UCSF Fresno’s Sunnyside High School Doctors’ Academy Program will graduate its second ever class of students on Monday, May 17, 2004. All of the graduates will attend college. Several of the graduates will attend California State University, Fresno and the University of California. Others will attend Columbia University, Stanford University, and Point Loma University. Many students are the first in their family to attend college.
“We are very proud of our graduates,” said Dr. Katherine A. Flores, MD, director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education & Research. “They have worked hard to realize their educational dreams of entering the health care professions.”
Graduate Julio Romero will be the first in his family to enter a four-year college. Julio will enter CSU Fresno and participate in the Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP), where he will receive support and academic preparation to enter medical school. Julio hopes to return to Fresno after medical school as a pediatrician.
Graduate Clarissa Rangel will attend UC Davis as a pre-med student. After completing her medical doctorate degree, she hopes to return to the Valley to serve those most in need.
Graduation Event Details:
When: Monday, May 17, 2004
Where: Sunnyside High School
1019 S. Peach Avenue (corner of Peach & Kings Canyon)
Performing Arts Theatre
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Who: 450 Guests, including friends and family, community leaders, Katherine Flores, MD, director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education & Research, and Joan Voris, MD, associate dean of UCSF Fresno
Background:
The Sunnyside High School Doctors’ Academy Program was started in 1999 by UCSF Fresno’s Latino Center for Medical Education, as a pilot program to encourage underprivileged students to focus on careers in the health care professions. The program has grown in popularity and scope since it began. A Junior Doctors’ Academy Program has gotten underway to encourage students starting in junior high to enter the academic pipeline.
The Doctor’s Academy Program has grown to include 145 students. The UCSF Fresno Latino Center continues to support and work closely with Fresno Unified School District to sustain this program at Sunnyside High School and provide health career opportunities for qualifying students.
For more information about the Doctors’ Academy graduation event, please contact Diana Cantu at 559-253-6715 or 241-7670.
