Students and Postdocs at the Office of Career and Professional Development

 

We invite students and postdoctoral scholars to get real-world work experience by forwarding career and professional development projects for biomedical trainees.

Career and Professional Development Leadership Program (PhD students and Postdoctoral Scholars)

The goal of the Career and Professional Development Leadership Program is to foster a cohort of PhD students and postdocs with deep knowledge and training in career and professional development. These leaders then serve as liaisons, facilitators, peer advisors, and an advisory body for the Office of Career and Professional Development’s programs and services. Participants lead quarterly peer mentoring groups on career/professional development topics; and develop new career and professional development initiatives, such as creating tailored resources/programs for BIPOC students/scholars; international students/scholars; and social and population scientists.

Applications take place in the late spring/early summer; the program runs from approximately August through June each year. See the 2022 application and register for our listserv to be informed when applications open. Please contact David Blancha with any questions.
 

Healthcare Professional Development & Mentorship Program (Health Professional Students)

The Healthcare Professional Development & Mentorship Program provides highly individualized and structured cohort professional development training and mentorship to work-study students employed as Career Outreach Peers with our office. Each year, as budget resources allow, we invite one promising first or second-year student from each of the dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs to join a new cohort.

Participants learn, develop, and strengthen essential career skills in professional communication, leadership, self-advocacy, project planning, resource development, and teamwork through this program. Each year, they work closely with their supervisor to create and implement their own customized professional development plan—and they actually get paid to implement and disseminate their progress! By creating online career development resources based on their most valuable experiences, discoveries, and tips to share with other students, participants become recognized as active contributing leaders in their communities. This program also offers multiple opportunities for interprofessional outreach and community building, allowing students to actively build their professional brand and network while directly benefiting their specific communities. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on workplace experience and develop a robust skill set that prepares them for successful careers in patient-centered healthcare environments.

Applications for first-year students open in the summer.  The program runs from approximately August through May each year, with the possibility of an extension into the following year/s. Please see our work-study Career Outreach Peer job description and register for our listserv for more information about applying to the program. Please contact OCPD Assistant Director, Health Careers, Anna Reeves with any questions.

Current members of the Healthcare Professional Development & Mentorship Program (HPS)

Portrait of Jada Co

Jada Co, UCSF Department of Physical Therapy

Hello! My name is Jada (she/her), and I am delighted to serve as a Career Peer Advisor with the OCPD team! I look forward to expanding the resources available to my peers to better assist their professional and academic goals.

I am a first year Doctor of Physical Therapy student here at UCSF. I am from Sacramento, CA, and I attended UC Davis for my undergraduate education where I obtained a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Prior to starting at UCSF, I was working as a physical therapy aide and personal trainer. I have experience with research, academic mentoring, and management/leadership positions, and I am excited to apply and share my skills with other health professional students to assist them along their professional development journey!

In my free time, I love to run, weightlift, read, and try out new vegan food around the city! I look forward to meeting you soon! 

List of Jada's' Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Amanda Leon

Amanda Leon, UCSF School of Medicine

Hi! My name is Amanda Leon.  I'm a class of 2025 medical student from La Habra, CA who graduated from Pitzer College with a degree in Human Biology and Chemistry. I was the 2021 LMSA UIM Liaison and Mentorship Match Co-Chair and am the SMEC representative on the Career Launch Operations Committee, a member of PRIDE-MED, and a PRIME-US student. More recently, I completed the UCSF Yearlong Inquiry Program. My interests include health disparities research, health policy, anti-oppressive MedEd, and student advocacy. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, painting, and thrifting. 

List of Amanda's Professional Development Resource Projects:

Alexander Chen, UCSF School of Medicine

Hello! My name is Alexander Junxiang Chen, and I am a first-year medical student at UCSF. I am originally from Pleasanton, California, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Chemistry at Harvard University this past May. My primary academic interests include the brain and behavioral health sciences, epidemiological research, global health, and medical anthropology. In my free time, I love to backpack, read, garden, and ride horses.

