Testimonals
Please find testimonials from previous UCSP participants below:
This program was the best introduction to clinical research that I could ask for, featuring engaging mentors, an interesting research project, and supportive peers. The UCSP family encourages you to pursue making a tangible difference with research and advocacy, and I left inspired me to continue on my path toward a career in medicine to contribute to meaningful change. - Mark Afanasyev '24, Carnegie Mellon UCSP was an incredible summer experience that has had a profound impact on my journey toward becoming a doctor. It wasn’t just a research opportunity, but a transformative experience that enriched me in multiple ways. The lectures taught me invaluable skills like data analysis, critical thinking, and most importantly how to actively contribute to addressing healthcare disparities. I was equipped with a basis for clinical research that allowed me to actively contribute towards my research project which only made me more excited for my career as a physician. UCSP wasn't just a summer program; it was like a family, and I'm thankful for the lifelong friendships and mentors I found along the way. I can't wait to apply everything I’ve learned throughout my medical career!" – Nneayo '23, Vanderbilt University |
The UCSP is a program that not only allows students to conduct patient-focused research but also fosters close relationships between students and their mentors. The UCSP provided me with a fundamental opportunity to explore the clinical side of medicine meanwhile engaging with public health and socioeconomic issues. The UCSP taught me the importance of advocacy and community outreach within underserved communities. Additionally, the UCSP showed me that being a good doctor is not just about treating the physical ailments of patients, but it is also having the courage to stand up for patients and their rights to quality healthcare. The close-knit community of mentors, students and past cohorts ensures that UCSP is not just another summer program but a family that empowers students to make a positive change in the lives of people. It was an immense privilege to be a part of the UCSP’2024 cohort. - Tomi Taylor '24, Geneva College UCSP stands out because it sets you up to succeed in a clinical research project through instruction that spans the entire program. I found these lectures were truly the core of the UCSP experience as they not only helped me build a solid foundation in epidemiology and biostatistics, but also profoundly shifted my understanding of various social issues and exposed me to a variety of career paths in clinical research. Dr. Meena Bewtra has built a vibrant community of past and present scholars, who are each immensely talented and doing really cool work. UCSP was a pretty incredible way to spend my summer and I have so much to take with me going forward! - Henry '24, Brown University |
UCSP became the genesis of my newfound interest in clinical research and academic medicine. From the engaging epidemiology and STATA lectures to the hands-on infectious diseases clinical research with my amazing mentor, I couldn't be more grateful for the tools this program has given me to jumpstart my interests in medicine. I've garnered the knowledge I needed to tackle datasets from different angles and understand the layers of different studies one can conduct. This program inspired me to consider an MD joint master's degree program to continue doing research in my career. My experience in UCSP couldn't have been made possible without Dr. Meena Bewtra who reminded me that it is still possible to be involved in advocacy as a physician which will forever resonate with me." My summer with UCSP has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had. Through hands-on and in-depth instruction in epidemiology and biostatistics from amazing professors at the top of their fields, I was able to develop a basis for clinical research. In fact, I was able to use this new knowledge to carry out a research project with my inspiring mentor that not only opened my eyes to the world of clinical research, but helped me envision myself in the field. UCSP has been invaluable in supporting and informing my future plans, all while I had the pleasure of developing close relationships with my classmates-turned-friends and mentors." UCSP offered me my first meaningful and in-depth clinical research experience. Not only did I get to complete my own project by working one-on-one with an amazing clinician researcher as my mentor, but I also got to make lasting (and silly) memories with the people in my cohort. Thanks to this program, I've been able to find my passion in epi research and my network of future physicians." The community, mentorship and exposure I experienced as part of UCSP was life-changing. I learned so much not just about clinical research but also the actual life of a doctor. With the crazy amount of support from my fellow scholars and my mentors, I can honestly say I have far more confidence in both my ability to apply to medical school and conduct clinical research. I am both lucky and thankful for the UCSP family that I have been so warmly welcomed into and the strength of those ties carry on much farther than just the summer." I learned so much during this program! Through that