FAQ
| Please DO NOT contact the UC Davis Department of Surgery, including its academic office, with questions about this program. Please submit all of your questions via the contact form, which can be found in the Contact section of this website. |
If the following frequently asked questions don’t address your specific issue, then use the Contact section of this site to get in touch with us.
How can I obtain an application?
It is posted in the Application section of this website. You can only submit it online — there’s no paper version of the application.
Why is there an application process?
We have to screen people to see who is really committed to this program. If you are not committed enough to submit an application and come to the interview, then you won’t be committed to show up to your shifts.
Is there a stipend for the program?
Unfortunately at this time, there is no stipend for this program.
Is there housing provided in the duration of the program?
Unfortunately, at this time, we do not provide housing for the program. We suggest to look at housing postings at UC Davis and Sacramento State University. Craigslist and other sites have also been helpful for other students in the program.
What is the cost of the program?
There is an $18 application fee, and $5 fee for the badge. No are no additional costs for the program.
Should I be intimidated by the interview?
Not at all. The physician and the coordinators want you to be there, and want to help you succeed, so make sure you give them the courtesy to ask them questions.
Do I have to be a student at UC Davis to apply?
Absolutely NOT! The program is open to all students in the area. We don’t care how far you live, or which school you attend. As long as you show up to your shifts and are an active participant, we would love to have you.
What are the odds of my getting in?
We are not sure how many people will apply and the only way you can know is by applying and going through the process.
Do I have to submit my transcripts from all institutions?
Yes, please review the information under “transcripts” at: http://www.premedsurgery.
Do you accept out of state, non-California students?
Yes we do. We have had students as far as Florida be part of this program, which they have relocated for this program.
We have also have students that drive from the SF Bay Area, Reno, and Fresno to participate in the program.
Can I work or go to school?
Yes, many of the students in the program are full time students, or work full time, but we have not had many students can attend school full time and work full in the duration of the program.
Why are there evaluations after every shift?
This is a way for us to gauge your progress and improve the program.
Why is there a presentation?
Since this is an educational institution and we have to gauge your learning, we found this would be the best way to do so in lieu of a written 100 true and false questions about diseases and surgery. In addition, you should get used to this because during your entire medical career you will be presenting to your peers — treat these presentations as practice. You can’t opt out of this part of the program!
How many spots are available?
We are looking for 45-50 students. If we have really excellent applicants, then we may expand the program to accommodate more students.
How do I choose my schedule?
We have a web-based program set up for this purpose. An e-mail will notify you to go online and select you schedule. It is first come, first served, so checking your e-mail is crucial. We usually give you up to a month prior to select your schedule and we expect that you will write it down and remember to show up.
I don’t want to be a surgeon. Should I still apply?
We are fully aware of this, and even if you have no desire to be a surgeon, we think that by being inside the hospital and interacting with physicians you might gain a lot of insight. In addition, you will be seeing physicians from a wide range of non-surgical specialties that you can interact with. We are also hoping to expand the program to other specialties such as primary care and family medicine.
I have graduated, am not in school, I’m a post-baccalaureate, etc. Can I still take part in the program?
A pre-med student is considered anyone that is applying, in the process, thinking about, or contemplating entering the medical field as a career. If this is you, we want you to participate in the program so you can gauge if medicine is right for you. This program will expose you to medicine so much that you should be able to decide if medicine is right for you. We are confident that this program will motivate and help you in your future.
Is it possible to hold a regular job and participate in the program at the same time?
Yes. Many of the students in the program work and have families and are still able to manage their time. The key to this program is time management.
Why is the selection process so long and difficult?
This is a very unique program and our task is to accept the most qualified applicants. If you are planning to go into medicine, we replicated the same application process on a much smaller scale for medical school and residency program. Many students who were not accepted felt that applying by itself was a great learning experience. There is also a saying that anything worthwhile requires hard work. Lastly, we hope that you read the students quotes above.
I am under 17. Can I apply?
We can make exceptions to that rule if you can demonstrate your maturity, the person who is recommending you has glowing remarks, and your parents or guardian take responsibility for your actions. Also, if you are not 17 at the time you are applying, but will be before May 21, 2011, you can apply.
What does the application fee pay for?
The application fee covers the online application system, copies, applicant materials, and tools before and during the program. 100% of the application fee goes back to the program. This program does not receive any outside funding.
I’m going to be too busy in the coming months to apply to the next session of the program. Will there be other opportunities for me to participate?
We offer spring, summer, and fall programs each year, so if you are unable to apply to an upcoming cycle due to time constraints or other factors you are more than welcome to apply in the future at a time when your schedule better permits full participation in this internship program.
Is it possible for me to commute to Sacramento and still complete this program?
Yes, we have had numerous applicants who live outside of the Sacramento area participate. Although it may require a slightly greater individual time commitment and better time management due to commuting time, it is entirely possible to complete this program as a commuter.
Will my application be reviewed earlier if I submit prior to the deadline?
No, we do not have a rolling admissions process. Applications are evaluated only after the submission deadline and will not be reviewed by the selections committee prior to the application deadline.
I am not a pre-med student, or have obtained a degree in a non-science discipline; can I still apply to this program?
Yes, you may still apply. We accept applicants from varying academic backgrounds, just as do medical schools around the country. However, it is important to us that our interns have completed or plan on completing some of the medical school pre-requisite coursework as this is a pre-medical internship program. Having taken these courses is not an explicit requirement to apply to the program, but keep in mind when you are applying that having no medical school pre-requisite courses completed (general biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, etc.) may put you at a disadvantage when compared to other applicants.
If I’m only available on the weekends can I still be accepted into the program?
No. As the application packet clearly states, you must be available to complete at least one 6am-1pm or 12pm-7pm weekday shift in order to participate in the program. This is due to the nature of scheduling of surgical cases, if you are unable to complete shifts during this time and can only attend shifts on the weekend you simply won’t get the best experience possible and will miss out on some of the most rewarding experiences the program has to offer. For this reason, we will only accept applicants who understand the minimum shift requirements and can commit to fulfilling those requirements for the duration of the program.
