Medical Students
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is committed to helping you explore the field, discover your interests, and develop the skills to make a lasting impact. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that promotes curiosity, discovery, innovation and a standard of excellence.
Whether you're just beginning to explore orthopaedics or are pursuing a career in the field, UCSF offers unmatched opportunities to learn from world-class experts. Our faculty are committed to advancing patient care, are dedicated educators, mentors and researchers who will guide you at every stage of your career.
For fourth-year medical students, we invite you to apply for our Sub-I program to gain hands-on clinical experience, to work with our faculty, and to connect with our residency program. San Francisco is a dynamic global city, and UCSF stands a leader in medical education and clinical expertise.
We look forward to supporting your journey toward a rewarding career in orthopaedics!
Visiting Medical Student Scholarships
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) for fourth-year medical students who have shown dedication to fostering community, building a collaborative culture, and engaging with diverse populations. If you would like to apply, please do so by completing this application. Applicants should also demonstrate alignment with UCSF’s PRIDE Values and have applied for a visiting Sub-Internship in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. These applications are due by May 1st, 2026. Decisions will be made by May 18th.
Interview and Selection Disclaimer
In accordance with Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health, or disability. UCSF does not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories or proxies for protected categories in the selection process. For detailed information, please visit the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.
- Visiting Medical Students Clerkship
- UCSF Orthopaedic Electives
- Medical Student Resources
- Housing Resources
Important dates, deadlines, and contact information
The UCSF Visiting Student Clerkship program begins on June 1, 2026. For any questions, please contact Medical Student Coordinator Dan Peterson (dan.peterson@ucsf.edu).
The 2026 academic year program is as follows:
- Rising 4th-Year Medical Students: Applications are now open in VSLO
- Application Review: UCSF and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery will begin processing applications after March 31, 2026. Decisions on rotation blocks June - September are made after March 31, 2026. October block application decisions are made after May 4, 2026.
Rotation Blocks:
- June 1–28, 2026
- June 29–July 26, 2026
- July 27–August 23, 2026
- August 31–September 27, 2026
- September 28–October 25, 2026