The UCSF Fresno Sunnyside High School Doctors Academy (DA) will celebrate its ninth graduating class on Tuesday, May 9 from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm in the Performing Arts Theater at Sunnyside High School (1019 S. Peach Ave.) in Fresno. More than 400 people are expected to attend.
“The Doctors Academy Class of 2011 is comprised of many amazing individuals who have much to be proud of, including completing multiple Honors and Advanced Placement courses, participation in three DA summer programs and involvement in a variety of extra-curricular and leadership activities,” said Katherine A. Flores, MD, director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research and founder of the Doctors Academy.
All of the Sunnyside High School Doctors Academy graduates will attend college in the fall. Eight of the 31 graduating students will attend California State University, Fresno. Nineteen will attend University of California campuses. Three students will attend private universities and one student will attend Reedley College.
Several of the graduates will be awarded the UCSF School of Medicine Merit Award for their academic achievement, commitment in the program, and continued interest in a career in medicine.
“I am very proud of these students. Their dedication and hard work is a reflection of their intent to be successful health care professionals. I look forward to their return to the Valley to provide needed healthcare services in a culturally competent fashion,” stated Dr. Flores.
The UCSF School of Dentistry Pre-Dental Scholars Award will be bestowed to one Doctors Academy graduate. The program offers DA students special consideration for an interview with the UCSF School of Dentistry upon successful completion of undergraduate course work and admission requirements.
"The UCSF School of Dentistry looks forward to our partnership with the UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy, and to the opportunity to introduce California Central Valley students to the world of dentistry and the oral and craniofacial sciences,” said Mr. James C. Betbeze, director of admissions for the UCSF School of Dentistry. “We welcome them to the health professions in the hope that many will someday return to meet the tremendous need for care among the Valley's critically underserved populations.”
Community sponsors will also award scholarships, including the Pre-Med Scholarship from the Anesthesia Consultants of Fresno and the Clark Jones Latino Health Scholars Program.
