Students showing their Bruin pride.
Career & Specialty Interest Groups (CSIGs) represent some of the 122 specialties and subspecialties that you can pursue through a residency or fellowship. CSIGs are charged with providing informative and innovative programming geared toward career exploration. Click on a CSIG below to find out what your fellow students have planned in your area of interest! If you are looking for a specialty that is not represented by a group below, contact Mary Ann Triest about starting a new group.
Student Coordinator: Anouk Ackerman
Student Advisor: Melinda Wang
Faculty Advisor:Timothy Fong, M.D.
Our mission is to support the health and dignity of persons and communities impacted by addiction. To promote evidence-based addiction education to medical students, physicians and other health trainees. To strive to sustain every person’s right to health and welfare. We recognize each individual’s agency to engage in their own health and contribution to public health advocacy. To promote harm reduction practices and programs that work to reduce the detrimental consequences of drug use including hepatitis B and C, HIV, addiction, and overdose.
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Student Coordinators: Jenny Huang, Thibault Philippine
Student Advisors: Danny Le, Eric Tran Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Nguyen-Lee, M.D. Department Website: http://www.anes.ucla.edu/
Student Coordinators: Austin Churchhill, Nikitha Kosaraju, Howard Pyo Student Advisors: Sara Emami, Emily Chu, Zoe Zhou Faculty Advisor: James Weiss, M.D. Department Website: http://www.cardiology.med.ucla.edu/
The goal of the Cardiology Interest Group is to expose future physicians to the excitement of different fields within cardiology at an early stage in training. To do so, we will organize lunchtime meetings during the which leaders in their filed have an opportunity to speak to first and second year medical students about their work and the current trends in the field of cardiology. Students benefit by getting early exposure to cardiology, plus the privilege to hear some wonderful doctors whom they would not otherwise come in contact with so early in their training. We will also provide shadowing opportunities, enabling students to get hands-on experience with cardiology patients. Lastly, the Cardiology Interest Group will provide opportunities for medical students to get to know cardiology fellows and attendings through social events and mixers, thus creating a collegial atmosphere to foster interest in cardiology. We hope this group will spark interest in pursuing a career path in one of the cardiology specialties to balance the growing need for cardiologists both in the clinical and research realms.
Student Coordinators: Melodyanne Cheng, Troy Sanders, Rachel Wahhab, Makana Williams Student Advisors: Patrick Chin, Erick Castellanos Gaither, Emily Chu Faculty Advisor: Paul Levins, M.D.
The Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) has been founded for the purpose of advancing student knowledge of the dermatology specialty. Our objectives include:
In order to fulfill our goals and objectives, we will utilize faculty support to provide lunchtime talks, offer mentorship opportunities, have regular meetings among medical students in their didactic and clinical training, and establish open communication among students conducting research in dermatology at UCLA. The structure of DIG includes a committee focused on didactics (lunchtime discussions), and a cabinet consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. DIG will also include both upperclassmen and underclassmen so that both clinical and didactic aspects of DIG can be better addressed and included in DIG meetings. The role of our faculty advisor is to assist DIG members in exploration of long range occupational and professional plans in dermatology, refer students to sources for specialized assistance in dermatology, and to contribute awareness of opportunities in laboratories, clinics, and field experiences. Membership includes graduate students, medical students, and faculty.
Student Coordinators: Jenna Dovydaitis Student Advisor: Michael Rothberg Faculty Advisors: Gregory Hendey, M.D.
- As defined by the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association, disaster medicine "provides care for the victims of natural and man-made disasters with specific consideration given to timeliness and availability of resources." - The topic of disaster medicine is especially relevant to the world today, as COVID-19 has emphasized the difficulties of low- resource medicine in the context of a biological disaster. - However, the application of disaster medicine is far from limited to COVID-19. As increasingly intense natural disasters occur due to climate change, and events like mass-casualty shootings continue to affect society's health, the principles of disaster medicine are important for our future physicians to learn. - This year has also shed light on the importance of physicians in government leadership in both times of disaster and normalcy, as to bolster our future public health response capacity. - The DMIG aims to address the above statements by introducing DGSOM's students to techniques of disaster medicine from both the clinical and political leadership standpoints.
