They actually started this after my year, but now they have the 1st years go into the hospital in the beginning of the year. This had a lot of good feedback, so now the 2nd years have their preceptorship in the hospital as well. Perhaps some 1st or 2nd years can comment on these programs.
When I was in second year, we all had a primary care preceptorship (mine was family med), where you'd gain experience seeing patients on your own, which I really liked. There were 6 half-day sessions spread out throughout the year. But now they've changed it so the 2nd years do this preceptorship in the hospital setting.
Another opportunity to get clinical experience early on is volunteering at the UCI Outreach Clinic, which is a student-run clinic for uninsured patients. They have an MS1/2 paired up with a MS3/4 seeing the patients before the attending. I volunteered at this clinic a lot and really enjoyed it.
Edit: We also have simulation sessions throughout all 4 years where we get to practice clinical scenarios. These are a lot of fun. Our ultrasound curriculum is also another hands-on learning opportunity in first 2 years.
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. Sorry I'm a little late to this thread, but I'll try to answer any questions when I can.
