Overview
Temple University’s BS/MD program is a highly competitive and esteemed undergraduate-to-medical school dual degree program that offers a unique and rigorous path to a career in medicine. The program combines rigorous academic coursework in the sciences with clinical experiences, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of medicine.
Program Structure
The BS/MD program consists of eight years of study, divided into two phases:
Phase 1 (Undergraduate Phase):
* 4 years of undergraduate studies in a designated pre-medical track.
Phase 2 (Medical School Phase):
* 4 years of medical school at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BS/MD program is highly selective, with only a limited number of students accepted each year. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Exceptional academic record with a strong GPA in high school.
- Outstanding standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).
- Demonstrated interest in medicine through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or research.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to serving others.
Curriculum
Undergraduate Phase:
* The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes the sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
* Students also take coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and other core subjects.
Medical School Phase:
* The medical school curriculum follows a traditional four-year sequence of coursework and clinical rotations.
* Students receive instruction in a wide range of medical disciplines and gain hands-on experience in clinical settings.
Benefits of the Program
- Guaranteed Admission to Medical School: BS/MD students are guaranteed admission to Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine upon successful completion of their undergraduate studies.
- Early Exposure to Clinical Experiences: Students begin clinical rotations as early as their sophomore year of undergraduate study, providing them with valuable hands-on training.
- Comprehensive Education: The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences, ensuring a comprehensive medical education.
- Strong Support System: Students receive mentorship and guidance from faculty, staff, and peer mentors throughout the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BS/MD program are well-qualified for a wide range of careers in medicine, including:
- Clinical Medicine
- Research
- Public Health
- Biomedical Engineering
- Healthcare Administration
Statistics
- Acceptance Rate: The BS/MD program acceptance rate is highly competitive, typically below 5%.
- Median GPA: The median GPA for accepted students is typically above 4.0.
- Median SAT Score: The median SAT score for accepted students is typically in the 1500-1600 range.
- Median ACT Score: The median ACT score for accepted students is typically in the 34-36 range.
Key Features
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students have access to Temple University’s state-of-the-art medical facilities, including the Temple University Hospital and the Fox Chase Cancer Center.
- Scholarly Activity: Students are encouraged to engage in research and scholarly activities throughout the program.
- Experiential Learning: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical rotations, cadaver laboratory studies, and simulation exercises.
Conclusion
Temple University’s BS/MD program is an exceptional educational opportunity for students who aspire to become highly skilled and compassionate physicians. The program’s rigorous academic curriculum, early clinical experiences, and supportive learning environment provide a solid foundation for a successful career in medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a BS/MD program and a traditional pre-medical track?
A: A BS/MD program guarantees admission to medical school upon successful completion of the undergraduate phase, while a traditional pre-medical track does not.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of students who can apply to the BS/MD program?
A: Yes, the BS/MD program has a strict application limit, and only a select number of students are accepted each year.
Q: What is the average GPA of students accepted into the BS/MD program?
A: The average GPA of students accepted into the BS/MD program is typically above 4.0.
Q: What scholarships are available to BS/MD students?
A: Temple University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to BS/MD students, including full-tuition scholarships and partial-tuition scholarships.
Q: What is the attrition rate for the BS/MD program?
A: The attrition rate for the BS/MD program is very low, with nearly all students successfully completing the program and graduating from medical school.
| Phase | Coursework |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Medical School | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Surgery, Psychiatry |
| Year | Number of Applicants | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,200 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1,500 | 3.5% |
| 2024 | 1,700 | 3% |
| Specialty | Employment Outlook |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Physician | Growing |
| Surgeon | Stable |
| Radiologist | Declining |
| Psychiatrist | Growing |
| Biomedical Engineer | Excellent |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed Admission to Medical School | Assured admission upon meeting program requirements |
| Early Clinical Experiences | Clinical rotations beginning in sophomore year |
| Comprehensive Education | Integration of academic coursework and clinical practice |
| State-of-the-Art Facilities | Access to cutting-edge medical facilities |
| Scholarly Activity | Encouragement of research and scholarly pursuits |