Student Coordinators: Matthew Daly, Leilani Gutierrez-Palominos, Michael Rothberg, Louie Wang Student Advisors: Harshika Chowhardy, Jessica Cranston, Denise McIntyre Faculty Advisors: Dan Lee, M.D. Department Website: http://www.emergencymedicine.ucla.edu/
The Emergency Medicine Interest Group is a group of first and second year medical students who work with physicians from the UCLA Emergency Departments to learn both clinical skills and to explore opportunities in Emergency Medicine. Residents and physicians from the UCLA Emergency Department help teach students skills such as suturing, splinting, starting IVs, intubation, and ultrasound. The group also meets to discuss topics about Emergency Medicine, such as planning for residency, wilderness medicine, career choices in Emergency Medicine, and much more. The interest group leaders ensure that students have access to information regarding national organizations like ACEP and AAEM. EMIG also encourages participation in emergency medicine conferences throughout Southern California. EMIG supports a shadowing program whereby students follow residents during their shifts in the Emergency Departments at UCLA affiliate hospitals - RRMC, Harbor, and Olive View. For more information, please contact emig.dgsom@gmail.com.
Student Coordinators: Alexandra Kaufman, Calvin Yao Student Advisors: Karen Kwaning, Melvin Rico Faculty Advisor: Dan Lee, M.D. Department Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/family-medicine/Pages/default.aspx
The mission of the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is to inform medical and pre-medical students about the unique philosophy of Family Medicine through education and mentorship. FMIG understands the role of family physicians in the improvement of health in this country and seeks to encourage medical student to be future leaders in their practices, to understand the problems facing health care today, and to respond to the growing disparities in health care that exist among immigrant families and minority populations in large urban centers, such as Los Angeles. Additionally, we would like to inform students and expose them to the various specialties and career opportunities available within family medicine through workshops, lunch talks, networking activities, regional and national conferences, and community service events. Back to top
Student Coordinators: Michelle Guan, Matthew Zao Student Advisors: Tracy Nguyen, Ali Sahl Faculty Advisor: Kirsten Tillisch, M.D.
The mission of the Gastroenterology Student Interest Group (GSIG) is to inform medical students of the increasing relevance of gastroenterology in holistic patient care. We aim to highlight the impact of various preventive measures in gastroenterology, inlcuding colorectal cancer screening and personalized nutrition guidance. We strive to provide various enriching opportunities, including faculty mentorship and workshops, in order to introduce medical students to the wide-reaching discipline of gastroenterology. We envision our group to serve as a means to provide an additional perspective on the health disparities that exist in the field of gastroenterology.
Student Coordinators: Yoon Lee, Meghan Reddy, Vananh Tran Student Advisors: Vincent Gutierrez, Qiao Ruan, Kevin Truong Faculty Advisor: Sue Charette, M.D. and Jonathan Wanagat, M.D.
The goals of the Geriatric Medicine Interest Group (GMIG) are to ignite interest in geriatrics among UCLA medical students, to disseminate knowledge and increase awareness of the special issues and research work that address the health care problems of older people, and to provide community service that focuses on the wellness of the elderly. We are determined to accomplish our goals with hour-long noon seminars, various opportunities to shadow geriatricians in both clinical and hospital settings, and undertaking several community outreach projects.
Head Coordinators: Kate Coursey, Vinay Srinivasan Student Advisors: Carolyn Smullin, Sam Lewis Faculty Advisor: Tom Coates, PhD The Global Health Interest Group (GHIG) serves to educate medical students about global health and human rights issues. The GHIG aims to facilitate medical student exposure to global health through several avenues, including lunch talks, informational sessions on global health opportunities at DGSOM, journal clubs, expert panels and more.
Student Coordinators: Megan Cheng, John Deng Student Advisors: Eric Tran, Michelle Hong, Kera Kwan, Andy S. Moon Faculty Advisors: Quinton Gopen, M.D.
The mission of the Head and Neck Surgery Student Interest Group is to introduce medical students to the field of head and neck surgery
*Students will be given opportunities to explore the field by shadowing in the OR
*Through workshops and lunch talks, students will be introduced to basic techniques and medical innovations
*Mentorship and networking events will provide opportunities for professional development and engagement in research
Student Coordinators: Lauren Rosas, Breanna Walsh Student Advisors: Amanda Creech Faculty Advisors: Judith Currier, M.D.
