Primary Care Excellence Pathway

This program has been supported by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant (T99HP52112) designed to create an enhanced pathway for medical students training in underserved clinical sites with a focus on primary care and prepare them to practice amongst the underserved upon graduation. In addition to the current longitudinal, 4-year curriculum of the Primary Care Pathway, the University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine (USACOM) in partnership with the Covey College of Allied Health Professions have developed a new post-baccalaureate program, the Primary Care Excellence Path (PRE-Path). The PRE-Path is designed to take college graduates from historically underrepresented groups or who have had formative experiences in historically underserved communities and better prepare them for the rigors of medical school so they will be more likely to succeed once admitted.

There are many exciting opportunities within this program. Students will be chosen for the Primary Care Excellence Path based on an interest in primary care and an anticipated willingness to commit to the practice following residency training.

▼ What does it involve?

Summer 1

Orientation with PRE-Path faculty and staff
BMD 507 – Advanced Physiology (4 credit hours)
BMD 590 – Special Topics MCAT prep course (3 credit hours)
Take MCAT and apply to AMCAS

AY Coursework (Fall & Spring Semesters)

SLP 510 – Research Design (3 credit hours)
GIS 501 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit hour)
BMD 500 – Graduate Seminar (2 credit hours)
BMD 508 – Gross Anatomy (4 credit hours)
BMD 500 – Graduate Seminar (2 credit hours)
Selected Electives (minimum of 6 credit hours)

Summer 2

BMD 594 – Directed Studies (3 credit hours)
BMD 500 – Graduate Seminar (2 credit hours)
Fieldwork with adjunct community faculty, medical school faculty, and current medical students in a community-based primary care clinic

▼ What’s in it for me as a prospective medical student applicant?

$5000 stipend for community-based summer research project
Enhanced graduate curriculum focused on strengthening basic science foundations and developing skills necessary for overall success in medical school
Tuition reimbursement for PRE-Path coursework
MCAT preparation and individualized coaching for competitive AMCAS application
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences awarded upon successful completion of coursework and program requirements
Compensation for travel to community-based clinic sites
Opportunity for educational experiences in underserved and rural populations
Mentoring by current Primary Care Pathway Scholar medical students at community-based clinic sites
Opportunity to continue into the Primary Care Pathway Program upon completion of the PRE-Path Program

▼ How do I get involved?

Applicants must have graduated or be on track to graduate with an undergraduate degree in a biomedical science or related STEM discipline by the start of the program (Summer 1).
Applicants should meet all basic requirements for admission into the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required with GPA of 3.5 highly recommended.
A previous MCAT score is preferred for use as a baseline but not required prior to entrance.
The PRE-Path is focused on commitment to making a difference in communities that experience health disparities, with consideration given to those who grew up in under-resourced and disadvantaged backgrounds along with those who have established service, study, and/or research into serving those communities. In light of this, candidates who have lived experiences with disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

▼ Whom can I contact with additional questions?

Amanda McGaha
Program Coordinator
amcgaha@health.southalabama.edu

Emmaline Barnhill
Project Manager
ebarnhill@health.southalabama.edu