Taking Time for Research: UCSF Medical Students Deepen Research Expertise During Gap Years
Known for its strong research focus, the UCSF School of Medicine encourages students to explore research opportunities throughout their medical education. Gap years, often taken between the third and fourth year, are a popular time for students to delve into research projects.
A significant portion of the Class of 2025 (24%) is currently taking a gap year, with 70% of these students pursuing research endeavors. Some students combine their gap year research with the MD/MAS in Clinical and Epidemiologic Research program, a five-year combined degree focused on advanced epidemiological and
Academy of Medical Educators Welcomes New Class of 2024 and Honors Front-line Educators and Staff
The Haile T. Debas Academy of New Members' Annual Celebration of New Members honored the incoming Academy Class. It recognized the contributions of health professions education staff and "front-line" teachers, educators, and mentors who impact our learners and faculty peers regularly to make UCSF such an outstanding healthcare institution. This UCSF Community event was hosted Wednesday, September 11 online and at Byers Auditorium at the Mission Bay Campus.
Academy Class of 2024
Induction of school-wide faculty to AME: Welcome to the new members of the AME! These inductees demonstrate
Spring Inquiry Symposium: Class of 2024 Advances Knowledge Through Scientific Scholarship
On May 16, 2024, 127 fourth-year UCSF medical students showcased their Deep Explore and year-long research projects through oral and poster presentations during the spring Inquiry Symposium at Millberry Union on the UCSF Parnassus Heights campus. An array of student research topics were on display, ranging from clinical to basic science and medical education.
The UCSF School of Medicine’s Bridges Curriculum provides students with various opportunities for scientific exploration throughout all four years. From day one to the culmination of the Inquiry Symposium, the Inquiry Curriculum teaches
Insightful Inquiry from the Class of 2023: Reflections on this Year’s Inquiry Symposium
One of the core tenets of the UCSF School of Medicine’s Bridges Curriculum is the pursuit of knowledge through inquiry. To support this, the school has fostered a medical education curriculum rich with opportunity for scientific exploration. As a component of the final Career Launch phase of the Bridges Curriculum, students are provided 12-20 weeks of protected time to complete a mentored “Deep Explore” project with their choice of principal investigator, in their field of study. Some students will go beyond 20 weeks and pursue a funded research gap year through UCSF or outside
A Chat with Dr. Susan Ball on Narrative Medicine, Mentorship, and Careers in Academic Medicine
During her visit to UCSF for our Celebration of New Members, I had a chance to sit down with Susan Ball, MD, MPH, MS and discuss narrative medicine, mentorship, and careers in academic medicine.
Tell me why you’re drawn to narrative medicine (NM).
Narratives are everywhere in our lives, and our patient’s lives. If we can connect with our patients’ stories as well as our own we can provide better care. Teaching NM with students allows time for reflective writing. When students write there is a certain vulnerability, but often students are very willing to engage with stories.
