The NextGen Health Professionals Living Learning Community (LLC) at UC Merced is a specialized program designed to immerse first-year students in an environment conducive to their future careers in healthcare and medical professions. This LLC offers a unique blend of academic support, practical experiences, and networking opportunities that are crucial for students aspiring to enter these competitive fields.
Academic and Co-Curricular Preparation
The NextGen Health Professionals LLC provides students with a robust foundation in the sciences and other disciplines critical to success in medical and health-related professional schools. This preparation includes specialized coursework, study groups, and academic advising tailored to pre-health pathways.
Guest Speakers
The LLC frequently invites guest speakers who are leaders in various healthcare fields. These sessions provide students with insights into different career paths and current trends in healthcare. Speakers might include:
- Medical Doctors and Specialists: Offering perspectives on various medical specialties, work-life balance, and the realities of medical practice.
- Healthcare Administrators: Discussing the operational side of healthcare, including management, policy, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Researchers and Academics: Sharing their journey through medical research and the significance of innovation in advancing healthcare.
Community and Peer Support
Living with like-minded peers who share a commitment to pursuing healthcare careers fosters a supportive community. This environment encourages collaboration, study groups, and the sharing of resources and opportunities.
Conferences and Networking Events
Participation in local, regional, and even national conferences is a cornerstone of the LLC experience. These events allow students to:
- Network with Professionals: Conferences are prime opportunities for students to connect with professionals, faculty, and peers who share their interests in healthcare.
- Explore Career Options: Students can attend various sessions and workshops at conferences that focus on emerging trends in healthcare, new technologies, and evolving patient care practices.
Testomonies:
"The LLC is a very welcoming and forgiving as a whole and provides me with constant reassurance."
“The LLC experience has been amazing! Our undergraduate studies course really immerses us into our cohort and allows us to think and be around those who have the same/very similar goals to us. I do wish, however, that the guaranteed research would be outlined better than having to wait until next semester to figure out what is happening with it. I also wish we had clinical experience outlined/offered to us.”
"I really enjoyed my LLC this semester so far. It was a good way to meet other students who have some of the same interests as I do. I appreciate the ability to network with others to talk through challenges that we may have in a mutual context."
Watch a video introduction on NextGen Health Professionals (Health Scholars) here.
Photo taken from the SUMMA Conference at Stanford University from Spring 2024 (1st cohort from Health Scholars).
For more information about NextGen Health Professionals, please contact us at healthscholars@ucmerced.edu
If you have specific questions regarding housing, including the cost of housing and meal plans, please visit the housing website or contact them at housing@ucmerced.edu
