The EDGE Special Edition| Issue 2 | Summer 2023

Special Edition

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School of Nursing School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Public Health School of Medicine

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WELCOME

IN THIS ISSUE:

5 Steps to Choosing a Major

Universities, Schools, and Majors, Oh My! UC Irvine Campus Map by Schools

UC Irvine College of Health Sciences Key Terms UC Irvine School of Nursing Majors Within the School of Nursing Student Spotlights: School of Nursing UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Majors Within the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Spotlights: School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences UC Irvine Program in Public Health Majors Within the Program in Public Health Student Spotlights: Program in Public Health

Dear Student, Welcome to this special summer edition of The Edge! While you have

hopefully been enjoying some rest and relaxation, the team at UCI has been hard at work to continue to support you on your college journey. We are excited to bring you this second-ever edition focused on helping you select a major. This issue is in direct response to your feedback because at this stage in your journey, you face two big decisions: where you should go to college and what you should major in.

It may seem daunting to imagine what the classes will be like in college and what long-term opportunities and careers you want to prepare for. We know these choices can weigh heavily on your mind, and we are here to help! In this issue we give a special focus to career pathways in the health industry. Now more than ever, careers in health are extremely important for the well-being of our communities, as was seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. This continues to be a growing industry with fulfilling careers and competitive salaries that go beyond the traditional nurse or doctor paths.

Through this edition, we provide you guidance, questions to ask yourself, and information to demystify the college preparation process. We also break down how majors and schools are organized at UCI. Although this will vary at each institution, understanding how academic units and programs are structured will help you map your options at any university you choose. In addition, we spotlight a few majors you may not have considered and hear directly from students on the other side of these choices to learn from them.

Happy reading!

UC Irvine School of Medicine Majors Within the School of Medicine

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D.

Student Spotlights: School of Medicine

Assistant Vice Chancellor of Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine

Final Reflection

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

5 STEPS TO CHOOSING A MAJOR

by Jody Cajudo, M.S., Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

To receive a degree or certificate from a college or university, a student must declare a major. A major is a specific area of study that a student chooses to focus their course of study. We recognize that selecting a major is not always a simple task.

So, whether you are 99% sure of your choice or have no idea where to start, we encourage you to use the following steps to select a major that is right for YOU!

Step 1: Assess Yourself The more you understand yourself, the easier it is to identify your goals and ways to achieve them. Assessments are a great tool to learn more about yourself and your core values. Consider taking any of these assessments to help you get started: Myers-Briggs & 16 Personalities, Value Sort, or CliftonStrengths. The results you get are personal to you and can help you uncover majors that align with your strengths and values. After completing an assessment, we encourage you to connect with a trusted adult, teacher, or counselor to reflect on your results and understand their meaning.

possible majors of interest with your counselor, a teacher, a mentor, or an academic advisor at your school.

These individuals can assist you in finding and learning about each institution's different opportunities.

Step 3: Evaluate and

Make Your Major Decision Put together all the information you gather from Steps 1 & 2 and create a list of two or three potential majors.

We then encourage you to meet with an academic counselor who can help you evaluate the information you have gathered and offer suggestions on the next steps you can take.

Step 4: Take Action

Choosing a major requires you to be proactive! Select student activities, internships, volunteer work, and/or part-time employment that can help you further develop skills in the areas that interest you. This is a great way to find out first-hand whether or not you can see yourself doing this in the future.

Talk to people who work in the career

fields you are considering and see if there are any opportunities they would recommend that you get involved with throughout the school year or during the summer.

Step 5: Apply for Your Major

You will be prompted to select a major on your college application(s). Keep in mind that many students change their major while in college. If you are unsure about your major, selecting “undeclared” or “undecided” on your college application and declaring your major later on, is okay. This gives you a chance to take some time and explore.

Once you declare your major, you are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from the college or school at least twice a year to remain on track to complete your degree.

