UCSF Fresno News

Forty-seven students — 100% of the graduating Doctors Academy classes at Sunnyside and Caruthers high schools — will continue their education at post-secondary institutions in the fall 2023. Approximately 40% will enter a University of California campus with more than half of those attending UC Merced. Approximately 30% will enter a California State University campus with at least 86% of those attending Fresno State. Eleven percent will attend a private university, including Stanford, University of Oregon, and Fresno Pacific University. Nineteen percent will enter a local community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year university.

Of the 47 students who will complete the high school healthcare pathway program, approximately 83% have indicated that they plan to pursue a pre-health or science, technology, engineering, or mathematics-related major in college, with 11% indicating a business-related major and 6% pursuing other majors.

“The dedication and commitment from our school sites and community partners are the catalysts that allow us to offer students and their families a wide range of services and opportunities for academic excellence and clinical mentorship experiences,” said Katherine A. Flores, MD, director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research. “It is because of the collaborative efforts of these strong partnerships that the Doctors Academy students continue to attain their academic goals and are successful applicants to colleges and universities, most with continued aspirations to enter a health profession. We are extremely proud of all our students’ accomplishments and look forward to having them join our Central Valley’s health care provider team in the future.”

Award Winners

Recipients of the following awards will be recognized or announced:

UC Merced SJV PRIME+ BS/MD Acceptance: Two students were accepted into the inaugural cohort for the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD program. The eight-year program is a collaborative effort between UC Merced, UCSF School of Medicine, and UCSF Fresno. Kareena Brring from Caruthers High School and Josyln Conchas from Sunnyside High School were both accepted for the 15-student cohort out of hundreds of applicants. Learn more at: https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/SJVP-BStoMD

The President’s Volunteer Service Award: Awardees of this honor are recognized for their outstanding volunteerism and the impact they make in their community. Students in seventh-12th grade are eligible to submit their yearly community services hours. Learn more at: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/

Questbridge National College Match Scholar: Sunnyside High Doctors Academy senior Maivnyaj (Lita) Moua, received the award in Fall 2022 and matched with Stanford University, where she plans to attend this fall and pursue a major in human biology. Learn more at: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match

The Gates Scholarship: Caruthers High Doctors Academy senior Jordan Lopez, who will be attending the University of Oregon, was recently awarded The Gates Scholarship that will cover the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other sources of financial aid. He plans to pursue a double major in neuroscience and music education. Learn more at: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

UCSF Merit Awards

Bonnie Her, MD, local family medicine physician, Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) alumni, and selection committee member will present the awards to selected students during Sunnyside High School’s commencement event on May 17, and Anuvir Singh, MD, emergency medicine resident physician at UCSF Fresno and Class of 2010 Caruthers High School Doctors Academy alumnus, will present the awards during the May 18 event at Caruthers High School.

UCSF School of Medicine Merit Award: Awardees of this honor will be included among the select group of applicants who are invited for interviews with members of the UCSF School of Medicine Committee on Admissions, if students maintain certain eligibility pre-requisites and complete a college degree and a complete application to UCSF School of Medicine.

UCSF School of Dentistry Merit Award: Awardees of this honor will be included among the select group of applicants who are invited for interviews with members of the UCSF School of Dentistry Committee on Admissions, if students maintain certain eligibility pre-requisites and complete a college degree and a complete application to UCSF School of Dentistry.