EHC 2019 Newsletter 4
July 29, 2019
Message from the Director
Greetings from San Francisco! This is the final newsletter before your arrival, so be sure to pay attention to all the important logistical information and reminders here! Please carefully read the remainder of this newsletter. Specifically, you'll find:
- Reminders, including preparing for your 5-minute presentation
- Last minute packing tips
- A note about the schedule and optional tour of free clinic
- Airport pick-up info
As always, don't hesitate to contact me (lina@viaprograms.org) or any of the EHC 2019 team members if you have any questions. We're all looking forward to meeting you soon!
Sincerely,
Lina Yamashita, PhD
Medical Programs Director
Reminders
Please complete the following assignments before arriving:
- San Francisco Quiz
- Introduce yourself - thank you to those who have already introduced yourself on Canvas!
As mentioned in the last newsletter, you will be doing a presentation during the first few days of the program. Please come prepared with a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation. Your presentation should include:
- A brief overview of your personal interests
- Your interest in health care
- Motivation for joining the program and becoming a doctor in the future.
Your presentation will be in English and will be no longer than 5 minutes in length. We are interested in communication, not perfect English. Personal pictures are encouraged. See here for instructions. The order of the presentations will be announced after you arrive in San Francisco.
What to Pack
Last Minute Packing
Now that the program is starting in less than one week, remember to pack these important things as you prepare for the program!
- Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Laptop/tablet
- Prescription medicine
- Traveler's Checks/Credit Card
- Power Converter (depending on your electronic device's country of origin)
- Book (for the long flight, layover(s), or waiting to be picked up)
- Sweater or Jacket - San Francisco can get cold even in the summer!!
- Business casual wear (refer to Newsletter #3 for the definition of business casual)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Formal Wear (suit, dress, or outfit) for banquet
A complete list of what to pack can be found here.
Don't forget your WHITE COAT!
We also encourage you to bring a stethoscope and tendon/reflex hammer if you already own these items.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
<<Optional Tour of Free Clinic>>
Customs and Immigration
When you arrive at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on August 4, you will first go through customs and immigration. Please make sure that you have signed your passport on the appropriate page.
When asked where you will be staying at, please use the following address:
King George Hotel
334 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 781 5050
In the past, VIA students have not had any problem going through immigration. However, if you are asked the purpose of your stay, you can say: "to join a short culture program."
If they ask to contact someone in the United States, Lina's cell phone number is (617) 999-3662. You can also reach Nicole at (415) 912-0512.
Airport Pick-Up!
Meeting Location
After you pass through Customs & Immigration, you will pick up your luggage. You will be on the Arrivals floor of the international terminal. Please look for the friendly EHC fellows who will be holding welcome signs.
If you arrive early and do not see any staff, please wait at the Starbucks in the middle of the Arrivals hall of the international terminal (there is only one Starbucks on this level). Lina and the fellows will be there by 11:00 am.
Please note that on August 4, several VIA groups (students in the American Language & Culture program and the Exploring Social Innovation program) are arriving at the same day.
Need to reach us?
Lina Yamashita: (617) 999-3662
Nicole Ludwig (415) 912-512