Visiting Elective Scholarship Program

The Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine was established to encourage fourth year medical students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have experienced a disadvantaged path to medicine to apply for the UCSF Emergency Medicine rotation (EM 140.01). The scholarship program provides up to $2,000 for each recipient.

The scholarship program is designed to:

  • Expose fourth year medical students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have experienced a disadvantaged path to medicine
  • Promote student interest in applying to an emergency medicine residency training program

The clinical emergency medicine rotation at UCSF is four weeks in length and is available, space permitting, to U.S. visiting medical students. Three weeks of the clinical rotation is located at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in San Francisco.  One week of the rotation is at UCSF Medical Center, a nationally recognized tertiary care hospital.  In addition to required rotation didactic sessions, clerkship participants have the opportunity to attend UCSF EM residency conference sessions and grand rounds. VESP participation is not affiliated with the emergency medicine residency match program and participation in the scholarship program does not guarantee a residency program spot.

Eligibility
  • Fourth year medical students who are either from disadvantaged backgrounds, have demonstrated a commitment to working with marginalized and traditionally disenfranchised populations, OR have demonstrated a commitment to working with issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and social justice.
  • Student must be in good academic standing at an accredited U.S. medical school
  • Requirements for the UCSF School of Medicine’s clinical electives must also be met:
    • 4th year standing
    • Completion of core clerkships in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and OB/Gyn
Selection

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of:

  • Academic achievement (as indicated by transcripts, etc.)
  • Leadership experience
  • Interest in serving underserved populations

*Funds are awarded upon completion of the elective and itemized receipts must be submitted for reimbursement. Scholarships are to be used toward visiting student elective processing fees ($300), transportation costs, and lodging.

Application
  1. Completed VESP Application
  2. Completed VSAS/VSLO application to the UCSF Emergency Medicine Clerkship (EM 140.01):

 

Applications will be considered ONLY for the following clerkship blocks:

  • June 2 - 29, 2025
  • June 30 - July 27, 2025
  • July 28 - August 24, 2025
  • September 1 - September 28, 2025
  • September 29 - October 26, 2025

 

Application Deadline

Scholarship applications must be received by April 14, 2025. VESP recipients will be announced by April 25, 2025. If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact Corey Carpenter.

 

*Funds are awarded upon completion of the elective and itemized receipts must be submitted for reimbursement. Scholarships are to be used only toward visiting student elective processing fees ($300), transportation costs, and lodging.

Additional Resources

 

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