UC Davis School of Medicine

08/15/2025

How do you prepare tomorrow’s doctors for a constantly evolving world?

At our School of Medicine, the integration of AI, virtual reality, and personalized learning tools is reshaping medical education—making it more adaptive, immersive, and globally connected.

Mark Servis, longtime vice dean for medical education, reflects on how the school is responding to the demands of a rapidly changing health care landscape:

Mark Servis reflects on 36 years at UC Davis School of Medicine and envisions how new technological innovations could shape the future of medical education.

08/12/2025

Erik Orlando Fernandez y Garcia has held many teaching roles in his 20 years with UC Davis Health and our School of Medicine. He’s taught nutritional genomics to researchers, clinical skills to medical students and the principles of community-based primary care to undergraduate and graduate students, just to name a few.

His talent for training and guiding the next generation of physicians has earned Fernandez y Garcia a well-respected honor: He recently received the UC Davis 2025 C. John Tupper Prize for Excellence in Teaching!

Fernandez y Garcia shares more about his passion for teaching and how to serve the underserved: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/pediatrics-professor-who-encourages-students-to-have-passion-for-their-mission-receives-teaching-honor/2025/07

08/11/2025

08/04/2025

Mark Servis reflects on 36 years at UC Davis School of Medicine and envisions how new technological innovations could shape the future of medical education.

08/01/2025

Are you a community college student with dreams of becoming a doctor? AvenueM is here to support your journey. This unique pathway program at our School of Medicine offers mentorship, MCAT prep, academic support, and a clear roadmap to medical school — all designed with community college students in mind.

AvenueM is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 cohort! Students in their early community college coursework or planning to transfer Fall 2026 or later are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is November 15 at 11:59 pm PST. Apply now: https://apply.pathways.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/

07/29/2025

Saturday’s Induction Ceremony welcomed 139 new students, our largest-ever incoming class, and marked a key moment in their journeys to becoming physicians and physician-scientists.

Family, friends and loved ones cheered on the future doctors as they received their stethoscopes and recited the medical student pledge of ethics (in 19 different languages!), signifying their accomplishments and commitment to the journey ahead.

Keynote speaker Dr. Marcia Faustin reminded students that this success is the result of their hard work: "This is a deeply exciting time in your life, and you have worked very hard, sacrificed more than we know and stayed focused even during the storms, to make it here today. Don’t forget to smile, laugh and be kind to all those you meet (and yourself), because they are fighting a battle you can’t see."

Welcome, Class of 2029! We're so happy you're here.

07/28/2025

Induction Ceremony - Class of 2029 🩺

07/26/2025

We are live at the Class of 2029 Induction Ceremony! 🩺✨

Medical School Induction for the class of 2029.

07/25/2025

Meet the MS1s! Get to know Kandace Wagner 💙 🩺 💛

How do you feel about starting medical school?

It is surreal! I am nervous, but very excited! I feel incredibly grateful to represent my friends and family who have supported me throughout my journey by donning my white coat and giving back to my community.

Why did you choose the UC Davis School of Medicine?

I chose the UC Davis School of Medicine because I attended Davis for my undergrad and Master of Public Health, and grew up right here in Sacramento! The vibrant culture and community here are also unmatched, and everyone is so kind. I couldn't imagine myself learning and serving anywhere else. !

A fun fact about you:

I love arts and crafts and Disney, and wanted to want to become an animator for Disney/Pixar movies! I hope to channel some of that creativity and child-like heart into the field of pediatrics one day!

I've also high-fived Stephen Curry and Justin Timberlake on the same day before!

07/25/2025

Meet the MS1s! Get to know Davenna Morales 💙 🩺 💛

How do you feel about starting medical school?

I am over the moon to finally be trading in the "pre-med" student title and be officially starting my journey to become the physician leader I have long dreamed of becoming. I'm a huge believer in building relationships and communities that inspire all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. I'm most excited to form strong friendships with my peers as we take on the many challenges of medical school. We are all in this together!

Why did you choose the UC Davis School of Medicine?

The UC Davis School of Medicine has always stood out for its culture of training future physicians who are attuned to the needs of California communities and inspired to integrate health equity and social justice into their practice. As a Community Health Scholar in the REACH program, I was drawn to a culture where I felt I belonged and my core values were reflected in its members. Being the first in my family to achieve this dream, and coming from an underserved background, I want to share my medical school experience with others who value the excellence that diversity brings, come from similar situations, and truly embody health equity in action.

A fun fact about you:

I have always loved music, and as a kid, I watched a bit too much TV. As a result, I can identify almost every song from the classic Disney movies within the first second of it playing!

07/24/2025

Meet the MS1s! Get to know Jazleen Nijjar 💙 🩺 💛

How do you feel about starting medical school?

I’m incredibly excited to be starting this new chapter and finally pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a physician. It feels surreal and deeply meaningful to take this step, not only for myself but also as a way of honoring the women in my family and culture who didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education. I’m also looking forward to building new connections and learning from the diverse community at UC Davis.

Why did you choose the UC Davis School of Medicine?

I was born and raised in Sacramento, where my family settled after immigrating and built a new life. This community shaped me, and its rich diversity has always felt like home. It’s a privilege to serve the very people who reflect my roots and values. As a proud UC Davis undergrad alum, choosing to stay here for medical school felt natural. Double Aggie, and proud of it! 🐮💙💛

A fun fact about you:

I foster kittens, live off matcha, and love discovering new coffee shops. I'm also a proud dog mom to my sweet Maltipoo, Kylo!

07/23/2025

Meet the MS1s! Get to know Guadalupe Carrillo 💙 🩺 💛

How do you feel about starting medical school?

I feel extremely nervous but also incredibly happy to be here. As a nontraditional applicant and the daughter of two Mexican immigrant parents, the journey has been challenging, but every step of the way has made it so worth it. I’m excited to begin this next chapter, to grow personally and professionally, and to gain the knowledge and skills I need to become a physician who gives back and serves underserved communities.

Why did you choose the UC Davis School of Medicine?

I chose UC Davis School of Medicine because of the incredibly welcoming environment. From the moment I attended my first Q&A session, I could feel the commitment, excitement, and willingness to offer a helping hand from both current students and staff.

Everyone went above and beyond to make students feel supported, comfortable, and valued. These are qualities I was looking for in a medical school. The sense of community and belonging solidified my decision. I could not imagine myself anywhere else.

A fun fact about you:

I taught myself how to read in Spanish at 4 years old by picking up my parents' newspapers!