Program is eight years
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 9, 2015) — The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine recently recognized its newest Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP) participants.
UPIKE, in conjunction with the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), began offering students a cooperative eight-year program (4+4) leading to a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The medical school accepts 135 students in each class. This year, KYCOM received more than 3,000 applicants.
OMSP candidates must apply as an incoming college freshman, have a minimum 1200 SAT or 26 ACT, be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class or have earned a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be a resident of Kentucky, Virginia or West Virginia. Up to 10 scholars are selected each year. After completion of the bachelor’s degree program at the undergraduate college, scholars will be automatically admitted to the medical school if they have maintained a required cumulative and science GPA in undergraduate work, met a required score on the MCAT and participated in program activities.
Scholars must also participate in extracurricular health-related community service activities, community physician “shadowing,” and pre-med club and KYCOM student activities. The program does not carry a monetary award; however, applicants are eligible to pursue other scholarship opportunities.
“We are excited to provide this program for outstanding high school seniors who want to pursue a career in medicine and desire the opportunity to serve their communities in a significant way,” said Boyd R. Buser, D.O., FACOFP, vice president for health affairs and dean of the medical school. “The Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program is an important step in helping us to continue to fulfill our mission of easing the physician shortage in rural and underserved areas of Kentucky and Appalachia.”
Add Comment