Since 2009, the Undergraduate Research Internship (URI) at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente has provided a meaningful summer pathway for UC Berkeley undergraduates who aspire to careers in medicine.
The Undergraduate Researche Internship program was built with the understanding that not every student has equal access to mentors, opportunities, or exposure to the medical field. For many, the road to medicine can feel uncertain or closed off.
URI exists to help open those doors—offering guidance, support, and hands-on experience that affirm students’ potential and remind them that their perspectives and perseverance are essential to the future of healthcare.
Program Structure & Experience
Each summer, selected students engage in an 8-week paid internship (20 hours per week) that includes:
- Research projects with UCSF faculty
- Clinical shadowing alongside physicians and healthcare professionals
- Didactic sessions (~4 hours per week) focused on medical knowledge, leadership, and career preparation
- Individual mentorship to help students gain confidence, direction, and clarity about their path into medicine
This structure is designed not only to build skills, but also to strengthen each student’s sense of belonging in medicine.
Program Outcomes
Our program has graduated 220 students as of 2023
URI by the numbers (all as of July 2023):
| Attended or are attending medical school | Matched into Residency | Are Attending Physicians |
| 77 | 38 | 13 |
| Embarked upon a Masters Degree program (MPH, MPP, MEd, MSc) | Currently Practicing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Currently attending a program as a Physician's Assistant (PA) |
| 19 | 4 | 1 |
| Challenged themselves in a joint Masters and Nursing Program (MSN, RN, NP) and are practicing | Embarked upon a Fellowship Program | Are currently a practicing nurse |
| 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Inspired upon a joint MD/PhD program | Attended Dental School (DDS) | Are currently in a Nursing Program (RN) |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
Please see a 
full list of alumna, their achievements, and schools attended
Here we are sharing our accomplishments and current stats of our current pathway program as they stand.
Alumni Engagement
The URI program has a growing network of URI graduates who contribute back through peer-to-peer support by mentoring new URI interns and serving as ambassadors for our program.
Our Leadership
- Josie Urbina, MD; Director
- Jeannette Lager, MD, MPH; UME Medical Education Director
- Patricia Robertson, MD; Founder of URI
Please consider donating to URI - Our program cannot continue without your support. Donations will help us offset intern stipends and support our continuing effort to increase exposure to professions. Go here to donate.
The application period for the Summer of 2026 URI Program will open Monday, September November 3, 2025.
Hear from URI Alums
“[URI] is such a motivator. I have never been so certain that I can become a physician one day. I hope other people who have similar goals can feel the same way I feel now.” – URI Graduate
“URI restored my passion for medicine and my confidence in making it. It also made me aware of the many ways to become a physician and gave me access to valuable contacts who can help me achieve my goals.!” - URI Graduate
Video Testimonials
A few of our URI graduates have shared their experiences in the URI program. See what they have to say!
 Oliver Guevarra |
Maggie Cobian |
| Jaspreet Singh |
Marisela Cardenas |
| Leah Timbang |
Kathrin Zimmerman |
| Adan Garcia-Mecinas |
Zina Ogunnaya |