Quote iconURI allowed me to envision myself, a first-generation Salvadoreña, as a doctor
Application Open Now
Complete applications must be received by January 4, 2026.
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Yensy Zetino is now on track to be a future physician, working with urban underserved communities.
Meaningful Research
Each year, URI selects 16 interns for an immersive 8-week summer program that includes impactful research projects, clinical shadowing opportunities in UCSF’s OBGYN & RS, Anesthesia, and Family Medicine departments, didactic sessions, leadership development, and comprehensive mentoring. Additionally, program directors provide guidance and support throughout the medical school application process.
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From URI to Medical Practice
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of all URI alumnae! Pictured here are Drs. Oliver Guevarra and Maria Escudero, who are continuing to reach significant milestones in their path to medicine. Dr. Guevarra is currently a Resident Intern in Internal Medicine at UCSF while Dr. Escudero is in her R3 year in Radiology at UC Davis. Dr. Guevarra once considered leaving UC Berkeley before discovering URI. Hear his story in the video.
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Dr. Denisse Rojas Marquez from the URI 2012 cohort was invited to speak at the State of the Union on behalf of Dreamers. Denisse was invited to speak by California Senator Alex Padilla in 2024.
Engagement and Outreach
The URI program features an expanding network of graduates who actively give back by providing peer-to-peer support. They mentor new interns and serve as ambassadors, helping to promote and strengthen our program. Catch up with some of our alumni and latest news for the URI program and OBGYN Medical Education.
Connect with us on InstagramFrequently Asked Questions
Each summer, students selected for the program participate in an 8-week paid internship (20 hours per week), which includes:
- Research projects led by UCSF faculty
- Clinical shadowing opportunities with physicians and healthcare professionals
- Didactic sessions (approximately 4 hours per week) focused on medical school preparation, leadership and professional skills, and career development
- Individual mentorship provided to help students build confidence, gain direction, and clarify their path into medicine
This structured internship not only develops essential skills but also fosters a stronger sense of belonging in the field of medicine.
Thank you for your interest in the Undergraduate Research Internship program. Our 2026 application period is set to begin Monday, November 3, 2025. The application deadline this year is Sunday, January 4, 2026.
For any questions, please reach out to Amariah Flagg at [email protected].
What materials do I need to submit with my application?
- Completed online application form. Link
- Resume or CV
- Transcript (unofficial or official can be accepted)
- Personal statement or essay (if required)
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Letters of recommendation (2) submit here
Our program is open to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and returning to the University of California, Berkeley in 2026. Currently, we are unable to offer or consider applications submitted from students who are not enrolled in UCB.
Over the past 18 years, URI has supported more than 280 UC Berkeley students. Today, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumni: 30 currently enrolled in medical school, 22 in residency and fellowship programs, 10 in nursing or nurse practitioner programs, and 11 pursuing advanced degrees such as MPH, MPP, and MEd. We are honored that many URI alumni continue to receive mentoring for a decade or more after completing the program.
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 |
Josie Urbina, MD; URI Director
Patricia Robertson, MD; Co- Founder of URI
Jeannette Lager, MD, MPH; UME Medical Education Director
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Quote iconOne of the goals that I wanted to confirm was if I truly wanted to pursue becoming a doctor someday, and after this past summer of shadowing and meeting doctors it confirmed for me that this indeed what I want to do in the future.
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Quote iconIt is such an incredible experience, and I believe URI has opened doors and made it possible to achieve these goals in such an uplifting and exciting manner.