The infectious Diseases Interest Group (IDIG) at DGSOM aims to introduce medical students to the field of infectious diseases (ID). The goal of the group is to stimulate awareness and to provide avenues for professional development and exploration in the field. IDIG will serve its mission through regular lunchtime talks and lectures by ID faculty, workshops and ID cases, clinical and research networking events, shadowing opportunities, as well as the development of a mentorship program between students and experts in the field.
Student Coordinators: Tanya Datta, Stephanie Pintas
Student Advisors: Aloukika Shah, Shelby Willis Faculty Advisor: Ka-kit Hui, M.D.
Integrative Medicine emphasizes the whole person. Its practice aims to provide optimal health, healing, and well-being while reaffirming the significance of the patient-physician relationship, all by utilizing an evidence-based, conventional and non-conventional multidisciplinary approach: through the incorporation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbalism, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and a multitude of other modalities. In order to spread the knowledge and philosophy of Integrative Medicine, IMSIG will provide a forum for medical students to learn, challenge, explore, share, and experience Integrative Medicine through sponsorship of speakers, practical workshops, and discussions. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of health as being cross-cultural, founded upon ancient and modern ideas and practices, and most importantly as a spectrum of human experiences, from body to mind, emotion, and spirit. Through community outreach, students will have the opportunity to educate the community at large while simultaneously exploring and developing a greater awareness of their own health, well-being, and roles as physician-healers in the community. IMSIG hopes to provide medical students with a unique capacity to effect positive, healing transformations in all aspects of patients' lives while also realizing the motto - "Physician, heal thyself." Back to top
Student Coordinators: Angela Pham, Calvin Yao, May Myint Thanda Kaw Student Advisors: Karen Kwaning, Jennifer Wang Faculty Advisor: Inderprett Saini, M.D. Department Website: http://www.med.ucla.edu/modules/wfchannel/
The mission of the DGSOM-UCLA Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) is to provide students with information about internal medicine as a medical specialty and as a possible career; expose students to physicians in the field of internal medicine with interesting and successful careers who can provide students with a sense of what it is like to be an internal medicine specialists or subspecialist/ and provide an opportunity for students to learn, network, and serve their community together. IMIG fulfills this mission by hosting speaker events featuring UCLA and community residents, fellows, and physicians; setting up shadowing opportunities at Ronald Reagan Medical Center; organizing student participation in service events such as community health fairs; and promoting opportunities for students to submit abstracts to American College of Physicians research competitions.
Student Coordinators: Phillip Chen, Xiaomeng Deng, Chloe Kim, Haroon Rasheed, Terri Shih, Michelle Shu, Brandon Tsai
Student Advisor: Sartajdeep Kahlon Faculty Advisor: Jason Napolitano, MD
To promote medical students' well-being; To encourage medical students to express themselves creatively with choreography; To build an extracurricular interest-based community.
Student Coordinators: On hiatus for 2020-21 Academic Year Student Advisors: Isabella Lin Faculty Advisor: Katrina Dipple, M.D., Ph.D. Department Website: http://www.genetics.ucla.edu/
The genetics interest group and medical genetics selective serve to educate the students of DGSOM about the current research in the genetics field and the possible career paths in the field of medical genetics. We achieve this goal by hosting 10 lunchtime lectures throughout the year and also offering shadowing experiences in the medical genetics clinic.
Student Coordinator: On hiatus for 2020-21 Academic Year Student Advisor: Diana Lopez, Justo Caballero, Zachary Achen Faculty Advisors: Peyman Benharash, MD The goal of the Medical Innovation Interest Group (MIIG) is to assist medical students to incorporate translational research, technology transfer, and business into their future careers. Between a life-saving idea and actually saving lives stands a mountain that few have mapped out and even fewer have successfully crossed - the process of medical innovation. In recent years it has become especially apparent that good ideas alone are insufficient to bring successful medical devices and drugs to market and ultimately into the clinic. Research is popular activity, but how can we take our findings and translate them into real therapies? How can we capitalize on our clinical knowledge to fill important medical needs?
