UCLA Health welcomes new students, interns, residents and fellows

As an academic health system with a teaching hospital network, UCLA Health is committed to supporting the next generation of health care professionals, like the trainees and medical students who add immense value to our organization and community.

For interns, residents and fellows, one step closer to their chosen specialty 

This summer, UCLA Health welcomes almost 500 new interns, residents and fellows. They join more than 1,200 current residents and fellows across all 19 clinical departments.

For the interns, their journey began in early June with a virtual onboarding session and full day of in-person onboarding activities at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. These activities included a benefits fair to give the new trainees an opportunity to meet with experts and learn about important resources before starting their busy training programs. The day was capped off by a welcome reception. 

“ ‘Orientation season’ is the GME team’s favorite time of the academic year! We are happy to welcome new interns, residents and fellows to UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine. The goals of our orientation events include providing valuable resources and creating connections so our trainees feel part of our organization,” said Lisa Payne, director of graduate medical education in the Graduate Medical Education Office at the David Geffen School of Medicine. 

For first-year medical students and incoming graduate students, another milestone in their professional journey

Later this year, the school of medicine will welcome incoming first-year medical students and graduate students. 

“Both Base Camp and the White Coat Ceremony are milestone events [for first-year medical students]. The start of medical school is an exciting time in our students’ lives, and we’re thrilled to be part of our first-year students’ journeys,” said Mary Ann Triest, EdD, director for student engagement in the Student Affairs Office (SAO) at the David Geffen School of Medicine, which partners with Curricular Affairs to coordinate Base Camp and the White Coat Ceremony. 

Meet some of the experts in GME and SAO

To learn more about these events and other programming available for new trainees, we connected with Lisa Payne and Mary Ann Triest. 

Note: This Q&A has been edited for length, clarity and brevity.

What can new medical students, residents, interns and fellows look forward to in their first few months at the David Geffen School of Medicine?

Lisa Payne (LP): The first few months of training, especially for interns, may be overwhelming. It’s an exciting time along their career path but also the first step towards becoming who they are going to be as a physician.

Mary Ann Triest (MAT): New medical students can look forward to meeting their classmates, faculty and staff, and learning in an engaging and collaborative environment. We have many active student organizations that students can join to supplement what they learn in the medical school curriculum. These include career specialty groups, national and regional organizations, wellness and community service organizations. We host a student engagement fair during Base Camp that includes these organizations and campus-wide resources as well.

How can new medical students, residents, interns and fellows stay involved throughout their education and training?

LP: We are so grateful for trainees who want to be involved in making UCLA a great place to train, and there are many opportunities! From medical staff committees and the GME committee and subcommittees where they can impact the quality of the clinical learning environment and training programs, to joining the Minority Housestaff Organization (MHO), or participating as a mentor in the DGSOM Big Sib Lil Sib Program, each of these opportunities is available to any interested trainee.

MAT: Every student will have a different perspective on how they would like to engage with DGSOM, and for that reason, we offer a plethora of opportunities in research, specialty exploration, teaching, community service…there are truly so many options. 

If a student feels that they need help staying involved throughout their education and training, we urge them to contact us to find the best unique path for them. 

Any other advice?

LP: There are a lot of resources available at UCLA that I hope residents and fellows will use to their full advantage. One that comes to mind is the Behavioral Wellness Center (BWC) and the amazing resource they are to our trainees – the BWC is 24/7 and specifically available to medical students and trainees. When it can be so hard to line up appointments for self-care and personal well-being, the availability of the BWC and expertise of the professionals that work there is just wonderful.

MAT: Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time; we are here to help!

If you had to describe the UCLA medical school community in one word, what would it be, and why? 

LP: Evolving. 

As the GME program has expanded, we have taken innovative steps to support the training programs, their leadership and the trainees. GME has a strong partnership with the program directors and coordinators as we all work together to support the growing numbers and needs of our trainees.

MAT: Surprising. 

In [the] 10 plus years in my role, I have never stopped being surprised at the warm and supportive ways that people express themselves at DGSOM. 

Our students also surprise us by keeping us on our toes with their unique talents and perspectives, which creates such a dynamic energy in our community.