Ask a Senior Professional Series: Brief virtual or in-person 30 minute informational interview with an OCPD Career Peer Newsletter Editor focusing on 2-4 professional development questions submitted by students. An OCPD Career Peer would contact the First Gen Champion to arrange for a time to meet and record their discussion via Zoom, then feature their answers in their respective monthly newsletter for their health professional student audience.  

• The goal of the series is to help uncover and address how to recognize and approach various concerns while normalizing and modeling the building of community with senior professionals in the field.
• For an example of what this mentorship activity looks like in action, please see Abha Patkar’s, one of our fabulous SOD Career Peers, latest mentor interview, or view her full "Ask an Alumni Series" playlist.

Become a Champion

Our annual virtual "First-Generation/UIM Residency Speed Mock Interview Practice Night" is one of the most popular mentorship events for UCSF SOM students, faculty, residents, and alumni, with many returning year after year. This program takes place on Zoom during the last Wednesday or Thursday in August, from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. every year.  Having more mock interviewers enables us to assist a greater number of First-Gen/UIM MS4s during the program, therefore your participation in this event would truly make a difference. 

• To help prepare mock interviewers, OCPD sends everyone a detailed agenda and orientation video one week before the event and provides a brief event orientation for participants 20 minutes before the event starts. This ensures that all mock interviewers are set up to succeed and can focus on supporting the appreciative First Gen/UIM MS4s by sharing their interview feedback.

For more information please fill out our "Become A Champion: interest survey and an OCPD staff member will follow up with you. 

Become a Champion

Help decode the hidden curriculum for First Gen/UIM students by joining one of OCPD’s "What I Wish I Had Known” Virtual Mentor Panels!

OCPD is currently facilitating two different SOM mentor panels in 2024. We are seeking SOM health professional residents for either evening panel:

• “What I Wish I Had Known As An MS1/2” Panel (Jan 2024, 6-7pm)
• “What I Wish I Had Known As An MS4 and Resident” Panel (Tentatively 6-7pm during the week of April 22, 2024) 

What Mentor Panel participation would entail:

• First hour: 60-minute pre-interview virtual meeting at your convenience with the panel moderator, Anna Reeves, about one month before the panel.  During the meeting, panelists will get to choose up to three panel questions from a First-Gen/UIM student pre-assessment survey provided by OCPD. Our initial panel question discussion will help focus on specific insights that panelists share and shape a skills-based framework for the panel, ensuring attendees leave with actionable steps based on mentors' experiences.
• Second hour: 60-minute evening virtual panel where each mentor panelist will share their insights and advice, answering medical students' questions, while the moderator synthesizes the guidance into actionable skills-based frameworks that students can immediately start using.

For more information please fill out our "Become A Champion: interest survey and an OCPD staff member will follow up with you. 

Become a Champion

Mentors can bring a fresh perspective, normalize our struggles, help us navigate through our academic and professional endeavors, ask you the hard questions, and serve as a source of inspiration and support. 

First Generation Support Services offers two mentoring programs that support UCSF First Gen students and connects them to faculty, staff, and alumni.  

1. The First Generation Mentorship Program (Student to Alumni/Faculty/Staff)

• This mentorship program is intentional and dedicated to finding the best match possible for you
• The mentors in this program identify as First Gen
• Use the UCSF Mentor Mentee Resource Guide after being paired with your mentor.
• If you have questions or feedback about your experience regarding the First Gen Mentorship Program contact First Generation Support Services
• Fill out the First Gen Mentorship Program application to be matched to a mentor. (Note that the mentorship programs begin in the Fall.)

2. The First Generation Buddy Program (Student to Student)

• BE A PEER MENTOR (Big Buddy) -  Are you a current FG2C student who has survived their first year at UCSF? Are you interested in showing newer FG2C students the ropes? Maybe you've got some advice to share? Please contact the First Generation Services office to learn how you can share your wisdom. Register to be a Peer Mentor (First Gen Buddy).
• FIND A PEER MENTOR (Little Buddy) - If you are looking to find a Peer Mentor (First Gen Buddy), please fill out the First Gen Buddy Program form.

Please note that you may be paired to someone outside of your program or school.