Step 2: Gather Information and Explore Options Research majors at different universities and make a list of your interests. You may also work backwards! Explore job descriptions of careers that interest you and see what majors are most common within the field. We encourage you to discuss

www.cfep.uci.edu

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UNIVERSITY, SCHOOLS, AND MAJORS, OH MY!

by Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., Director of P-20 Programs

Here at UCI, we offer an abundance of Major options for you to choose from. However, before

you get to choose a major, we wanted to let you in on a little secret. Within every college or university, there are schools or academic units. For example, you might apply to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and choose to major in African American Studies. So that means you are applying to the University of California, Irvine, School of Humanities with a major in African American Studies. It might sound a little confusing now, but not to worry, it will make more sense when you get here. In the meantime, this magazine intends to help you understand the basics. With that said, here is a snapshot of all the schools at UCI:

School of the Arts

School of Biological Sciences

School of Business

School of Education

School of Engineering

School of Humanities

School of Information & Computer Sciences

Interdisciplinary Science

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC UNITS GRADUATE ACADEMIC UNITS

School of Social Ecology

School of Social Sciences

School of Physical Sciences School of Law

School of Medicine

Now, to the good stuff! In this second edition, you will learn about majors within the College of Health Sciences. Our hope is to include UCI's School Engineering, Ecology and other academic units in future editions. Eventually, we will have all of UCI’s Schools (academic units) and their respective majors in this magazine for you to flip through and learn more about!

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

College of Health Sciences

School of Nursing School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Public Health

UC IRVINE CAMPUS MAP BY SCHOOLS School of the Arts

School of Engineering

School of Social Ecology

School of Biological Sciences

School of Humanities

School of Social Sciences

School of Business

School of Information & Computer Sciences

School of Physical Sciences

School of Education

Interdisciplinary Science

College of Health Sciences

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Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences

KEY TERMS As you read through the magazine and learn about UCI’s Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, below are some key terms and definitions we hope will help you better understand the available opportunities for students at UCI. Undergraduate: A student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor's or equivalent degree.

Bachelor’s: An undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years (depending on institution and academic discipline). The two most common bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc).

Graduate Degree: an advanced academic degree in a specialized field of study, pursued after one has already obtained a bachelor's degree.

Masters Degree: A postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

Doctorate: A high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation, and defense of a research dissertation.

Work -Based: Development and assessment of skills within and directly related to the workplace.

Apprenticeship: A system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated occupation.

Fellowships: Short-term, paid, opportunities that are sponsored by a specific organization and obtained through a competitive application process. Organizations sponsor Fellowships for multiple reasons. A fellowship is a training program in which individuals perform research and develop skills to apply in a professional environment.

Internship: Allows students to experience work cultures and environments before beginning their careers. They can also gain entry-level exposure in a particular industry or field. Internships focus on participating in work environments to fulfill a degree or training program requirement.

Mentorship: Guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.

Job Shadowing: A type of on-thejob training that allows an interested employee to follow and closely observe another employee performing the role.

Job Placement: A service offered to help individuals secure employment post completion of work-based experience and an educational degree.

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

Sue & Gill Gross School of Nursing

Nursing. It is the world's most trusted profession. It is one of

the most in-demand careers in the workforce, and the opportunities are endless. By choosing a career in nursing, you are committing yourself to play a critical role in the future of healthcare.

The bachelor's degree in nursing science at the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is designed to prepare students for the evergrowing role of professional nurses. The curriculum provides education in theory and researchbased clinical practice that focuses on critical thinking, human caring, and clinical knowledge.

Compassion is an important part of who we are and what we do. We weave community health into our curriculum to instill the responsibility of the nursing profession. We partner with local schools and community groups, not only to improve population health but to allow our students the opportunity to learn from and build relationships with the people that they will one day serve through their practice and research.

Our faculty and students spend over 10,000 hours a year working with local communities to provide healthcare to vulnerable populations, like underserved schools, the homeless population, the older adult

community, and those with mental health disorders.

Interdisciplinary sciences are also weaved into the curriculum so that our graduates can address the span of healthcare needs. Most importantly, our program prepares our graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Classes are held in the new UCI Sue & Bill Gross Nursing

& Health Sciences Hall which boasts a 9,000-square-foot #simulationcenter with high-fidelity simulation suites, dedicated exam rooms, hospital stations, outpatient stations, and debriefing rooms.

The building also has large, interactive classrooms, an auditorium, and much more.

Our program ranks in the top 6% of all nursing programs by US News & World Report. Students completing the BS degree

www.cfep.uci.edu

also acquire an educational foundation for future advanced degree programs, including the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) that prepares nurses for roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and administrators in primary and acute care and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Practice to prepare nurse scientists to transform healthcare through education and research.

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MAJORS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF NURSING What is Nursing?

Want to continue your education?

Nursing is a profession within the healthcare sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.

Pursue a graduate education and earn a MS or Ph.D. in the following departments: f Master of Science in Nursing Science f Doctor of Nursing Practice f Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Undergrad Degrees: f Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science Program Highlights: f The BS in Nursing Science program, in the top 6% of programs ranked by US News & World Report, is designed for students interested in a nursing career and seeking their first bachelor’s degree. f Hands-on clinical practice with economically and socially diverse populations in the local communities f Immersive high-tech simulation equipment f Career Advancement f Interdisciplinary instruction, which includes biological, social, behavioral, medical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sciences, is threaded throughout the curriculum f Leadership development f 50% or more of our clinical placements are at UCI Medical Center

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: SCHOOL OF NURSING

Santana Rodriguez

Brianna Brooks

Why nursing? I was introduced to the role of a caretaker at an early age. From a personal perspective, I learned the toll it takes on the family member and the caretaker to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. However, I also developed a love and compassion for the caretaker role at this stage. My nana (grandmother) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when I was in kindergarten, and it progressed until my sophomore year of high school. Throughout those ten years, my mother was her primary caretaker, and I assisted to the best of my abilities. I learned to bathe, feed, and personally care for my grandmother. This is where my initial interest in the healthcare system began. I wanted to have the chance to impact patients and families in the same way that the healthcare team affected my family.

From here, my interest narrowed to focus on nursing as my experiences expanded. The combination of my experience volunteering in the emergency room and my first job as a certified nursing assistant has led me toward a career in nursing. Having had the opportunity to observe emergency department registered nurses opened my eyes to their central role in the healthcare system. I aspire to be a frontline nurse who uses their skills to treat patients. Additionally, my time and experience as a certified nursing assistant have only strengthened my desire to become a nurse. Upon entering their room, the nurse is the first person the patient sees, gathers and asses the vital information, treats and checks in on the patient, and advocates for the patient’s needs. In the future, I want to be able to speak out for patients not just from their bedside but also beyond. I want to stand up for the equitable treatment of patients in the healthcare system.

Moreover, a nurse’s impact is significant in and out of the hospital. I started the process because of my Nana, but I am continuing for the impact I can make on all my future patients.

If someone had asked me ten years ago about where I am today, as a graduate student in my third quarter of nursing school, I would have never believed it. Back then, fresh out of high school, I had plans to attend university and pursue a career in the health field. Little did I know how unprepared I was for the journey ahead. After completing college, I instead became a high school college advisor, providing the support and guidance I wished I had received while growing up. This experience was not only transformative for my own students but for me as well. Believing in their abilities reminded me to believe in my own potential to explore a career in nursing.

To gain experience before pursuing nursing, I decided to become an EMT. For four years, I dedicated myself to solidifying my purpose. It was an honor to ensure the ambulance was a safe space, where every patient felt seen, heard, and understood. This reinforced the significance of cultural representation in healthcare. As a patient to have someone caring for you that looks like you is healing in itself. This core value continues to drive my passion and discipline as I continue on my nursing journey.

