FRS 002 — Sec. 024 — (2 units) — CRN 74199 — M 4:10-6:00pm — 25 Wellman
Experiencing Success on the Path to Medical School: Serving the Medically Underserved

Instructors: Amerish Bera, Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine and Barbara Robin, Advising Services

Description: Through learning about the health care needs of underserved populations students will gain the analytical and critical thinking skills essential for success as pre-medical students and future physicians. Students will analyze and discuss literature regarding the challenges the medically underserved face, as well as the difficulties encountered by health professionals. Students will benefit by hearing first-hand from both professionals and other pre-health peers about their experiences. While building self-awareness students will decide where they can make the greatest impact in this area while charting their course for medical school.

Format: The course will consist of informal lectures, guest speakers and workshops. Students will be divided into groups to discuss, present and lead discussions as they analyze literature on underserved communities. Grading: Students will be assigned a letter grade based on: 1) Class participation and interaction - 30%; 2) Oral Presentation - 20%; and 3) Written analysis of reading assignments - three 2-3 page papers - 50%.

About the Instructors: Amerish Bera, MD is a Board Certified Internist who has been serving as Assistant Dean for Admissions and Outreach at UC Davis School of Medicine. Prior to joining the faculty at UCD-SOM, Dr Bera served as Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for the County of Sacramento. Dr. Bera received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of California, Irvine. His area of interest is health care delivery, particularly to the uninsured and medically indigent populations. In addition, Dr. Bera has been involved in teaching and training UCD medical students for over 10 years.

Barbara Robin has been working at UC Davis for 15 years, 11 as a health sciences advisor/coordinator in Advising Services. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education and counseling from the University of Michigan and a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley. In response to the needs of the large number of students looking for career options in health-related fields, Barbara developed the curriculum for a new pilot assessment course for students interested in the health sciences.