To address these questions, MIIG will promote knowledge of relevant combined degree programs (e.g., MD/MBA, MD/MPH), intellectual property, and technology transfer. Additionally, the Interest Group will interconnect professionals involved in medical innovation (faculty members, the Anderson School of Business, Los Angeles-area VCs and entrepreneurs) with interested medical students.
More broadly, the Interest Group seeks to bridge student interests in academia, clinical medicine, and public health to invention, management, and the real world. The organization seeks to broaden students' perspective about what a career in medicine can entail through tacit understanding of business and promotion of translational research. Competency in such skills is increasingly a prerequisite for leadership in the medical sciences - our aim is to enable medical students to embrace these disciplines and harness them in a medical career.
Student Coordinators: Amanda Nguyen, Michelle Shu Student Advisors: Jennifer Wang, Hyejoon Kim, Sang Pil Yoo Faculty Advisor: Eric Curcio, M.D.
The purpose of the UCLA Med-Peds Interest Group (MPIG) is to provide guidance and support for the growing number of students interested in a combined Medicine-Pediatrics residency. MPIG is the only group on campus that gives students access to information about a Med-Peds residency and puts them in touch with physicians in specific fields like transitional care. With more patients with congenital conditions surviving long into adulthood, there is increased demand for physicians who can both treat these patients in their childhood as well as provide them with the unique care they need many years later. MPIG provides students with the opportunity to learn more about career options in this field, and allows them to make connections with current residents and physicians at UCLA. In addition to informal lunch meetings whereby students can hear faculty opinions and ask questions, shadowing opportunities are set up such that students can experience life as a med-peds physician, attend teaching rounds, and interact with the patient population.
MPIG organized different talks throughout the year to inform students about the Med-Peds residency program, the roles that Med-Peds physicians fill, and the differences and advantages of being trained as an internist and pediatrician compared to a career in pediatrics, internal medicine or family medicine alone. We also invited Med-Peds physicians to talk about their experiences and how they are able to continue offering continuity to their pediatric patients, especially those with congenital diseases or with disabilities and as they transition into their adult lives. MPIG is also committed to exposing medical students to the field of Med-Peds by offering mentorship and shadowing opportunities with physicians and residents in the field.
Student Coordinators: Aditya Kondajji, Maxwell Mellin, Ansley Unterberger, Andrew Wang Student Advisor: Kevin Ding, Jenny Fehring, Hristos Courellis Faculty Sponsor: Linda Liau, M.D., Ph.D. Department Website: http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/
Mission Statement:
To educate students about a career in neurosurgery-the road to residency and the diversity of the various career paths and research that can be chosen within the specialty. To galvanize interest among the students to pursue such a unique career. To connect the neurosurgery department at UCLA and the medical students for mixers, lunch talks, neurosurgery events, and collaboration in research opportunities.
Student Coordinators: Arya Aliabadi, Marie Altendahl Student Advisor: Ananya Bhatia-Lin, Carolyn Smullin, Sophia Tiene Faculty Sponsor: Valentina Rodriguez-Triana, MD
Department Website: http://www.obgyn.ucla.edu
This group is open to anyone interested in becoming familiar with the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Women's Health. We offer resources to educate and support students who are interested in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serve as a liaison between medical students and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. We sponsor lectures and panels on topics ranging from the current lifestyle of physicians practicing Obstetrics to the various sub-specialties available in both Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition, we provide shadowing opportunities with residents at the Center for Health Sciences and with physicians in the community.
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Student Coordinators: Joey Li, Shreya Mathur, Charles Vatanatham Student Advisors: Tina Huang, Apoorva Mylavarapu, Neda Ashtari Faculty Sponsors: Gary Schiller, M.D. OIG Website: Under constructionJCCC Website: http://www.cancer.ucla.edu
The OncIG is a student-run interest group whose mission is to expose first and second year medical students to the oncological medical specialties and provide them with opportunities to engage in discussion and activities related to oncology. To fulfill this mission, OncIG organizes events in the following areas:
1. Career Exploration: we seek to introduce students to the fields of surgical, medical, and radiation oncology and the paths towards these careers.