My story is far from linear. It takes courage to admit that you don't have all the answers. That acceptance is one of the most empowering aspects of a personal journey. I had to embrace the unknown and allow my path to guide me. If I could offer advice to my 18 year old self, I would say, ‘It won't be easy. You may feel like you have to work harder than those around you to achieve your goals. Motivation may not always be there, but discipline will carry you through. Stay focused on your grind, and when you eventually lift your head, you will be reminded of why you began this journey in the first place.’

www.cfep.uci.edu

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School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Founded in 2020, the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is the first public pharmacy school in the Los Angeles-Orange County region. We are training future leaders and problem solvers who will

advance scientific discoveries and bring progressive changes to our healthcare system to reduce inequities, expand access, and optimize medication therapy for individual patients and across patient populations.

We offer the following undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees: f Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences f Master of Science in Pharmacology

—Jan D. Hirsch, BS Pharm, PhD Founding Dean

f Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacological Sciences f Doctor of Pharmacy Our students are being taught and mentored by scientists who are pioneers in the discovery, development, and delivery of new drugs, devices, and diagnostics. As part of the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, we actively collaborate with schools and programs in medicine, nursing, population, public health, and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute to educate, train, and mentor the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and clinical pharmacists.

Together, we will make positive impacts for individuals, communities, and our healthcare system.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences UCI's undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly changing field of science and medicine. Our program will equip you with the scientific background to succeed in any biomedical professional school or career, but more importantly, we will train you to be transformative drivers of change.

As pharmaceutical scientists, you will help advance medicine, apply innovation, and add healthy years to human life. After completing our program, you will undoubtedly play an integral role in shaping a brighter, healthier future.

Rankings:

#1

#2

TOP

institution for students admitted into a pharmacy school in California

institution for the number of students admitted into pharmacy school nationwide

feeder program for pharmacy schools nationally

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

“Our vision is to be a leader in transformational advances in teambased pharmacy practice, research, and healthcare.”

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MAJORS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES Pharmacy is a blend of science, health care, direct patient contact, technology, ethics, and business. A pharmacist is a

Undergrad Degrees: f Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences Specializations in Pharmacy:

highly skilled and trusted medication expert. They know and understand everything there is to know about drugs. Pharmacists undergo extensive education to understand the role that drugs play in different situations.

f Ambulatory care pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate students unparalleled training for future careers in pharmacy, medicine, and biomedical research.

f Emergency medicine pharmacy

Program Highlights: UCI’s undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences is among the top 10 pharmaceutical sciences departments in the nation. The program curriculum integrates concepts from biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacology, and physiology.

f Cardiology pharmacy f Compounded sterile preparations pharmacy f Critical care pharmacy f Geriatric pharmacy f Infectious diseases pharmacy f Nuclear pharmacy f Nutrition support pharmacy f Oncology pharmacy f Pediatric pharmacy f Pharmacotherapy f Psychiatric pharmacy f Solid organ transplantation pharmacy

Want to continue your education?

Pursue a graduate education and earn an MS or Ph.D. in the following departments: f Master of Science in Pharmacology f Doctor of Pharmacy f Ph.D. in Pharmacological Sciences

www.cfep.uci.edu

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES Yadhira Garcia I had always known I wanted to study chemistry or biology and while applying to universities a mentor had told me that pharmaceutical sciences was a small major and could be something worth looking into. So, I checked it out and what it was about and I decided to apply as a pharmaceutical sciences major in the small number of universities that had that as an option.

While being in the major, even though it was challenging, I knew I enjoyed it and during my first year I talked to my

Nneamaka Iwobi Growing up, I have always loved understanding how an item is constructed. From vehicles to buildings to simple foods, I have always been interested in understanding how the final product has come to be. As I matured into my undergraduate career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, UMBC, I began to take a liking towards the world of medications.

