If you’re a student at UC Davis, you’ve probably noticed how many students are premed/prehealth (which may include you as well)! And if that’s you, you’re also probably wondering how Stacy, who sits next to you in CHE 2A, is already in a lab.
Navigating pre-health resources can be overwhelming and unnecessarily confusing. How on earth is Stacy finding all these opportunities? Well, here is a cheat code to getting a head start.
- Health Professions Advising Website
The first resource you want to look at is Health Professions Advising (HPA) — basically an encyclopedia for most health professions, ranging from dentistry and medicine to allied health fields. You can find the required classes you need to take, schedule advising appointments, get application help and access events. The best thing about HPA is that they provide their service even after you graduate!
- Research OpportunitiesÂ
After perusing the HPA website, you might be wondering, “What about research opportunities?” Luckily, UC Davis is an R1 research university with plenty of opportunities for undergrads! Getting involved in research can be intimidating at first, but the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) website does a great job of advising on how to email professors and introducing you to research programs.Â
Some tips:
- Go to your major’s department’s website and click on faculty. There, you can find labs you might be interested in joining. Contact the faculty for that lab.
- Contact the professor a quarter before you want to join. Most people start research in their 2nd or 3rd year. Don’t feel pressured to start so early! Remember, your grades take precedence.
- Email multiple labsÂ
- Go to office hours and discuss research opportunities with your professor. They may be able to connect you with other labs.
3. Volunteer Opportunities
The Health-related experience portal connects you to various volunteer opportunities at Sutter Hospital, UC Davis MIND Institute and UC Davis Medical Center. It’s a fairly easy way to get exposure to the healthcare field and explore the specialties within it. There is no interview or application process; you just sign up and complete orientation! Registration opens every quarter, so watch out for dates.
4. Clinical Experience
Student-run clinics are a great way to gain clinical hours, as you get to serve a specific community that speaks to you. UC Davis Health offers a wide array of student-run clinics that you can apply to. Follow their Instagrams to know when applications open.Â
It’s no secret that student-run clinics are highly competitive, so if you don’t get in, don’t stress! There are plenty of other opportunities to gain valuable clinical experience, such as becoming an EMT, CNA, MA or any allied healthcare professional. On that topic, UC Davis has a great EMT program you can sign up for some on-field experience. Many community colleges will also provide certification programs in allied healthcare fields.Â
5. Classes and Grades
Maintaining a high GPA is imperative if you want to apply to medical school or any healthcare professional school. If you get stuck in any of your classes, the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center connects you to co-classes and resources for specific classes. They are lifesavers when it comes to Ochem!
Some tips:
- GO TO OFFICE HOURS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING!
- Join the Discord for your class if there’s one.
- Go to class!
6. General Tip
I recommend signing up for your department’s or college’s newsletter, as it may inform you of internships specific to your major. HPA and the URC also have newsletters that inform you of opportunities or events.Â
Allocate time to apply for internships, programs, research or clinics. Summer is a great time to start! Many of these applications will ask for your resume, so make sure to have it polished and ready. The Career Center offers advice on how to tailor your resume, as well as offers appointments with them for additional help.
Remember that everyone goes at their own pace and that it’s ok if you’re not in a lab, volunteering over 100 hours per quarter, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and having a job all at once. You’re human! Frankly, I think it’s a little ridiculous to expect so much out of students during college. This is also why gap years exist and don’t be afraid to take them! With that said, I hope this unofficial guide helps you wade through the harsh pre-med waters. Good luck!