education as well as the connections I made, I have so many more opportunities moving forward in my career. I am especially grateful for the support for me as an “international student/immigrant”—not only does this program allow students like myself an opportunity to participate, but they are supportive in every way possible throughout the program. In addition, the “mini-lectures” about mentors’ work, their life, and advocacy, and the opportunity to see physician-scientists who look like what I want to be (non-white, a woman, a mother) really impacted me. This program was a dream come true for me and my parents.” The UCSP was the start of a beautiful journey into the world of clinical research, as it provided me with a strong foundation for how to be an independent researcher. I am also eternally grateful to the program director - Dr. Meenakshi Bewtra - for continuing to advocate for those who do not have a voice in medicine. She has been an incredible mentor to four classes of the UCSP and a physician-scientist we all aspire to become." |
UCSP was an incredible first step in the world of research. It provided a safe and supportive space for me to dive into clinical research and epidemiology while also learning skills like coding. I worked on a project that truly interested me and helped me discover more about myself and the work I am passionate about. Beyond research, this program taught invaluable lessons about health inequality and the role of activism in healthcare which helped me gain a new outlook of the field. This program was a transformative experience that has given me new skills, a supportive community, and the confidence to pursue meaningful work in the field." UCSP is unique in that it focuses on student experiences to push comfort zones and view the field through the true lens of a physician-scientist in as many facets possible. Although I never lacked passion or ability to advocate for my community as a first-generation Latinx student, I did lack confidence. UCSP opened many doors and gave me insights into so much more than biostatistics, epidemiology, and medicine– it encouraged me to trust in my perseverance, appreciate peer upbringings, and explore NIDDK careers I had no idea about, all with access to mentors that love what they do and innovate better ways to do it. I can’t be more grateful for the skillset, and relationships I gained, but even better, the absolute privilege to become the first doctor in my family & one that my community deserves." UCSP has allowed me to become adept at clinical research and practicing efficiency and skill as a scientist. This program is truly interactive and highly engaging as you apply what you learn in the lectures and laboratory sessions to your projects. As a 2x UCSP grad, I can proudly say clinical research has now become a haven for me." The sheer amount of effort, teaching, and guidance that UCSP gave us throughout the program was truly impressive. Aside from the great background on clinical research and epidemiology that we received through the interactive lectures and from our mentors, I genuinely feel like I’ve learned plenty about my personal career path and formed lasting connections with an amazing group of people.” Participating in the UCSP 2022 cohort has been one of the greatest privileges I have had thus far in my life. The didactic instruction gave me an invaluable and holistic understanding of epidemiology from the very best researchers in the field. UCSP's dedication to social justice and community service produces a pedagogy essential for any rising science professional. In working one-on-one with my research mentor, I felt as if I had the capacity to explore the forefront of a topic I found personally and academically intriguing. Beyond my research and study of epidemiology, the UCSP program allowed me to grow alongside people whom I cherish not only as colleagues but as lifelong friends, a sense of cohesion that is directly fostered through the program." This summer, I grew both academically and personally through UCSP. From lectures and workshops, I learned an incredible amount about epidemiology and biostatistics as well as how to apply the conceptual knowledge to research. Witnessing such concepts come to life through my research project deepened my understanding and interest in conducting research. Also, I'm grateful I got to know my peers and mentors through UCSP. I enjoyed hanging out with my peers who are all amazing and talented individuals. Moreover, UCSP faculty's passion for research, outreach, and education has encouraged me to continue pursuing medical career. I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate in this incredible program and make lasting connections with incredible people!" – Narin '19, Emory University At UCSP, my understanding of health disparities, gender inequality, and ways to make an impact changed, in addition to absorbing knowledge from lectures and completing projects with my mentor. From talks given by the UCSP faculty and guest speakers, I have recognized the importance of advocating issues such as homelessness, lack of healthcare insurance, gender inequality, and racial biases in our healthcare system. Through interacting with amazing peers within the program and guest speakers, I have learned many new ways of impacting the community." |