FREE Pre-Health Conference at DGSOM!

April 18,2026 - 7AM-4:30PM

RSVP HERE!

For first-generation students and those historically underrepresented in medicine, navigating the pre-health journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. Limited access to mentorship, financial barriers, and systemic obstacles make pursuing a career in healthcare more difficult. LCCM’s Pre-Health Conference was created to bridge that gap. It is a space where students can see healthcare professionals who look like them, have walked a similar path, and have successfully broken barriers to achieve their dreams. This representation is critical in building confidence and resilience among pre-health students, reaffirming that they belong in these spaces.

Through a series of workshops, keynote speakers, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insight into the medical school application process, alternative healthcare careers, financial aid and scholarships, research opportunities, gap year options, and much more. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions such as suturing workshops, ultrasound demonstrations, and professional development panels.

What is LCCM’s Pre-Health Conference?

LCCM’s 22nd Annual Pre-Health Conference is a FREE, full-day event dedicated to empowering and supporting students on their journey to a career in healthcare. Whether you are a high school student, community college student, undergraduate, or in your enrichment years, this conference is designed to provide invaluable guidance, mentorship, and resources for aspiring healthcare professionals from all backgrounds.

Hosted by Latinxs/Chicanxs for Community Medicine (LCCM) at UCLA, with the support of MEDPEP (Medical Preparation and Education Pipeline Program) and UCLA Health’s Underrepresented in Medicine – Center of Excellence (UIM-COE), this conference is more than just an educational event—it is a space for community, mentorship, and inspiration.

This conference is also about building connections. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet medical students, residents, physicians, and healthcare professionals who are eager to mentor and support future generations of healthcare providers. Additionally, students will be able to network with other like-minded peers, pre-health organizations, and UCLA faculty who are all working toward increasing diversity and representation in healthcare.

By attending LCCM’s Pre-Health Conference, you are taking an important step toward your future—gaining knowledge, building a supportive network, and affirming your place in medicine. We hope you leave feeling inspired, empowered, and more confident in your journey.

Join us on April 18, 2026, at UCLA for this transformative experience!


What Will You Gain?

  • Pre-Health Guidance – Gain valuable insights into the medical school application process, healthcare career pathways, and enrichment opportunities.

  • Networking – Connect with medical students, residents, physicians, and healthcare professionals who are eager to mentor and guide you on your journey.

  • Resources – Learn about scholarships, research opportunities, gap year programs, and other essential tools to help you succeed in your pre-health journey.

  • Hands-on Experience – Participate in suturing workshops, ultrasound demonstrations, mock interviews, and other interactive sessions to develop practical skills.

  • Connect with Peers – Build meaningful relationships with other students who share your passion for medicine and healthcare.

  • Find Orgs & Schools That Align with Your Mission – Meet representatives from medical schools, pre-health organizations, and enrichment programs that support underrepresented students in medicine.

  • FREE Registration, Breakfast & Lunch! – Enjoy a cost-free experience filled with learning, networking, and inspiration!

LCCM’s Annual Conference - 2025

Delve into the resources and workshops we had during our 2025 conference showcased here in our booklet. There was an array of speakers and workshops carefully crafted for our success. You will notice that there was a range of resources meant to serve different groups and career paths.

Explore the Booklet

LCCM’s 21st Pre-Health Conference

  • Opening Speakers

  • Western University

  • Exploring a Career in Dentistry

  • Charles Drew University

  • Mariachi de Uclatlán

  • UCLA Care Extenders

  • Registration Table

  • Welcome Address

  • Suturing Workshop

  • Community College to Medical School Workshop

  • Stop The Bleed Workshop

  • Pre-PA Workshop

  • Diverse Paths to Medicine Panel

What are People Saying About Conference?

Genesis Alvarez, 3rd Year, Class of 2027

I am a 3rd year pre-med student at UCLA studying Human Biology and Society. I have attended numerous conferences in the past, with the 2025 LCCM conference being one of them. LCCM’s conference has hands down been one of my top favorite conferences I’ve ever attended. Through this conference, I was not only able to connect with current undergraduate students but also those who have graduated already. During the workshops, I was able to jot down notes, gain wisdom, and most importantly, connect with other medical students and health care professionals that still mentor me to this day. Additionally, I have been able to learn about post-bacc programs, the various pathways to medicine, and so much more! I look forward to this year's conference and to witness all of the hard work and dedication the LCCM team puts into this event!

Lauren Urbina, 3rd Year, Class of 2027

The Sueños Sin Barerras Conference was truly such an inspiring and beautiful experience. Seeing people with my same identities and stories speak about being physicians, nurses, researchers, and so many more things that take up space in the healthcare world pushed me to continue working to get there myself one day. I walked away that day with many mentors, stories, and even friends that have now become part of my journey to becoming a healthcare professional. I am incredibly grateful to be able to experience conferences such as this one.

Amanda Ayerdis, Class of 2025, UCLA Transfer

Attending the 2025 Sueños Sin Barreras UCLA Conference was a motivating and validating experience for me as a transfer student and biology major. Hearing about other similar paths reinforced that my goal of becoming a physician assistant is both attainable and worthwhile. As someone who transferred from Mt. San Antonio College, I appreciated how the conference highlighted the value of community college. The conference helped me feel reassured and inspired, to keep moving forward on my path to becoming a physician assistant.

Miliana Perez, 4th Year, Class of 2026

The Sueños Sin Barerras was my first UCLA Conference. The impactful speakers, workshops, and student interactions I made collectively motivated me to be a powerful contributer to raising the 6% statistic of Latinos in healthcare. The community aspect was strong and everyone positively uplifted one another to make connecitons with physicians, UCLA medical students, and upperclassmen students to pour themselves into the process as much as possible. My dreams felt achievable and supported by my peers. From a volunteer intern perspective, the LCCM presidents and board members did a wonderful job at controlling the behind the scenes of the conference and made it seamless for attendees to navigate and enjoy. I am excited to now be a board member in LCCM for UCLA's 2026 conference and make a even greater difference and impact for others!

Irais Gallardo, 3rd Year, Class of 2027

Sueños Sin Barreras was an incredibly inspiring experience. Hearing from the guest speakers and engaging with like-minded individuals who are also pursuing careers in medicine made me feel motivated and supported. Each workshop offered a unique opportunity to connect with the speakers’ personal stories, many of which deeply resonated with me. This conference reminded me that I am not alone on my path to healthcare and that my dreams are both valid and achievable.