2. Clinical Experience Opportunities: we seek to provide students with the opportunity to see how oncology is practiced through shadowing and mentorship.
3. Research: we seek to engage students in discussion and innovation in the field of oncology through research-oriented talks as well as providing research opportunities.
4. Community Involvement: we seek to engage with the community through service opportunities.
Student Coordinators: Brittany Wong, Gloria Yu Student Advisors: Apoorva Mylavarapu, Bradley Gundlach Faculty Advisor: Gary N. Holland, M.D. Department Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/eye/
The Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG) is a career specialty interest group that is devoted to increasing medical student awareness, exposure and interest in the field of ophthalmology. Our primary partnership is with the Jules Stein Eye Institute Mobile Eye Clinic through which we give students first-hand exposure to the practice of ophthalmology in a clinical and community setting. In addition, we increase exposure to the field through guest speakers and lectures, resident and faculty panels, and shadowing opportunities in the various sub-specialties of ophthalmology
Student Coordinators: Natalie Chapkis, Kellyn Hori, Andrew Roney Student Advisors: Zoe Trutner, Ameen Chaudry, Shannon Wu Faculty Advisor: Sharon Hame, M.D. Department Website: http://www.ortho.ucla.edu
The Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG) at UCLA is designed for students who are interested in learning more about a career in orthopaedics. Over the course of the academic year, specially selected speakers will address a number of important issues including
- what an orthopaedic surgeon does - what a career as an orthopaedist entails - the different sub-specialties that one could ultimately pursue - the qualities/experiences that make a competitive applicant
Additionally, various research, volunteer, and shadowing opportunities will be offered to interested members. Students who are considering a career in orthopaedics, as well as those who are simply curious about this often misunderstood field, are invited to join.
Student Coordinators: Michael Arnold, Julie Hafer, Jacob Story Student Advisor: Carlee Blakemore, Kate Paulsen, San Pil Yoo, Apporva Mylavarapu, Heng-Yi, Serena Gee Faculty Advisor: Daniel Karlin, MD
The Palliative Care and Hospice Interest Group (PHIG) exposes students to the fields of palliative and hospice care through education and mentorship. We hope to facilitate understanding of end-of-life care in diverse populations and encourage the development of essential skills for all physicians and medical students involved with patients and their loved ones at this critical juncture. We pursue these goals through lunchtime talks, seminars, shadowing opportunities, and events aimed at exploring holistic goal-centered care from diagnosis to end-of-life through patient stories, self-reflection, community engagement, and transformative communication.
Student Coordinators: Sean Johnson, Troy Sanders Student Advisor: Isabel Goronzy, Amanda Miller, Lauren Uchiyama Faculty Advisor: Elena Stark, M.D., Ph.D.
Many medical students and physicians remember their pathology course in medical school, but are not sure what a practicing pathologist actually does. Our purpose is to expand awareness and interest among students about the field of pathology as well as gain exposure to what a career in pathology entails. This organization also encourages students to consider pathology as a career, and allows interested students to make contacts with faculty and residents. It is the goal of this group to increase awareness, increase interest in the field and to provide a structured forum to gain information about pathology as a career choice. In addition, we plan to hold workshops on microscopy, grossing pathological specimens, and shadowing opportunities with current UCLA pathology residents and attendings. Also we plan to have review sessions on histology and pathology pertinent to Step 1 or Block materials to benefit not only those interested in pathology as a specialty by as a service to all medical students reviewing for upcoming exams and Board evaluations.
Student Coordinators: Helia Imany, Esther Kim Student Advisor: Emma Burdekin, Sumana Rallapalli, Vida Sandoval, David Ly Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Lehman, M.D. Department Website: http://pig.dgsom.ucla.edu/
The Pediatric Interest Group (PIG) strives to educate medical students about the vast field of pediatrics by promoting student exploration of pediatrics and its subspecialties, providing opportunities for career guidance, and encouraging awareness of issues pertaining to children and their families. With these goals in mind, PIG hopes to encourage and inspire pursuit of a career in pediatrics. To fulfill this mission the PIG student coordinators work with pediatric residents and faculty to provide several events around the year. Through lunch time lectures, students have the opportunity to learn about and ask questions of pediatrics or experts in pediatric research. Through resident-student mixers, students can learn more abut the pediatric training and ask advice about how to decide if pediatrics is right for them. Through the PIG sponsored shadowing program, interested students are matched to a physician willing to have students spend the day with them in clinic. Through community events students gain exposure to the community of children at large and have the opportunity to give something back.
