Teaching Opportunities in the Curriculum

We invite you to consider becoming a clinical preceptor for our first- and second-year medical students in the Compassionate Action and Real Engagement in the Community (CARE I, SOMC 246; CARE II, SOMC 251) course.

The CARE program is designed to introduce students to the human side of medicine early in their training, helping them develop compassion, professionalism and meaningful connections with patients and the community. As a clinical preceptor, you play an important role in shaping these future physicians through observation and mentorship.

What’s involved?

• Host first- and second-year medical students in your clinical setting
• Provide 8 hours of observational shadowing per student each quarter
• Offer students insight into compassionate, patient-centered care and the day-to-day practice of medicine

The time commitment is minimal, but the impact on students’ professional growth is significant.

We are seeking more than 300 preceptors to support our incoming students for the 2026–2027 academic year, and we would be thrilled to have you join our CARE community.

If you're willing to participate, please complete this brief preceptor participation form. Please feel free to share with colleagues!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of compassionate physicians.

Questions can be sent to: somcarecourse@health.ucsd.edu.

We are seeking faculty to serve as small group facilitators in the Equity in Systems Science (ESS) course at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. ESS is a longitudinal course for our first- and second-year medical students. Entering its third year, ESS is a core component of our renewed curriculum and integrates Health Systems Science and Health Equity education in line with AAMC recommendations.

As a facilitator, you will support student reflection, dialogue, and collaboration around critical themes. Subject matter expertise is not required — just a willingness to create a supportive learning environment.

Facilitator Responsibilities

Each case includes:

• Day 1: Small group discussion (2 hours)
• Day 2: Optional attendance at a topical panel session
• Day 3: Facilitation of a team-based learning (TBL) session (2 hours)
• Just-in-Time Training: 1-hour session prior to day 1

In total, facilitation time is approximately 5 hours per case, plus 1–2 hours of preparation and student assessment.

Scheduling Details

MS1 Sessions

• 15 cases offered across Fall, Winter and Spring
• Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Just-in-Time Training: 9:00–10:00 a.m. on day 1

MS2 Sessions

• 14 cases offered in Fall and Winter
• Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Just-in-Time Training: 9:00–10:00 a.m. on day 1

Facilitators may sign up for one or more sessions. Please complete the Facilitator Sign-Up Survey by June 16, 2026. Final assignments will be confirmed by July 1, 2026. While you may indicate interest in multiple sessions, we may not be able to accommodate all preferences.

Faculty Compensation
Faculty who contribute 20 or more instructional hours across SOM courses in the academic year are eligible for compensation through the Dean’s Office. Time spent in ESS contributes toward this total. Additional hours beyond the initial 20 are also compensated.

Are you interested in:

• Teaching first- and second-year medical students in small group settings?
• Supporting student growth in history taking, physical exam and communication skills, and professionalism?
• Collaborating with colleagues to support student growth?
• Engaging in a meaningful and lasting impact role?

If so, we welcome your involvement in the Practice of Medicine (POM) course for our first-year and second-year medical students at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons. Opportunities include:

• Longitudinal small group facilitators
• One-time substitute facilitators
• Group Objective Structured Clinical Exercises
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination facilitators
• Guest content experts

If you're interested, please complete the survey.

Questions can be sent to:

• Sarah Dovi: pom1-course@health.ucsd.edu
• Matt Allison, MD: mallison@health.ucsd.edu
• Desiree Shapiro, MD: dlshapiro@health.ucsd.edu

General Responsibilities

 Clinical Transition Week (CTW) is a one week-long structured introduction each May to the medical school’s clerkship level curriculum. The overarching goal of the CTW is to provide all rising MS3 students with a practical introduction to clerkship level education, alleviate anxiety regarding the transition from classroom to clinical settings, ensure appropriate on-boarding to clinical sites, and facilitate professional identity formation.

 The CTW Co-Director will collaboratively provide an introduction to CTW for rising MS3 students, and will structure the week-long, 4-6 hour per day sessions. The CTW Co-Director will provide strategic direction and approval for the content topics addressed during CTW. The CTW Co-Director will also assist in facilitation of social activities for the rising MS3 students during CTW.

 Program Planning and Implementation

• Design, plan, implement and evaluate all aspects of CTW in coordination with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education.
• Provide support for social activities for the participants in CTW as appropriate, in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs.
• Participate in COAST Curriculum Steering Committee and associated curricular meetings as appropriate for the integration of the curriculum.  

 Teaching Activities

• Teaching methods will include lecture, discussion, small group sessions, seminars and other methods as appropriate.
• Assist students in developing the clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become an outstanding physician.

 This is a structured activity of the School of Medicine, and the CTW Co-Director will receive financial and administrative support consistent with School of Medicine policies.

 Please send a CV and letter of interest to AsstDeanClinCurric@health.ucsd.edu no later than Friday, September 25 2026.