The Doctoral Digest
August 2023
WELCOME MS1'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer's over, and understandably you must feel a certain type of way that you have to go back to school. But, you're about to start one of the best parts of your life, and we couldn't be happier that you're here.
Alumni Accolades: Dr. Cornelia Davis

Last month, we spoke with Dr. Cornelia Davis, a UCSF SOM class of '76 graduate. She is a retired pediatrician with a tremendous career in global health.

Dr. Davis has a passion for serving the most vulnerable communities with poor access to the resources they need. In her career, she's worked across Africa and Asia on infectious diseases such as smallpox eradication, malaria, immunizations, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, yellow fever, and meningitis.

When reflecting on her career, Dr. Cornelia Davis emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong network of mentors who can help you embark on the career path of your dreams. If you want a career in global health, talk with physicians who have global health experience. If you want to pursue a specific specialty, get to know the residents and faculty who love the work they do. Above all else, she stressed the importance of saying yes to opportunities that put you out of your comfort zone, because that's what makes you grow not only as a student but also as a future doctor.

You can find all our resources and tools for networking on our website.
Have you ever thought about serving your country?
If you've ever thought about serving your country, consider applying for the United States Active Duty Health Professions Scholarship Program!

Some of the perks you'll earn include a full 4-year scholarship for medical school, a monthly stipend, and promotion to the rank of Captain when you graduate. You'll also be able to practice medicine at one of the largest and most advanced medical facilities,
pioneer the most sophisticated technologies and latest treatment modalities.

To learn more information, check out this flyer.
Do you need a professional headshot?
Did you know UCSF offers free professional headshots to all students? Stop by the Student Success Center and check out the Iris Photo Booth today!

Student Success Center hours are Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 8am - 4pm. The office is closed for lunch daily from 1 - 2pm.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
While some students begin medical school with a well-conceived idea of the specialty they’ll pursue, only about one quarter of a medical school cohort stick with this choice throughout medical school. This means, conversely, about three quarters of a medical school cohort either have no idea of the specialty they'll pursue upon matriculation or end up changing their mind during medical school.

Regardless of your thoughts about your future specialty and physician career, CiM offers a structured, organized approach to evaluating specialties and making career decisions. With the AAMC's 4-phase guide, you can begin deciding which specialty is the best for you.
Are you interested in social justice and public health?
Join UCSF alumni and friends for a special film screening of Invisible Corps, a documentary about the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service (USPHS), the unsung heroes on the front lines of public health. You’ll learn how the USPHS Commissioned Corps affects the lives of Americans in our most underserved communities, from ensuring safe drinking water to eradicating diseases, and participate in a discussion with distinguished UCSF alumni and the filmmaker.

Event Details: Tues, 9/12, at the UCSF Mission Bay Campus
The documentary screening runs from 5:30-6:30pm, followed by a 15-minute intermission. It is followed by a panel discussion and Q&A from 6:45-7:30, then a networking reception (with free food) from 7:30-8:30 pm. Even if students can't attend the screening, they can pre-watch the full documentary beforehand and attend just the panel and networking session. Students can enter the event at either 5-5:30 pm or 6:30-6:45 pm during intermission. 

Students can RVSP for the event through this link.

Interested in meeting the speakers before the event? Let us know by emailing us at ocpdprograms@ucsf.edu by Sept 1.
To our MS3s...
It's almost ARCH week! Take a vacation, go to the beach, sleep, do something fun! Only a few more months left to go!
...to our MS4s
Good luck on residency applications and sub-i's!! You're going to be amazing doctors. It's just a matter of time.
Looking for one-on-one help?
Book an appointment with a medical Career Peer!
I'm Angela Acosta (MS2)...
and I'm Khuzaima Rangwalla (MS3)!