"My aim was to study community engaged approaches and methods for reducing health inequities. The UCSF Center for Community Engagement offered me an opportunity to immerse myself with leaders in the field."
Dimpho Orionzi, PhD student, Sociology
Year 3: Develop Your Scholarly Identity
By your third year, you should be actively driving your research. This is the stage where independence becomes more visible.
Priorities include:
- Refining and owning your research direction
- Setting clear milestones and timelines
- Presenting your work at conferences
- Participating in key milestones such as 3rd Year Re-Orientation, Grad Slam, and the Candidacy Ceremony
This is when you begin to see yourself — and be seen — as a contributing scholar in your field.
Program Key:
GHS = Global Health Sciences; HHS = History of Health Sciences; MA = Medical Anthropology; N = Nursing; S = Sociology
Academic
- Third Year Reorientation (GHS/N/S)
- Apply to Fellowships (Internal and External)
- Quarterly Check-in with Dissertation Adviser(s)
- Research/Field Work
- Submit Abstracts for Conferences
- Qualifying Exam (N)
- Dissertation Proposal and Defense (S)
- Apply for Candidacy (HHS/MA)
- Candidacy Ceremony
- Complete Annual Self-Evaluation (N/S)
Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities
- Teach at UCSF and/or External Institutions
- Attend Professional Development Colloquia (S)
- Attend Program Town Halls and Meetings (S)
Community and Resources
- Take Care of Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Join RCOs
- Submit an Entry for Grad Slam
- Apply to Conference Travel Award
- Quarterly GEPA Dean's Office Hours