Physician Pathways

PHYSICIAN PATHWAY PROGRAMS
Planting the seeds for careers in medicine

Pathway programs are designed to provide guidance and support to students of all ages who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine. Programs include opportunities for middle school, high school, community college and undergraduate students.

SDCMS Health Pathways & Pre–Health Opportunities:
San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) is working to highlight and connect students and early–career learners with pre–health and health–career opportunities across San Diego County and beyond.
 

This page features a curated list of programs, internships, academies, and enrichment opportunities designed to support individuals interested in becoming physicians or pursuing other health professions.

Opportunities may include clinical exposure, mentorship, research, academic enrichment, or stipends, and eligibility varies by program. This is an evolving resource and will continue to grow as new opportunities become available.

Questions?
Have an opportunity you’d like to share or know of another program we should include? Let us know. Call SDCMS at (858) 300–2787 or email Andrew.Gonzalez@ChampionsFH.org with any physician pathway inquires or suggestions.

 

 

ALLIANCE DOC PROGRAM

Alliance Medical Group Developing Our Clinicians (DOC) Program

✽ Location: Alliance Medical Group outpatient clinics in National City, Vista, and Temecula (San Diego County and nearby region)
✽ Eligibility: Pre-med students (Freshman–Junior year) interested in clinical exposure and physician shadowing.
✽ Experience Type: Two–week full–time clinical rotation program providing supervised outpatient shadowing across multiple specialties. Includes physician case debriefs, didactic learning, diagnostic exposure (radiology), and professional skill development. Participants receive HIPAA training and a certificate of completion.
✽ Program Dates: June 1 — August 22, 2026, Six cycles (each two weeks, full–time, Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM)
✽ Application Window: December 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 (rolling interview process)
   
 

 

 

RADY/FACES SUMMER MEDICAL ACADEMY

Rady Children’s Hospital & FACES for the Future Summer Medical Academy

✽ Location: San Diego (Rady Children’s Hospital–affiliated; Health Scholars / FACES for the Future Coalition–San Diego)
✽ Eligibility: High school and early college students interested in health careers (local/regional focus).
✽ Experience Type: Structured pre health summer academy with lectures, skills sessions, and exposure to clinical and public health careers (fee based enrichment). Learn about a wide range of possibilities in a healthcare career, get hands–on experience through multiple skills–clinics, hear about key topics in medicine from experts and make connections with future colleagues.
✽ Program Dates: June 15 — June 26, 2026 and July 6 — July 17, 2026 (two session options)
✽ Application Window: December 1, 2025 — February 20, 2026
   
 

 

 

UCI MedAcademy

UC Irvine School of Medicine MedAcademy

✽ Location: UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange County, CA
✽ Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates ages 15–19 with an interest in medicine and health professions.
✽ Experience Type: One week summer pre–med/pre–health academy with basic clinical skills exposure, physician talks, and career exploration (fee based). Designed to introduce high school students to medical careers and broaden students’ understanding of the healthcare field.
✽ Program Dates: June 22 — June 26, 2026 and July 6 — July 10, 2026 (two session options)
✽ Application Window: February 5, 2026 — TBD
   
 

 

 

UCLA PREP

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Pre–Medical Enrichment Program (PREP)

✽ Location: UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles (virtual + in–person phases)
✽ Eligibility: Educationally or economically disadvantaged third or fourth year undergraduates, community college students, or recent graduates (≥2.8 GPA, no prior MCAT, strong interest in underserved communities).
✽ Experience Type: Free six week academic and professional development summer pre–med program; includes MCAT relevant coursework, advising, and mentorship rather than direct clinical work. Engage in personal and professional development to enhance your application and preparation medical school, plus develop a community of peers to support you along your journey.
✽ Program Dates: July 6 — July 17, 2026 (virtual) and July 20 — August 14, 2026 (in–person)
✽ Application Window: December 1, 2025 — March 2, 2026
   
 

 

 

UCLA SHPEP

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

✽ Location: UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles (available nationwide at multiple medical/dental schools)
✽ Eligibility: Rising college freshmen and sophomores targeting medicine, dentistry, or other health professions; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA; minimum 2.5 GPA.
✽ Experience Type: Free six week academic and enrichment program with health professions exposure, advising, and mentorship; some sites include limited clinical shadowing. Explore your interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. Develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs through specialized academic content, simulation activities and mentorship.
✽ Program Dates: July 15 — July 19, 2026 (virtual) and June 22 — July 24, 2026 (in–person)
✽ Application Window: November 5, 2025 — February 5, 2026
   
 

 

 

NYU SURP

NYU Grossman School of Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

✽ Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City
✽ Eligibility: Undergraduates interested in biomedical research and physician–scientist or research–oriented careers; typically rising juniors and seniors.
✽ Experience Type: Paid full time biomedical research internship with faculty mentorship and seminars; research intensive, not clinical. Join approximately 30 students working in NYU’s exciting academic medical environment to conduct hands-on biomedical research in collaboration with their faculty.
✽ Program Dates: May 31 — August 1, 2026
✽ Application Window: Apply by February 2, 2026