List of Alexander's Professional Development Resource Projects:

Amy Hwang, UCSF School of Pharmacy

Hello! My name is Amy Hwang, and I am a Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Class of 2027, at UCSF. I’m originally from Centreville, Virginia, and I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2024 with a major in Biology and a minor in East Asian Studies.

I’m excited to contribute as a Career Peer by helping my peers navigate their professional journeys and achieve their goals. Whether it’s exploring post-graduation options or uncovering unique career paths within pharmacy, I’m here to provide guidance and support. Outside of school, I love exploring food markets and discovering local artists, which allows me to connect with the local SF community.

List of Amy's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Luis Alvarez

Luis Alvarez, UCSF School of Pharmacy

Hi! My name is Luis Alvarez (he/him/his), and I am a class of 2026 pharmacy student. I am from Houston, Texas, and I attended Carleton College where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and two minors in Biochemistry and Neuroscience. After graduating from college, I conducted research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia before starting my journey at the UCSF School of Pharmacy. 

During my free time, I love aquascaping, swimming, reading, hiking, and trying out new boba shops around San Francisco. I have some previous experience working as a student career assistant, so I'm excited to apply my skills, connect graduate/health professions students with professional resources, and enhance the student learning experience. I look forward to seeing you at the Student Success Center!

List of Luis' Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Rothanne Herico

Rothanne Herico, UCSF Department of Physical Therapy

Hello! My name is Rothanne Herico (she/her), and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work as a Career Peer Advisor for the OCPD team to promote career and professional development and assist my peers reach their professional goals.

I’m a first-generation Filipina-American who grew up living in the Daly City and San Francisco area with my parents and two younger sisters. During my undergrad, I worked as an Administrative Support Coordinator, Front Desk Coordinator, and Secretary to the Senior Program Coordinator at the Campus Academic Resource Program (CARP), the former student-run tutoring service at San Francisco State University (SFSU) which provided student support services with an emphasis on students from underrepresented and first-generation college students. In 2018, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Movement Science.

Currently, I’m a class of 2025 Doctor of Physical Therapy student at UCSF/SFSU. I’m also a member of the LGBTQIA+ Student Advisory Council, as one of the 2 liaisons representing the School of Physical Therapy. In my free time, I love to hike, go to the gym, and to spend time with my loved ones eating good food. I look forward to working together.

List of Rothanne's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Rothanne Herico

Sophie Hoffmann, UCSF Department of Physical Therapy

Hello! My name is Sophie Hoffmann (she/her/hers), and I am a second year physical therapy student at UCSF. I am extremely excited to take on this position as a Career Peer Advisor to foster personal and professional development among my colleagues. 

I am originally from the small desert town of Ridgecrest, California, and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to attain my B.S. of Psychology. I was an active member of multiple club sports (lacrosse, water polo, swimming, and triathlon club) and held the position of Student Outreach Chair for the Veterans and Dependents club. After traveling and living in San Diego for a brief year post-grad, I moved to San Francisco to pursue my doctorate in physical therapy. I absolutely love the community-driven and accepting nature of San Francisco and have thoroughly loved living here.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, running, rock climbing, playing spikeball, surfing, reading, playing piano and guitar, playing board games, selling produce at the local farmers market, and spending quality time with friends and family. I am currently holding the position of Alumni Relations Chair for my physical therapy class, which allows me to network and cultivate connections with alumni. I am excited to work as a Career Outreach Peer to further connect, grow, and learn together with fellow UCSF peers.

List of Sophie's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Dylan Holder

Dylan Holder, UCSF School of Dentistry

Hi! My name is Dylan Holder (he/him), and I am a class of 2027 dental student. I am from San Jose, CA, and I attended Chapman University as a first-generation student, earning a degree in Applied Human Physiology and a minor in Law and Justice. While I came straight into dental school after graduating at Chapman, I worked as an after-school program instructor, resident advisor, and peer advisor for my major while in school.

In my free time, I like to try out new coffee shops in the area, read, and make memories with my friends. I am excited to be in this role as a Career Peer Advisor and offer support and guidance to UCSF students to help people achieve their professional aspirations. I look forward to working with everyone!

