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Selectives

"Selectives" are classes outside of the standard curriculum of the School of Medicine that allow students to create a customized, independent experience.

Selectives are generally taught in small groups and cover a variety of specialized topics.

For more information on the Selective Program, please contact School of Medicine Registrar Cheri Black at (951) 827-4334 or cheri.black@medsch.ucr.edu.


Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine is one of the fastest growing medical specialties today, yet students at many medical schools receive little exposure to it before having to make residency decisions during their fourth year. This selective introduces emergency medicine to interested UCR students through interactive workshops, guest speakers, movie screenings, opportunities to attend conferences and other educational activities.

Workshops focus on particular skills used by emergency physicians, incorporating mannikins and other practice equipment. Past workshops have taught endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, emergency ultrasound techniques, IV placement, dressing and splinting wounds, code blue response and problem-solving cardiac emergencies as well as other skills. Residency directors and attending physicians from local EM residency programs have spoken on various topics, including advantages and disadvantages of working in emergency medical services, how to get into EM residencies, resident lifestyle, and how to shine during third and fourth year EM rotations. Students have also attended local Southern California EM conferences.

The selective is run by student members of the UCR Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG); all members are invited to contribute their ideas for events. Completion of the course requires a minimum of sixteen hours of contact time. Students who successfully do so will receive one credit and have it listed on their transcript as evidence of their interest in emergency medicine.

The class is facilitated by Michael Sequeira, M.D.


Medical Spanish

The Medical Spanish selective is an optional, student-run medical school course that is offered to students who are interested in either learning how to or to improve communication with patients who are Spanish speaking.

Multiple small group workshops are offered which review basic conversational Spanish, how to conduct a complete history and physical examination in Spanish, as well as several workshops on common presenting complaints. Other in-person experiences include modules, at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level, where students conduct mock interviews and receive immediate feedback on their medical Spanish delivery.  The selective also includes several lunch sessions where students are able to participate in informal one-on-one sessions with native Spanish speakers. 

The class is taught by Ann M. Cheney, Ph.D.


Ultrasound Student Instructor

The purpose of the Ultrasound Student Instructor Selective is to educate second year (MS2) and third year (MS3) medical students as student instructors (SI). The SIs will introduce basic concepts, uses, strengths and weaknesses of medical US to first year medical students while reinforcing these same foundational US subjects for the MS2s and MS3s.

This selective is structured in two directions. Enrolled MS1s and MS2s will receive specific instruction in ultrasound utilization and its integration into clinical practice. SIs will also receive exposure to foundational learning theories and instruction in teaching techniques. The SI cadre will receive guidance and training under the mentorship and supervision of the selective faculty advisor.

SI duties include the following: facilitate a discussion section or tutorial; design and review assignments, exams, or projects; keep records; distribute and copy reading materials; prepare answer keys or supplementary notes; and act as the course web-master. TAs may be required to attend the instructor's lecture regularly.

MS2s willing to become an active part of this selective must be in good academic standing. Their actions regarding point of care ultrasound must reflect the involvement, dedication, and enthusiasm being a technical instructor and peer educator requires.

The class is taught by Christopher Miller, C.H.S.E., M.I.S.P., M.S.C.P.