Photo credit: Shamilka Seneviratne

FEATURE 

Last month, UC San Diego School of Medicine students experienced an exciting milestone in their journeys to becoming physicians: Match Day. This is the day graduating students learn where they will complete their graduate medical training in specific residency programs. We are proud to share that nine Sanford Scholars matched across five specialties! 

Residency: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Specialty: OB/GYN

Residency: UC San Diego Medical Center
Specialty: Internal Medicine

Residency: New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center
Specialty: Psychiatry

Residency: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Specialty: OB/GYN

Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Specialties: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Specialties: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Residency: Mission Community Hospital Transitional & UC San Diego Medical Center
Specialty: Anesthesiology

Residency: UC San Francisco Medical Center
Specialty: OB/GYN

Residency: Family Health Centers of San Diego
Specialty: Psychiatry

The Sanford Institute is filled with pride and hope for the Sanford Scholars on this next chapter of their medical careers, and we echo and reiterate the meaningful advice and sentiments expressed by UC San Diego School of Medicine Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean Barbara Jung, MD, at the Match Day ceremony:

"Start curious and stay open. Your time here at UC San Diego School of Medicine has equipped you with a strong foundation in the art and science of medicine, as well as the skills to navigate complex health care systems. You have been trained to be empathetic, compassionate, and forward-thinking physicians, I know that you will make a positive impact in the lives of your patients and the communities you serve."

Congratulations to all!

EVENTS

Eager to communicate your clinical or research message in a way that connects with students, funders, media, and more? Join our complimentary 90-minute Zoom workshop, hosted by the Center for Compassionate Communication, and learn how to craft a clear, compelling elevator pitch that effectively communicates the value and impact of your work.

In this workshop, you’ll walk away with:
• An understanding of how to structure your message for clarity and impact;
• The ability to communicate your ideas in a way that resonates with your audience;
• The skills to identify and build common ground with various audiences; and,
• A powerful tool you can use again and again to craft your perfect pitch.

Ready to transform how you share your research? Reserve your spot now — for free!

SPOTLIGHT

We are thrilled to announce that Center for Empathy and Technology Director, Cinnamon Bloss, PhD, has been selected as a Fellow in the 2025-26 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM) Program.

EVENTS

Join Sanford Institute Director William Mobley, MD, Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health Director Gentry Patrick, PhD, and more in exploring the implications and utilizations of empathy and compassion for the treatment of brain disorders and human well-being. This is a free event.

AWARDS

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation announced the members of its 2026 UC San Diego School of Medicine Gold Humanism Honor Society. Congratulations to our esteemed Sanford Scholars, Sadie Munter (2023-24 cohort) and Eli Solomon (2025-26 cohort), for being selected!

NEWS

— Third-year UC San Diego student shares her experience understanding non-violent communication and the power of empathy.

— Center for Compassionate Communication is recruiting fellows for the fall 2025 cohort of the UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship. This opportunity is open to UC San Diego faculty members across all medical disciplines.

— The 3rd Conference of the International Society for Contemplative Research is taking place this November 3 - 6, 2025. Abstracts are being accepted until April 30.

— Register for the 4th Annual Symposium for Innovation in Medical Education, taking place May 16, 2025. This free, in-person event is intended for health care professionals who are interested in learning more about medical education innovations at UC San Diego.