My friends would often catch me wondering “How do these drugs work?”, “How do they come to be?”, and, my personal favorite, “How can we change them to make taking medications easier?”. I then explored

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advisors about how many career opportunities there were with a pharmaceutical sciences major.

There were so many different paths that alumni have taken like going to grad school, applying to medical or dental school, being a nurse, or going straight into industry.

I decided I enjoyed it so much but also realized I would have so many options about what path I would want to take after I graduated, so I never changed majors.

A piece of advice I would give students interested in the major is that you will be so well prepared in chemistry, biology, and medicine after you graduate and you will have so much guidance because the major

this topic through multiple summer internships, I would like to highlight the Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center’s Summer Research Opportunities Program, MET-SROP, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the PharmacoNeuroImmunology (PNI) Program at the University of Minnesota.

These two programs are where I had the opportunity to not only gain the skills required for graduate school but also had an opportunity to explore the field of Pharmacy further – since I did not know what else could be done in said field. This love was further nurtured through varying courses, especially Medicinal Chemistry,

SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

is small, it is a tight knit community. I would recommend taking AP courses that qualify as GE’s to make the course load lighter. Extracurriculars I would recommend are anything the student is passionate about, I volunteered, tutored, had a job and joined a club or two, nothing crazy.

My career goal is to become a research scientist either in the industry or working as a researcher in a hospital. This is why I am jumping from a bachelor’s degree into a PhD degree but pharmaceutical sciences prepares you for so many careers depending on your interests.

where I was told about the Pharmaceutical Sciences program here at UCI. As I looked into the program, I loved how there was an opportunity to not only collaborate with other labs inside and outside of the department but, I would have the freedom to develop and propose my own project where I can cultivate the skills necessary to prepare me for the workforce when I graduate from the program. I also noticed the vast collection of courses offered to help prepare the students can be catered to each student’s individual plan or the plans of their labs.

Program in Public Health Are you curious about making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities?

Do you have a passion for science, helping others, and tackling realworld challenges? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to share with you: exploring Public Health at the University of California, Irvine!

Public health is a dynamic and diverse field that focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations. From preventing diseases to designing health policies, public health professionals play a crucial role in shaping healthier communities locally and globally.

Let's take a closer look at some of the exciting options available to you at the UCI Program in Public Health: Bachelor of Art in Public Health Policy & Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences: Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Public Health will provide you with a solid foundation in the core principles and practices of public health. You will explore diverse topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and health promotion.

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in public health or serves as a stepping stone to advanced degrees.

Minor in Health Informatics: For those interested in bridging technology and healthcare, a minor in Health Informatics is an exciting option.

You'll learn how to design information technology solutions to improve care and address health disparities in our communities.

Minor in Global Health: For those interested in addressing health disparities and challenges on a global scale, a minor in Global Health is an excellent choice. You'll learn about the social, cultural, economic, and political factors influencing health outcomes worldwide.

These are just a few examples of the exciting public health degrees awaiting you at UCI. We encourage you to explore the field of public health further by reaching out to our admission counselors and attending virtual information sessions. Remember, a public health degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, including healthcare administration, epidemiology, health education, policy development, and more.

Embrace the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide. Together, let's create a healthier future for all!

www.cfep.uci.edu

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MAJORS WITHIN THE PROGRAM IN PUBLIC HEALTH What is Public Health?

In public health, researchers, practitioners, and educators prevent disease and injury at the community and population levels. We identify the root causes of disease and disability to inform large-scale solutions — solutions that improve population health and well-being on a massive scale.

The curriculum brings a multidisciplinary approach to public health practice and research. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students explore epidemiology, genetics, health informatics, chronic and infectious diseases, environmental and global health sciences, social and behavioral health sciences, and health policy and administration.

