Become a leader in compassion in medicine
The Compassion in Medicine Academic Concentration (CIMAC) is a unique opportunity for medical students to delve into the transformative power of compassion in patient care.
Through specialized coursework, research, and global collaboration, CIMAC is a four-year longitudinal program that empowers students to become pioneers in redefining the role of empathy and compassion in clinical care. This program is designed to shape the next generation of academic leaders who will inspire positive change in the medical field.
Students admitted to CIMAC will receive partial scholarship support and will be known as Tan Family Scholars.
By joining CIMAC, you'll have the chance to:
- Explore the intersection of medicine and compassion.
- Engage in cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of empathy in health care.
- Connect with a global community of like-minded students and professionals.
The Heart of Healing
The Compassion in Medicine Academic Concentration welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2025. Our inaugural students, Allison Newel and Kylie Joe, were interviewed for the 2025 White Coat Ceremony featured story.
Curriculum
In addition to the core MD program requirements, students will complete a series of compassion-focused coursework and scholarly activity. CIMAC course requirements replace the standard elective concentrations in the curriculum.
Pre-clerkship Years
First and Second Year
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Required Courses
- FPM 272: Community Advocacy 1 – Student-Run Free Clinic (First year, Fall quarter)
- SOMI 248: Introduction to Global Health Interventions and Evaluation (First-year, Spring quarter)
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Electives
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Three (3) additional courses chosen from a list nearly 40 approved elective courses
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Scholarly Activity
Summer between first and second year
- Complete a 6-10 week scholarly experience focused on compassion.
- Give a presentation of your summer project to the School of Medicine.
Clerkship Years
Third and fourth years
- Required clinical rotations are the same as the standard M.D. program curriculum.
- During your fourth year of medical school, you will complete one approved international clinical rotation focused on compassion.
Admissions Process
Are you ready to become a compassionate leader in medicine? Applications to CIMAC are completed through the secondary application to UC San Diego School of Medicine.
Please note that admission offers from the School of Medicine are made independently of CIMAC.
How to Apply:
- Check the box: Indicate your interest in CIMAC when completing your secondary application.
- Submit your essay: Write a one-page essay (instructions provided on the secondary application). Essays are limited to 4,800 characters.
Interview Process:
- After applicants have been admitted to the general M.D. program, CIMAC faculty will review applications for the concentration.
- Selected applicants will be invited for a video interview with CIMAC faculty starting in March.
- Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis.
Contact Us
Please email somCIMAC@ucsd.edu with any questions about the Compassion in Medicine Academic Concentration.
For questions regarding the School of Medicine application process, contact somadmissions@ucsd.edu.