Student Coordinators: Arturo Torres, Emmanuel Villalpando Student Advisor: Harshit Gupta and Rishi Sinha Faculty Advisor: Dixie Aragaki, M.D. Department Website: http://www.losangeles.va.gov/internships/pmr/index.asp
Exploration: The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group (PM&RIG) is dedicated to the education of future physicians about the PM&R specialty and its function within the healthcare system. We accomplish this goal by hosting talks given by PM&R specialists and by arranging clinical skills training sessions. Service: PM&RIG is working with the UCLA Mobile Clinic Project to bring PM&R expertise to underserved population in Los Angeles. Through this opportunity, we give medical students the unique opportunity to simultaneously shadow and learn from PM&R physicians while serving Los Angeles's homeless population. Leadership: PM&R provides leadership opportunities for interested medical students. These leadership opportunities grant students the opportunity to interact especially closely with UCLA faculty and physicians towards a common goal of spreading awareness and interest in PM&R among future physicians.
Student Coordinators: Harshini Malapati, Shahrazad Moghadam
Student Advisors: Vikram Krishna, Dillon Dejam Faculty Advisor: Jason Roostaeian, M.D.
The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group will serve to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to one of the most competitive fields of surgery. The interest group will debunk some of the myths and stereotypes commonly associated with Plastic Surgery, and introduce students to the diversity of opportunities available with a career in this field. The interest group will allow students to network with Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons both at UCLA and in the greater Los Angeles area, allowing the opportunity to establish long-lasting relationships throughout their future career. Speakers in the field will be brought in to help mentor students about the application process for such a competitive specialty, and offer important advice and tips for those considering this career path.
Student Coordinators: Gita Bhattarchaya, Ziad Rifi Student Advisor: David Adams Faculty Advisor: Jessica Jeffrey, M.D.
-The Psychiatry Student Interest Group (PsychSIG) is dedicated to helping its members explore the field of psychiatry and its many subspecialties. Through lunch talks, skills workshops, outings into the community, and easily accessible information about the field, we hope to not only educate, but to expand the student body's interest in the practice of psychiatry.
-We consider mentorship to be a necessary aspect of exploring a career path, and will facilitate mentorship relationships with practicing residents and psychiatrists in the community. These relationships will allow open communication that will enable students to learn more about the lifestyle, day-to-day practice, and training process of psychiatry.
-This group will provide opportunities for leadership to all its members. Members will not only have the opportunity to become the interest group's leaders, but may also hold roles coordinating mentorship and group events.
-PsychSIG at UCLA will continue to be a part of the Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network (PsychSIGN), a nationwide network of medical students interested in this field. Being a part of this network offers our members connections to peers, residents, and practicing psychiatrists all over the country.
Student Coordinators: Sahar Ashrafzadeh, Rose Paneno, Naseem Rangwala
Student Advisors: Emily Miller, Terri Shih Faculty Advisor: Priyanka Fernandes
The mission of the Public Health and Preventative Medicine Interest Group is to harness the interest in and passion for public health so many of our DGSOM students have and turn it into impact through offering community outreach and public health research opportunities as well as fostering connections to the Public Health and Preventative Medicine Fellowship program faculty and fellows and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. We hope to help students envision and eventually realize how to incorporate public health into any career as future physicians and to educate all on the importance of preventative medicine.
Student Coordinators: Tommy Jiang, Eric Yu Lin, Kristen Wong Student Advisor: Jesus Juarez Faculty Advisors: Albert J. Chang, MD and Ann Raldow, MD
Radiation Oncology Interest Group (ROIG) is a student group dedicated to educating and elucidating medical students on the multidisciplinary field of radiation oncology. It is a common misconception that radiation oncology is related to radiology; radiation oncology entails using radiation to treat rather than detect disease. Furthermore, despite being one of the three primary ways to combat cancers, radiation oncology is often aggregated with other oncology fields and remains somewhat vaguely defined, with lack of proper exposure despite being a very competitive, valuable, and critical medical field. ROIG will be the first in its kind to provide students a clearcut avenue to explore the field, learn the full-extent of what exactly radiation oncologists can accomplish in their careers, and connect with mentors in radiation oncology early on in order to gain both clinical and research experience.
Student Coordinators: Tommy Jiang, Matthew Zhao Student Advisors: Kimberly Yan, Scott Meyer Faculty Advisor: Theodore Hall, M.D. Department Website: http://www.radiology.ucla.edu
Radiology is a field that lies at the heart of the future of medicine with its rapidly expanding power and potential in diagnostics and guided therapy. The goals of the Radiology Interest Group (RIG) are to introduce medical students to this exciting career path, its different specialties, research opportunities, lifestyle, training, and what it takes to get there!
Student Coordinators: Shahrzad Moghadam, Yvonne Roca Student Advisors: Zoe Trutney, Ehsan Izadmehr Faculty Advisors: George Kazanjian, M.D. Department Website: http://www.surgery.ucla.edu/ While many students find themselves drawn to the world of surgery, they often have little idea of which specialty they wish to pursue. The Surgery Interest Group brings together students from a number of different interests, creating a venue for stimulating and challenging conversation among members of the student body, while simultaneously ushering them into the inner-workings of the surgical field. Immersion activities offered include lunchtime talks, preceptorships in the community, shadowing sessions in clinic and operating rooms and discussions on important research subjects including breast, transplant, vascular, cancer and other surgeries. Acting as a networking tool and motivator, our organization hopes to introduce students to their future colleagues and to begin their practical training in the arena they will one day contribute to as physicians.
Student Coordinator: Megan Cheng Student Advisors: Aloukika Shah, Samuel Kim Faculty Advisor: Martina Wiedau-Pazos, M.D. Department Website: http://www.neurology.ucla.edu/ The Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) chapter at UCLA enables students to learn about and explore neurology and related research. SIGN is affiliated with the American Academy of Neurology, which provides students with opportunities to connect with peers and professionals across the country. Locally, SIGN exposes students to the careers and lives of neurologists, and facilitates connections between medical students and neurology residents, fellows, and attendings at UCLA. SIGN also coordinates with the Department of Neurology to offer a Medical Student Summer Research Program scholarship enabling students to undertake neurological research endeavors at various sites across the country.
Student Coordinators: Michael Le, Andrew Roney Student Advisors: Zachary Jacobs, Joshua Sadik Faculty Advisors: Christopher Giza, M.D., Quynh Pham, M.D., Frank Petrigliano, M.D.
The multidimensional aspect of sports medicine is often overlooked. Although the field universally deals with physical injuries related to sports and exercise, many disciplines contribute to this facet of patient care, including orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, and primary care. Specifically, the Sports Medicine Interest Group at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA aims to integrate the multidisciplinary approaches of training, research, and clinical practice involved with exercise science and sports medicine. Essentially, the goal is to provide a more holistic perspective of the field by incorporating all relevant disciplines and medical expertise through working with student athletes, physician panels, and research and shadowing opportunities. The multidimensional aspect of sports medicine is often overlooked. Although the field universally deals with physical injuries related to sports and exercise, many disciplines contribute to this facet of patient care, including orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and primary care. Specifically, the Sports Medicine Interest Group at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA aims to integrate the multidisciplinary approaches of training, research, and clinical practice involved with exercise science and sports medicine. Essentially, the goal is to provide a more holistic perspective of the field by incorporating all relevant disciplines and medical expertise through physician panels, research opportunities, and lunch discussions.
Student Coordinators: Ming-Yeah Hu, Leilani Gutierrez-Palominos Student Advisors: Yasmeen Dhindsa, Jacob Guorgui Faculty Advisors: Faldy Kaldas, MD
The Transplant Surgery Interest Group (TSIG) aims to expose medical students to the multidisciplinary field of organ transplantation. Our talks and discussions will explore the ethically and technically challenging nature of transplant procedures, integrating medicine, infectious disease, and pharmacology. Through lunchtime talks, ICU shadowing, and panel-based discussions, students will have the opportunity to delve further into the complex field of transplant surgery. We hope to highlight the nuances of the various specialties within transplant surgery, including the various research opportunities and career paths available within each specialty. Students will have the opportunity to gain further exposure to an underrepresented surgical specialty and continue exploring different paths out of a general surgery residency.
