The last year has been full of uncertainty, stress, and change. While there is hope on the horizon (yay vaccines), what the next year will look like for us as medical students and community members is still a little unclear. What we do know is how curriculum and other COVID-19 policies were structured in 2020, so we can likely expect some similar policies to carry over into 2021 as society transitions back to normalcy. Below is some information about our experiences as med students from the last few months-- however things may change by the time you start here!

​

If you have specific COVID-related questions not answered here, feel free to reach out to us. 

HOW HAS CURRICULUM CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19? 

Luckily, UCSD's curriculum has remained incredibly robust regardless of the pandemic. As a part of the healthcare team, we are considered essential workers, and have thus been able to continue certain in person classes. Most notably, we have been able to continue anatomy in person-- which is absolutely vital for learning a highly visual and tactile subject. 

​

Block lectures, histology labs, and certain small group activities have been moved online, however, the structure and content of the courses have not really changed.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH SECOND LOOK? 

Unfortunately, we don't know yet. Whether things happen in person or online will depend a lot on the state of COVID/ vaccinations at the time. Regardless of where Second Look will take place, we are working hard on planning fun activities for you to meet other admitted students, learn more about UCSD, and explore San Diego! 

ARE UCSD SOM STUDENTS GETTING VACCINATED? 

Yes! As an essential part of the healthcare team, current SOM students are getting vaccinated beginning January 2021. 

HOW FREQUENTLY HAVE YOU BEEN GETTING TESTED? 

UCSD SOM students are required to be tested every 12-16 days, but are encouraged to get tested weekly. COVID tests are widely available, with multiple drive-up test centers, a large walk up test center at the Price Center, and self-administered test stations at grad housing. 

HOW HAS COVID IMPACTED YOUR SOCIAL LIFE? 

As you know, COVID has impacted everyone's ability to socialize and create/maintain relationships. While we haven't been able to participate in a lot of in person activities with our entire MS1 class this year, we have been able to have a lot of zoom events and socially distanced activities. Lucky for us (and for you!), San Diego is beautiful all year round. There are tons of activities that can be done safely and socially distanced, including but not limited to: surfing, hiking, climbing, and snorkeling. Additionally, many of San Diego's restaurants and breweries are still open for take-out, and who doesn't love to eat delicious food while picnicking at the beach! 

For more information about UCSD's COVID policies, please click the link below: