Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP)

The Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) supported by the UCSF School of Medicine was established to encourage fourth year medical students who are either disadvantaged, have demonstrated a commitment to working with marginalized and traditionally disenfranchised populations, OR have demonstrated a commitment to UCSF's PRIDE values. The scholarship program provides up to $2,000, and is designed to:

  • Provide exposure to the UCSF health systems and our academic training environment
  • Foster student interest in applying to an academic residency training program
  • Offer mentorship from experienced faculty and housestaff
  • Enhance PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence) within UCSF and the broader Bay Area

Clinical electives are four weeks in length and are available, space permitting, to U.S. visiting students only. VESP participants are assigned a faculty advisor and have the opportunity to network with UCSF faculty, housestaff and students. A mentoring dinner with faculty and housestaff is held during each rotation. In addition, all participants are invited and encouraged to attend various seminars and lectures including those offered by the UCSF Office of Opportunity and Outreach and the UCSF Multicultural Resource Center.

Information

  • Fourth-year U.S. medical students, who have demonstrated a commitment to UCSF's PRIDE values.
  • Only students enrolled at an affiliated LCME-accredited institution or COCA-accredited AACOM member institution may apply**.
  • UCSF does not accept international students for clinical experiences.
  • Student must be in good academic standing at an accredited US medical school.
  • Students must be applying for a visiting elective based at one of the San Francisco Campuses (Electives at BCHO-Oakland, UCSF Fresno, or Highland hospital do not count)
  • Students cannot apply for the VESP if their VSLO elective is less than 4 weeks away from starting.
  • Students cannot apply for the VESP if the department’s VSLO elective they were granted occurs after the department’s applicant cycle has ended.
  • Requirements for the UCSF School of Medicine’s clinical electives must also be met. Please refer to VSLO for department-specific additional application requirements: AAMC VSLO website. You can also find UCSF Department-specific information at the Department Contact & Elective Info website.

  • Completed VESP application
  • Complete the VESP application using the link above concurrently to your VSLO elective application. Applications submitted within 4 weeks of their elective starting or after it has ended will not be accepted.
  • An official academic transcript from your school of medicine (electronic preferred).
  • Recent CV which you can upload directly on the application form when you apply for the VESP.
  • Letter of recommendation on official letterhead from a faculty member in your department of interest.
  • **Please note: Students MUST also apply to the clinical elective program of their choice through the UCSF School of Medicine. Please refer to this link for more information.

Scholarships (up to $2,000 each*, to be used toward visiting student elective fees, transportation costs, and lodging) will be awarded on the basis of:

  • Interest in pursuing a career in academic medicine and/or working with underserved populations.
  • Leadership qualities and community service involvement
  • Academic excellence, as indicated by transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.

(*Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.  Funds are awarded upon completion of the elective. Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement.)

DEADLINE: August 1st of each year

Visit the GME Page for the UCSF Visiting Elective Scholarship Program

For further information or to receive an application, please contact:
UCSF Visiting Elective Scholarship Program
UCSF Office of Graduate Medical Education (OGME)
500 Parnassus Ave, MU 250E
Campus Box 0474
San Francisco, CA 94143-0474
email: [email protected]

Also visit the following websites:
UCSF School of Medicine
UCSF Office of Graduate Medical Education
Office of Opportunity and Outreach
UCSF Multicultural Resource Center
UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at ZSFG

Please submit the following materials:

  • Completed VESP application, includes personal statement
  • Current CV
  • Letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your department of interest (email to [email protected])
  • An official medical school academic transcript

Submit all VESP materials to*:
UCSF Visiting Elective Scholarship Program
UCSF Office of Graduate Medical Education (OGME)
500 Parnassus Ave, MU 250E
Campus Box 0474
San Francisco, CA 94143-0474
email: [email protected]

-Students must also apply to the department’s clinical elective program through the UCSF School of Medicine. All applications are reviewed and scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Eddie Cruz, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF
Zuckerberg San Francisco General
1001 Potrero Avenue, MS6E
San Francisco, CA 94110
Tel: (415) 206 - 2837
Pager: (415) 443 – 2388
Fax: (415) 206 -3686
Email: [email protected]

Marie Lim
Anesthesia Clerkships Administrator
Millberry Union East, 4th floor
500 Parnassus Ave,
San Francisco, CA 94143-0648
Tel: (415) 476-2851
Email: [email protected]