Preparing for the UC San Diego School of Medicine interview

Understanding UCSD's mission of advancing medical care through research, education, and community engagement will position you as a candidate who aligns with the institution's values. The medical school particularly values applicants who can articulate meaningful experiences working with underserved populations and who demonstrate strong leadership potential.

This comprehensive preparation guide will equip you with strategies to craft compelling responses that showcase not only your medical knowledge but also your genuine dedication to serving diverse communities and addressing healthcare disparities in the San Diego region.

1. UCSD School of Medicine Interview: Format, Structure, and Themes

UCSD School of Medicine utilizes the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, usually consisting of 8-10 stations, each designed to probe a distinct competency—think ethical reasoning, communication skills, empathy, and handling ambiguity. You may encounter role-play scenarios, policy discussions, and even questions on local public health efforts. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in-person.

Format:

• MMI Stations: 7-10 minutes each; may include actors, written prompts, or ethical dilemmas.

• Traditional Panel/One-on-One: Occasional, often with faculty or students for holistic assessment.

Themes:

• Health equity and social justice

• Service to underserved communities, particularly those in Southern California

• Interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration (UCSD’s Altman Clinical & Translational Research Institute is a hub for this)

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and advocacy in medicine

• Self-awareness, adaptability, and systems thinking

Insider Tip: At every station, UCSD values your ability to understand an issue’s big picture and connect it to the realities facing San Diego’s diverse patient population. Let your reasoning show your awareness of local concerns.

2. California’s Healthcare Policy: Progressive Ambition Meets Systemic Gaps

1. Medi-Cal Expansion & CalAIM (2021–Present)

California extended Medicaid coverage to all low-income residents regardless of immigration status in 2024, impacting 700,000+ undocumented individuals. UCSD’s Free Clinic Project partners with San Ysidro Health to serve this population—a model you might discuss.

2. Mental Health Crisis: CARE Courts (2023)

California’s new civil courts can mandate treatment for severe psychosis. Controversial, but UCSD’s Psychiatry Residency leads training in trauma-informed care for homeless populations (20% of San Diego’s unsheltered have SMI).

3. Climate Health: AB 209 (2024)

This law funds wildfire smoke shelters in schools. UCSD researchers found Imperial County ER visits for asthma spike 300% during fire season—tie this to their Climate Health Disparities Lab.

Tip: Mention UCSD’s Altman Clinical & Translational Research Institute when proposing policy solutions.

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The San Diego Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Cross-Border Health: Tijuana’s sewage spills (2024) shut down Imperial Beach clinics. UCSD’s Global Health Initiative deploys mobile TB screening vans.

• Housing Crisis: San Diego rents rose 15% in 2024. UCSD’s Street Health Program links ER “super-utilizers” to housing—critical as 40% of homeless deaths involve untreated diabetes.

• Reproductive Rights: Post-Dobbs, UCSD became an abortion training hub for providers in restrictive states.

National Issues with CA Stakes

• AI in Medicine: CA passed SB 294 (2024) regulating algorithmic bias. UCSD’s OMNIBUS Study examines AI diagnostic disparities in Latino patients.

• Opioid Crisis: San Diego County saw 1,200 fentanyl deaths in 2023. UCSD’s NEAT Clinic pioneers “motivational interviewing” for addiction.

Tip: Cite UCSD’s Community Health partnerships (e.g., with Refugee Health Alliance) to show localized awareness.

4. The 5 Questions UC San Diego School of Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “How would you improve access to prenatal care in San Diego’s migrant agricultural communities?”

2. “UCSD emphasizes ‘health beyond healthcare.’ Give an example of how you’ve addressed social determinants.”

3. “Describe a time you advocated for a patient from a culture different than your own.”

4. “How should medical schools prepare students for climate-driven health crises?”

5. “Why UCSD over other CA schools? How does our focus on translational research align with your goals?”