Undergraduate Degrees: f Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Policy

Jobs in Public Health: f Biostatistician f Health and Wellness Manager f Academic Policy Advisor f Healthcare Policy Analyst f Intervention Researcher

f Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences f Minor in Global Health f Minor in Public Health f Minor in Health Informatics

f Environmentalist

Want to continue your education?

Pursue a graduate education and earn a MS or Ph.D. in the following departments: f Environmental and Occupational Health f Epidemiology and Biostatistics f Health, Society and Behavior f Population Health and Disease Prevention

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: PROGRAM IN PUBLIC HEALTH Mona Maroun Mona entered college as a first generation student feeling lost. It is hard to navigate college without knowing where to begin or which path was right for her. Before deciding what major to pursue, Mona devoted countless hours to browsing through numerous school career sites, watching an array of informative Youtube videos, and actively seeking out mentors. Her research led her to choose Public Health because it allowed her to explore diverse subjects in science, math, business, technology, and humanities. It ultimately gave her the freedom to learn about essential and captivating topics while offering different outlooks into subfields which is why she is majoring in Public Health Policy with a double minor in Health Informatics and Business Management. For students who are undecided about their major or even minors, take the time to explore different fields and reflect on your interests and career goals. As a first-generation college student, Mona understands the pressure of not knowing what to do. Her best advice is to seek work experience through internships, volunteering, or shadowing professionals to get a sense of what you enjoy and what your future could look like. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Francesca Dungo Francesca felt that majoring in public health sciences was like all the pieces of her life falling into the right place. She has always been curious about understanding the interactions between humans and their environment from a scientific lens. Her interest in healthcare also revolves around identifying preventative care and involving community action in building equity.

Public Health Sciences became the perfect intersection of her interests that also paved a path for her career goals. The Public Health Sciences allows her to tackle most of the pre-requisite courses she will need when she applies to Physician Assistant programs. Although she was not sure what career she wanted to pursue when she started at UCI, she could envision herself pursuing several career paths from Public Health Sciences as her major: pre-PA, M.P.H., healthcare administration, health education, etc. But she understands that this path may not be as clear for prospective students, even sharing these goals reminds her how daunting the journey is still. Her best advice to share is to volunteer and get involved with public health organizations. It can be servicebased organizations, hospitals, or government work to not only practice professionalism and communication skills but also real experience on public health. Trust yourself and the process because every little step of progress you make is contributing to your future happiness and success.

Victoria Rodriguez As a first-generation college student, I always tried to plan ahead and worked hard to navigate college and my career goals. Originally, I was a psychology major to become a therapist and help individuals cope with issues related to mental health and substance use. However, after graduation I began working as an office manager at a private practice for psychiatrists and therapists. This opened my eyes to disparities in mental health care access as I saw those with private insurance and higher incomes get treated differently and with more care than those with public insurance who often belonged to racial/ ethnic minority groups. It was then that I knew I wanted to pursue an education in both social work and public health in order to advocate and fight for equity in healthcare for marginalized and underserved populations. To do this, I pursued a dual Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health where I was able to learn about both micro and macro issues that contributed to issues in accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare. Around the same time, I witnessed my mom battle both endometrial and breast cancer and through her experiences I noticed that some women are treated unfairly in cancer care and have a hard time adjusting back to their lives after cancer treatment due to secondary physical and psychosocial issues. My mother’s experiences inspired me to continue my education to pursue a PhD where I research cancer disparities and cancer survivorship to highlight the experiences of cancer survivors and center the voices and stories of underrepresented women. Although a career in research seems far from a career in therapy, I look back and realize that the various personal and professional experiences I had led me to a career that I am truly passionate about even if it wasn’t what I originally planned on doing.

I learned that it’s important to be flexible and adaptable but most importantly take advantage of opportunities that come your way and trust yourself and your own path. www.cfep.uci.edu

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School of Medicine UCI School of Medicine is the oldest continually operating medical school in southern California. Each year,

we train over 400 students to be the future doctors of America. Located in Orange County, UCI School of Medicine students enjoy beautiful year-round weather and relaxing beaches.

We have several programs designed to introduce high school students to medical careers and broaden their understanding of the healthcare field.

One of them is a summer program, called MedAcademy, open to students 15-19 years old. Students who apply for this five-day immersive medical school experience will learn the basics of ultrasound, suturing, and other common medical procedures. They will also practice the basics of medical resuscitation in the renowned UCI Medical Education Simulation Center.

For young women interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, such as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, healthcare administrator, or nutritionist, the Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) program has been designed specifically for them.

Young women, ages 16-18, will learn more about career opportunities in the healthcare industry, engage in the surgery simulation lab, and learn suturing techniques and CPR. They will also receive interview coaching and assistance with essay preparation, as well as meet mentoring and likeminded local peers.

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

Our Summer Surgery Program inspires and empowers highly motivated high school students to pursue their interest in medicine via intense real-life exposure to the world of surgery. Offered through the Department of Urology, the program teaches surgical skills for open and robotic surgeries. Students will also be exposed to the everyday realities of the surgical lifestyle and culture.

The Online Research Program is offered through the UCI Office of Research and is a three-week mentoring program designed to increase the exposure of high school students to research methods.

Students will learn how to write an organized research report, understand the core concepts of research involving human subjects and network with undergraduate coaches, and get college advice.

These programs and many more have been designed specifically for high school, undergraduate, and postbaccalaureate students. More information can be found at: https:// medschool.uci.edu/education/educationsummer-programs

MAJORS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE The UCI School of Medicine offers graduate study in basic science and clinical departments. Our Ph.D. and MS

programs train students in biomedical research and critical inquiry with the goal of a career in research, biomedical technology, or academic education.

Degrees: Masters Degree MD Degree Dual Degree Programs Mission Based Programs

Clinical Departments: f Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care f Dermatology f Emergency Medicine f Family Medicine f Medicine f Neurological Surgery f Neurology f Obstetrics & Gynecology f Ophthalmology f Orthopedic Surgery f Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery f Pathology & Laboratory Medicine f Pediatrics f Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation f Plastic Surgery f Psychiatry & Human Behavior f Radiation Oncology f Radiological Sciences f Surgery f Urology

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Shady Mikhail I’ve chosen to pursue medicine because I know firsthand what it’s like to be deprived of the most basic medical needs. My experiences growing up in the Middle East shaped the way I view medicine, and I vowed to represent these experiences in medicine.

Medicine is more than science and rigorous training. It is a service to the people; it is addressing their concerns and helping ease their struggles. By bringing in my insight as an immigrant, I am able to relate to many of my patients’ sensitive needs and circumstances. My aim is to further my leadership by advocating for equal patient treatment and access to the quality of medical care I wish my family received. UCI School of Medicine aligns perfectly with my aspirations of addressing the needs of underserved communities and advancing my medical knowledge, all while ensuring personal fulfillment. The learning environment at UCI, coupled with the exceptionally supportive community, facilitate each student’s growth and development. UCI has allowed me to further my involvement in cardiology as my specialty of interest as I am now co-leading the Cardiology Interest Group as a co-president. Additionally, the ultrasound curriculum at UCI is top notch and is known to be one of the best in California which was one of the most important factors in why I chose UCI for medical school. If you’re considering a career in medicine, my advice is to really take care of your mental wellbeing along the way. It's crucial to prioritize your own happiness and mental health as you navigate this journey. When you're in a good place mentally, you'll be able to provide even better care for others.

So, don't forget to give yourself some love and attention amidst all the hard work!

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SPECIAL EDITION SUMMER 2023

Cassandra Smith My name is Cassandra and I’m originally from the Kansas City area.

When I was eight years old, I met a new neighbor who was wheelchair bound. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a physician. I had a more nontraditional path of getting to medical school. I struggled with my classes as an undergraduate student because I was over involved in extracurricular activities. My pre-medical advisor told me that I would never get into to medical school because my grades were too low, and she sent me to see the nursing advisor.

