WHO: UCSF Fresno, UC Merced, Fresno State, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, CalViva Health, California Health Sciences University and many other partners are teaming up for the second Reaching Out to Aspiring Doctors (ROAD) for the San Joaquin Valley conference. This year’s conference has a special emphasis on mental health.
Nearly 100 students, representing Clovis Community College, Fresno City College, Fresno State, Merced College, Porterville College and UC Merced are expected to participate.
Dozens of health care professionals are volunteering their time to share their expertise and enthusiasm with future health care professionals.
The keynote speaker is Maricela Rangel‐Garcia, MD, a Fresno/Clovis native, mom, UC Merced alumna, UC Davis School of Medicine and UC San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education graduate and first‐year internal medicine resident at UC Davis Medical Center.
WHAT: ROAD is a pre‐medical, pre‐health and public health conference for students from Valley colleges and universities who are interested in becoming doctors, other health professionals and those who want to improve health through public health work and research. Pre‐registration was required. The conference is full.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Interviews: 10:45 am to 11 am and noon to 12:50 pm
Photo/Video Opportunities: 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm Students will be using simulation equipment to practice CPR, airway intubation and asthma management.
WHERE: UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research, 155 N. Fresno Street in downtown Fresno.
“It takes 10 years or more to become a practicing physician. It is a long and challenging road,” said Michael W. Peterson, MD, Associate Dean at UCSF Fresno. “Medical students graduate with enormous debt. Many become discouraged by the price tag, the process or commitment UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program 155 N. Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 499-6400 required. We want these students to know that as a community and as institutions of higher education, we support their efforts. We want to help guide them. The hope is that they will help improve health in the Valley.
“In addition, we want students to know there are many ways to improve health – by becoming nurses, dentists and other health professionals,” Peterson added. “They also can seek solutions to some of our most pressing health challenges through research.”
