Our Mission
The 'Health Outreach and Pre-Medical Experience at UCLA' (HOPE at UCLA) is a program devoted to helping pre-health students gain valuable hands-on experience in the medical, dental, and public health fields. Our members are required to devote several hours per week assisting healthcare professionals in providing medical services to low-income patients, at understaffed clinics throughout the Los Angeles and Santa Monica area.
Information about the Clinic
Simms-Mann Health and Wellness Center
Pre-medical or pre-nursing students shadow a nurse or medical assistant for a month while they are trained as clinical assistants. Once training is completed, volunteers will independently work-up patients (i.e. take their blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar level, peak flows, etc.) and perform simple procedures in the lab, as well as assist both nurses and doctors with different medical procedures. Bilingual students will serve as translators whenever there is need for one.
Pre-dental students perform basic dental procedures, shadow dentists during more extensive tasks, and work closely alongside dental assistants. Volunteers at this site also have the opportunity to participate in educational events that inform children about the importance of dental hygiene. This program provides one of the most hands-on dental experiences that aids students gain a better understanding of the demands of dental practice as well as remarkable clinical experience that will prove beneficial in their future dental careers.
Students are required to volunteer for at least one block every week: the volunteering blocks are MWRF 9am-12pm or MTWRF 1pm-5pm.
- Venice Family Clinic
2509 Pico Boulevard,
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Appointment Line: (310)-392-8636
General Administration Number: (310)-392-8630
General Fax Number: (310)-392-7875
VFCinfo@mednet.ucla.edu
- For Volunteer Opportunities
Ingrid Trejo
Volunteer Services Manager
(310)-664-7532
itrejo@mednet.ucla.edu