UC San Diego School of Medicine Medical School Interview Guide

What UC San Diego School of Medicine Looks For

To transform medicine through innovative research, education, and patient care to benefit individuals and society. UCSD is at the forefront of biomedical innovation — particularly in genomics, neurosciences, and bioengineering — and prepares physicians to lead in an era of precision and translational medicine.

Key Themes to Prepare

• ·Two open-file traditional interviews — one faculty, one student.
• ·UCSD's identity is defined by proximity to the biotech/pharma corridor of Sorrento Valley, the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, and the J.
• ·Craig Venter Institute — giving students unparalleled access to translational and basic research.
• ·Interviewers expect you to have a genuine, specific research interest and a sense of where you want to make your career contribution.
• ·San Diego's large military and veteran population creates a unique patient mix at Naval Medical Center San Diego affiliations.
• ·UCSD's Health Sciences community is relatively flat and collaborative — strong applicants demonstrate independence and intellectual initiative.

Common Question Topics

• ·"Why medicine?" and your personal journey
• ·Meaningful clinical and research experiences
• ·Healthcare policy and systemic challenges
• ·Strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth