A 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization
ABOUT
The Undergraduate MD/PhD Society (UMPS) is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering all undergraduate students—especially those who are underserved or underrepresented—to pursue MD/PhD, MD, PhD, and other graduate-level careers in medicine and science. With over 1,200 members across UC San Diego, UCLA, and UC Irvine, UMPS provides clinical training, research preparation, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to help students thrive on their path to advanced study.
Branches
UMPS offers five branches with different focuses that students are encouraged to join!
Research Branch
The Research Branch empowers students to explore and engage in academic research. We connect students with faculty, highlight summer research opportunities, and support first-year students in securing their first lab positions. Events include GRE prep, manuscript and poster-writing workshops, and research seminars. This branch is ideal for students interested in pursuing MD, PhD, or MD/PhD pathways
Medical Branch
The Medical Branch connects students with medical schools and provides direct insight into the admissions process. We organize MCAT prep events, study groups, and workshops in collaboration with national partners. Our sessions cover topics like personal statements, secondary applications, and how to become a strong medical school applicant. This branch is essential for anyone preparing to apply to MD or DO programs.
Social Media Branch
The Social Media Branch leads UMPS’s digital outreach through engaging posts, informative flyers, and strong online visibility. We manage social media accounts, support the UMPS newsletter, and promote collaborations with campus and external partners. Our team ensures that UMPS events and opportunities reach a wide and diverse audience. This branch is perfect for students interested in communications, design, and outreach.
UMPS 4 Community Branch
UMPS 4 Community addresses social determinants of health by providing non-clinical volunteering that directly serves underserved populations. We organize distributions of clothing, hygiene products, and food, and work with partners to offer meaningful service opportunities. This branch connects students with local communities and raises awareness about health equity. It’s ideal for students passionate about social impact and public service.
Happy Weekends Branch
The Happy Weekends Branch offers hands-on clinical training and organizes community health screenings. Certified coordinators teach students how to take vitals, perform basic clinical tasks, and communicate effectively with patients. We aim to improve access to preventive care in underserved areas while equipping undergraduates with vital clinical skills. This branch is ideal for students seeking early healthcare exposure through service.
MD/PhD Coordinator
The MD/PhD Coordinator organizes exclusive MD/PhD and MSTP events, connects students with MD/PhD faculty for mentorship and meetings, and supports the leadership of other UMPS branches. This role fosters community among physician-scientist trainees while ensuring access to valuable academic and professional development opportunities. It is ideal for students interested in bridging medicine and research through mentorship, collaboration, and leadership.
Our Founder
Aran Zakeri
Aran founded this non-profit organization his first year at the University of California, San Diego. His goal for UMPS is to help fellow undergraduate students interested in pursuing higher education in hopes of obtaining their MD and/or PhD. Creating UMPS, Aran wanted to provide access and resources to students, especially those from underserved students, to succeed in their professional careers.
The UMPS Board
Below is our team that serves UMPS as a whole alongside our president and founder, Aran Zakeri.
UMPS Statement of Belonging
At UMPS, we believe that every student pursuing a future in medicine, research, or both deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We are committed to creating an environment where all members are treated with respect, encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, and provided with equal access to opportunities for growth. Together, we foster a community built on collaboration, curiosity, and mutual encouragement—where everyone can thrive and work toward their academic and professional goals.
Partners