Student Coordinators: Jasmeet Dhaliwal, Michelle Guan, Amanda Nguyen, Audrey Nguyen, Thibault Phillippine Student Advisors:Danny Le, Jamie Yang, Jacob Guorgui, Yasmeen Dhindsa, Sahl Ali, Hashika Chowhardy Faculty Advisor: Alan Chiem, M.D.
The goal of the Ultrasound Interest Group (USIG) is to provide opportunities for medical students to receive a more expansive education in ultrasound that they can use during their medical training as well as their careers. Ultrasound is non-invasive, low cost imaging technique that when used appropriately has a high diagnostic power for many common conditions. As medicine moves to reduce unnecessary imaging studies and use safer and more cost effective imaging techniques, clinician performed and generalist ultrasound is becoming increasingly advocated.
Student Coordinator: Tommy Jiang Student Advisors: Jacob Guorgui, Kevin Walsh, Alice Yu Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Bergman, M.D.
The Urology Interest Group (UIG) is designed to expose medical students to the evolving and diverse field of Urology. While classified as a surgical specialty, Urology is unique because clinical problems encountered by physicians often involve a multidisciplinary approach to treatment including knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and more. UIG specifically aims to expose first and second year medical students to a field that is underrepresented in the preclinical years of medical education. UIG will aim to provide medical students an avenue to explore changes in the field of Urology in the context of the on going implementation of the Affordable Care Act and an aging population. The group will facilitate interaction between medical students and faculty of the Urology department through research, volunteer and clinical opportunities.
Student Coordinators: John Deng, Morcos Nahkla, Rachel Wahhab Student Advisors: Ricardo Rosales Morales, Terri Shih, Brian Chu, Jiyoung Lee, Sayan Chatterjee, Eric Tran, Savannah Yeh Faculty Advisor: Karen Woo, MD, David Rigberg, MD
Providing medical students with the opportunity to learn about training paths and career paths in vascular surgery via interactions with residents, fellows, and faculty at UCLA
Student Coordinators: Michael Rothberg, Caleb WarrenStudent Advisor: Karen Bryan, Kiara OwensFaculty Advisor: Brandon Endo, MD
The wilderness medicine interest group provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the vast, challenging, and under-represented world of outdoor medicine. In addition to mentorship, career exploration, and the potential to participate in the National Conference on Wilderness medicine, the group runs skills based events throughout the year. These events introduce members to the wide range of skills and improvisation necessary in a remote setting. Students are also exposed to wilderness medicine through talks with wilderness medicine professionals as well as hands on experience in a wilderness setting.
Student Coordinators: Gabrielle Daso, Zoe Geannopoulos Student Advisor: Alina Chen, Kera Kwan Resident Advisors: Jessica Beth O'Connell, M.D., Avital Harari, M.D.
The David Geffen School of Medicine's Women in Surgery Interest Group (WISIG) is a student-run organization with a commitment to support the professional and personal needs of aspiring female surgeons. WISIG was created to address the increasing interest in surgical careers by female medical students and to enhance the exposure of UCLA's medical students with active female surgeons within the UCLA community.
WISIG's primary focus is to increase the pipeline for female medical students considering careers in general surgery and the surgical subspecialties. WISIG is proud to (1) highlight female surgeons from the university and local community to serve as role models for female medical students, (2) to provide direct mentoring and advising with respect to careers in academic and community practices, (3) to allow for open and guided discussions about specific challenges and tribulations that especially pertain to the woman surgeon and (4) to introduce unique opportunities for research, networking, volunteer work and education within the various surgical fields.
The primary focus of the organization lies within the mentorship of female medical students and the educational dialogue regarding topics readily pertinent to women in surgery. That being said, many issues that are considered "women's issues" are truly issues for the "modern day surgeon." As such WISIG is open to all members of the medical school community regardless of sex, race, sexual-orientation or socioeconomic background, considering therein lies an investment to the advancement of the WISIG mission. Back to top
