MedLink

MedLink is a science and health enrichment program targeted at stimulating and motivating underrepresented and underserved high school students in San Francisco to pursue higher education and enter the health-related fields.

• Program Overview
• Contact Information
• Calendar of Events 2005-2006

Program Overview

MedLink is an enrichment program for underrepresented and underserved high school students from resource-poor areas served by UCSF in San Francisco and the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. Founded in 2002 by a group of medical students, MedLink offers academic support in the areas of college preparation and medically-related science lessons in tandem with personal support through mentorship and encouragement.

Held at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, MedLink sessions take place one Saturday a month over six consecutive months during the school year. In the early fall, MedLink coordinators make visits to the schools to talk with students and teachers about the curriculum, and distribute applications. Also in the fall a recruiting session is held for first- and second-year medical students to invite them to become involved either by mentoring or helping coordinate the program. If you are interested in participating in MedLink or would like us to visit your school, please contact us. By October, both mentees and mentors have been selected to participate.

The program consists of six sessions (one session per month for six months) beginning in October and ending in March. Each session takes place on a Saturday morning and lasts 4 to 6 hours. Check our online schedule for monthly updates. Each session is comprised of engaging, participatory activities that address three goals:

• College To educate students about the importance of going to college, different college options, and how to maximize chances of getting into college.
• Health Science To teach and inspire students about aspects of medical science, such as anatomy, physiology, and radiology.
• Mentoring To pair each student with a first or second year medical student role model that will provide support throughout the program.

By the end of the program each participant has attended six workshops on college prep topics such as selecting colleges, standardized tests and college requirements, financial aid and essay writing. The health science topics covered include cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and brain function, respiratory anatomy, and epidemiological outbreak investigation. Each participant also has six structured opportunities to meet with his or her mentor, and together the mentor-mentee pairs participate in activities such as learning to take vital signs, interviewing patients with chronic illnesses, and learning about other health professions such as physical therapy, dentistry and pharmacy. Mentors are encouraged to contact their mentees between sessions as well, and to keep in touch once the program ends.

Contact Information

Questions or interested? Please email us!

Kelli Barbour, kelli.barbour@ucsf.edu
Doris Wang, doris.wang@ucsf.edu
Corey Miller, corey.miller@ucsf.edu