http://www.pharmcas.org/
https://portal.caspaonline.org/
http://www.sophas.org/
Additional On-Campus Resources
Bruin Readmission Program
Center for Community Learning
Campus Assault Resource and Education
Counseling and Psychological Services
IDEAS at UCLA
LGBT Resource Center
Office for Student with Disabilities
UCLA Career Center
Writing Success Program
14 | Pre-Health Resource Guide