After I graduated, I went into a nursing program because I figured any career in healthcare would be better than none. I finished nursing school and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to begin my first job in the Adult Emergency Department. After working for a few years, I began looking into ways for me to go to medical school. I decided that I would rather try and not get accepted, than to never try and never know. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program in 2018. I completed the program and took my MCAT (the exam you need to get into medical school) in 2020 before applying to medical school later that year. I applied to forty schools and ultimately chose UC Irvine. Although our interviews were virtual, I got a sense of belonging and community feel from everyone at UCI. I also am a PRIME LEAD-ABC, Leadership to Advance Diversity-African, Black, and Caribbean, scholar. We work to improve the health in ABC communities and increase the number of culturally competent physicians working with this population. I am aspiring to be an emergency medicine physician and hoping to complete my Masters in Business Administration at UCI. I also plan to work in academic medicine and may go back to school to complete a Masters in Health Professions Education after I work for a few years.

FINAL REFLECTION

by Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

How are you feeling? Excited about all the major options you learned about within the College of Health Sciences? In

this 2nd edition of the Special Edge, you had the opportunity to learn about majors in the School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Program in Public Health, and the School of Medicine.

One of the key takeaways I hope you learned is the importance of choosing a major that YOU feel is of interest to YOU. As you go into this exciting next step of your educational journey below is some advice to consider. f It is important to explore all your interests; gaining more knowledge and first-hand experience is a great way to narrow down your interests and possible major options.  Reflect on your values and your hobbies and let that be your guiding factor.  Do research about the majors offered within the institutions you are interested in attending.  Participate in opportunities such as events, summer programs, clubs, job shadowing, and internships. f Choosing to be undecided, undeclared, or changing your major is okay!

In our future special editions, we will continue highlighting other schools at UC Irvine, the majors within them, and student testimonials to help prepare you for this exciting next step of your educational journey.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS Remember, many majors can lead to similar careers, focus on YOU and you will eventually find your major of interest. Now that you have read through the magazine, we encourage you to use the following reflection questions to help guide your thinking and to begin to take the necessary steps toward choosing a major that is right for YOU! What are 3 things that inspire and/or interest you?

What are 3 values that are important to you?

What academic subject(s) do you enjoy learning about?

If you know you want to go to UC Irvine but you are unsure of what to major in, there is always the option to apply as Undecided/Undeclared.

For more information, visit: https:// uu.uci.edu/prospective-students/beinguu-at-uci/

DID YOU KNOW? Three out of every four students who starts college each year has some level of uncertainty about their major.

What skills do you consider personal strengths?

(Reflect on your experiences in and outside of the classroom)

Students who start undeclared are more likely to

What are some potential majors that align with your values, interests and/or skills?

Over 90% of employers

What is your next step in exploring a possible major?

(Refer back to the advice above)

graduate than students who start with a declared major.

do not care what your major is, but they do care that you earn a degree and gain particular career transferrable skills. You gain those skills through your experience as an undergraduate at UC Irvine in any major.

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YOUR NEXT DESTINATION

Nestled in the rolling coastal foothills of Orange County and five miles from pristine beaches, UC Irvine is home to global companies, a national airport (SNA), world-class performing arts venues and shopping centers, and nearby major league sports teams.

THE EDGE

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Special Edition Issue 2 2023 Editors: Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., Director, EAOP, UC Irvine Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine Contributors: Jody Cajudo, M.S., Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., Director, EAOP, UC Irvine Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine College of Health Science, Strategic Communications Design by: m2dg, inc. www.m2dg.com

Publication by: University of California, Irvine | Center for Educational Partnerships | School of Education Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor, Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine Santana Ruiz, M.Ed., Deputy Director, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

Helpful Internet Resources

www.cfep.uci.edu/theedge/online-resources