The Future of Pediatrics Starts Here

This January, the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Francisco proudly welcomed the first cohort of Peds-START (Pediatric Specialized Training and Admission to Residency Track) students—a select group of future pediatricians who are embarking on an innovative journey designed to provide early mentorship, specialized pediatric training, and a direct path to residency.

These students bring unique perspectives alongside their shared passion for improving the lives of children and families. Over the next several years as they work towards their medical degrees, they will gain additional hands-on pediatric experiences and work alongside faculty mentors to build a strong foundation in child health.

“Becoming a pediatrician has been a lifelong dream of mine. Knowing that I am on my way to achieving this dream in a community I deeply care about is completely life-changing,” said Julia Wolf, a UCSF medical student in the first Peds-START cohort. Wolf has already demonstrated her commitment to innovative pediatric care through her program Doctor Buddies, which received a grant from Physicians for a Healthy California to reduce anxiety for children with unique learning and sensory needs during medical visits through tailored communication and care. 

Key Features of the Program

• Early Pediatric Exposure: Students engage in pediatric-focused didactics, simulations, and patient experiences.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Each student is paired with faculty mentors who provide guidance on coursework, clinical rotations, and career planning.
• Guaranteed Residency Spot: Upon completing medical school, students are guaranteed a spot in UCSF’s highly competitive San Francisco Pediatric Residency Program.
• A Close-Knit Community: The small cohort fosters connections with like-minded peers, ensuring students have a strong support system throughout their journey.

“It is a huge privilege to have access to such incredible support and guidance as I go through my clinical year and beyond. I'm very excited to help build this program and encourage future students to be as excited about pediatrics as I am!” said Kamu Potharaju, MS, who is participating in the program from the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program.

A New Path to Pediatrics

Leading the program is Michele Long, MD, a dedicated educator and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Hospital Medicine. Long has received multiple awards for her ability to connect with students and show them the joy of making a positive impact on children, including the 2024 Excellence in Medical Education Award for Pediatric Hospital Medicine from the Academic Pediatric Association.

“The Peds-START program offers a new way to get a head start on pediatric training without extra assessments or shortened timelines. By having students join before their medical school clerkships, they’re connected with pediatric mentors to help guide them through the essential hands-on training that occurs during the third and fourth years of medical school,” said Long.

Peds-START is modeled after the Education in Pediatrics Across the Continuum (EPAC) program, which was previously piloted at UCSF under Dr. Long’s leadership with sponsorship from the Association of American Medical Colleges, but ultimately discontinued because EPAC’s primary goal, time-variable training, was difficult to accomplish. The new program builds on EPAC successes without the administrative burden that ultimately made UCSF’s EPAC unsustainable, and Long and her team are excited to engage with the students in ways that propel their career in Pediatrics.

Participating students meet as a group for tailored learning sessions, including electives on key pediatric topics and discussions on potential career paths. Students also meet with an individual faculty mentor at least four times a year, providing them with reliable access to leaders in child health who track their growth and offer support where needed.

“I see an incredible opportunity to build sustained connections with mentors and peers who are advancing health equity across pediatric spaces," said Tomi Lewis, a participating medical student.

Investing in the Future of Child Health

With the launch of Peds-START, UCSF is creating a direct pipeline for medical students to become the pediatric leaders of the future. The Department of Pediatrics looks forward to following the journey of this exceptional first cohort as they embark on their path to residency and beyond. The group of six is on track to receive their medical degrees in 2027 and subsequently join UCSF’s Pediatric Residency Program.

"I am truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to join Peds-START as it means taking an early step forward in my journey of becoming an excellent pediatrician that my future patients deserve. I am humbled to join a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to advancing health equity and justice for all children,” said participant Jessica Esparza.

Support for the UCSF Department of Pediatrics helps train the next generation of pediatric leaders. Medical students at UCSF can apply to Peds-START during their second year.