OCC Student Completes Stanford Summer Premedical Program

OCC Marketing & Public Relations

Aug 29, 2024

News Release

Group of students standing on a staircase

Orange Coast College student Valeria Arellano was among 21 students selected to participate in the Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP) at Stanford Medicine.

Arellano, a biology major at Orange Coast College and Golden West College, spent the summer in traditional classes, medical school admissions workshops, science-based classes like human anatomy and molecular cellular biology, and shadowing physicians and other health professionals.

During the six-week program, Arellano engaged in scholarly research on health disparities and presented their research project: Understanding cardiovascular disease detection and outcomes in Santa Clara and Fresno County.

“We are immensely proud of Valeria Arellano for being one of only 21 students statewide selected to participate in this academically intensive program at Stanford Medicine,” says Orange Coast College President Suarez. “Her intellect and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the quality of education and opportunities available at OCC.”

SSCCPP is an academically intensive experience that exclusively targets California community college students considering careers as physicians and physician assistants. SSCCPP recruits talented and motivated community college students interested in medicine to immerse themselves in the Stanford School of Medicine network through various personal and professional development experiences.

This year, the Office of Diversity in Medical Education (ODME) celebrates 25 years of offering premedical programs for undergraduates, including community college students.