List of Dylan's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Zunaira Iftikhar

Zunaira Iftikhar, UCSF School of Pharmacy

Hi! My name is Zunaira and I am a class of 2025 first-generation pharmacy student. I was raised in Santa Clara, CA, and always wanted to live in SF, funny how life just works out! I obtained my B.S. in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Political Science from San José State University. After graduating, I gained experience in women's health by working at a fertility clinic, where I helped patients fulfill their reproductive goals.

I am an advocate for giving back to my community and volunteering with people experiencing homelessness in SF. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, painting, spending quality time with my kitten, and exploring local cafes. I am excited to work at the OCPD and am eager to help illuminate the pathway to a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.

List of Zunaira's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Abha Patkar

Abha Patkar, UCSF School of Dentistry

Hi! My name is Abha Patkar (she/her), and I am a dental student in the Class of 2026. I am from San Jose, CA, and I attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton for undergrad as a first-generation student, earning a degree in Biology and a minor in Philosophy. Prior to beginning dental school, I worked as a dental assistant and research mentor at Stanford.

In my free time, I love to read, spend time with friends, and explore new places to eat. I am really excited to work with students as a Career Peer Advisor—I found great success with my undergrad career center and look forward to the opportunity to provide the same help and guidance to the UCSF community. 

List of Abha's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Portrait of Abha Patkar

Oscar Peng, UCSF School of Dentistry

Hello! My name is Oscar (he/him), and I am a part of the class of 2028 at UCSF School of Dentistry. I am from Arcadia, CA, and I graduated from the University of Southern California (USC), earning a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with honors and minors in both Health Care Studies and Public Health.

During my time at USC, I worked and volunteered in several mentorship and peer roles, including working as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for organic chemistry, and volunteering as a camp counselor and Unit Leader for children affected by a parent's cancer through Kesem at USC. In my free time, I love meeting new people, going to the gym, bouldering, hiking, and trying new things! Overall, I am excited to be in this role as a Career Outreach Peer, and I look forward to advancing our community together!

List of Oscars's Professional Development Resource Projects:​

 

Portrait of Khuzaima Rangwalla

Khuzaima Rangwalla, UCSF School of Medicine

Hi there! My name is Khuzaima and I'm a class of 2025 medical student who's excited to make a positive impact on my community. I'm the oldest of four children, was born and raised in Southern California (which is the better part of the state, of course), and come from a Bioengineering background. In my free time, I love exploring the city, trying out the most unique and delicious foods, and spending time with my closest friends.

I'm excited to work with you as an OCPD Career Advisor! I want to see all my peers succeed, and I will do everything in my power to help you land the career of your dreams. Doesn't matter if you want to be a dentist, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or any other healthcare professional. With my insight and your ambition, I know that together we'll find a path to your success.

List of Khuzaima's Professional Development Resource Projects:

Portrait of Debbie Tan

Debbie Tan, UCSF School of Dentistry

Hi! My name is Debbie Tan (she/her), and I am a dental student in the Class of 2027. I am originally from Malaysia, but I grew up in Holland, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Michigan Class of 2022 where I majored in Biochemistry. During undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant, dental assistant and a peer supporter for a mental health text line. In my free time, I love to try new cafes, crochet, paint, play pickleball, and spend time with friends! I am very excited to serve as a Peer Advisor for OCPD to help my fellow peers achieve their career and professional goals!

List of Debbie's Professional Development Resource Projects:

 

Meiyi Yu, UCSF School of Medicine

Hi! My name is Meiyi, and I'm a class of 2028 medical student. I grew up in the East Bay and graduated from Harvard College with a degree in Chemistry and Sociology. In my free time, I love trying new restaurants and writing Yelp reviews, crafting, and going on walks. I am very excited to support everyone on their educational and career development journeys. I can't wait to learn about your career goals and seek resources that will guide you along the way!

List of Meiyi's Professional Development Resource Projects:

Upcoming Events

Wed
28

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date: May 28, 2025
Time: 3 - 4 p.m. (PT)
Tue
03

Lunch and Learn: Building a LinkedIn Profile

Date: June 3, 2025
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. (PT)
Fri
06

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date: June 6, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (PT)

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