Quote iconURI allowed me to envision myself, a first-generation Salvadoreña, as a doctor
Application Available November 3, 2025
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.
Clinical Shadowing
Annually, URI engages 16 interns in a meaningful summer research project, clinical shadowing at UCSF in OBGYN, as well as Anesthesia and Family Medicine, didactics, leadership training, and extensive mentoring during the 8-week program. The program directors also offer mentoring through the medical school application process.
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From URI Research Interns to Medical Professionals
We are incredibly proud of URI alumna Oliver Guevarra and Dr. Maria Escudero as they continue to reach major milestones on their paths in medicine. Oliver is now a fourth-year medical student at UC Davis, and Dr. Escudero is completing her Radiology residency, also at UC Davis. Oliver once considered leaving UC Berkeley before discovering URI, an experience that helped redefine his future. Hear how the program reshaped his journey in the link below.
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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.
Alumni Engagemnent
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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; Director
Jeannette Lager, MD, MPH; UME Medical Education Director
Patricia Robertson, MD; Founder of URI
