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What is the BS/MD Program like to get into a medical career#Fall25?
To all BS/MD program participants... How did you get in? What was it like? Would you suggest it to someone who wants to become a General Surgeon? Does it matter which one? For example, Brown's PLME vs. Union's BS/MD program with Albany Medical College?
Thank you!
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Gracelynn,
There are quite a few BS/MD, BA/MD, BS/DO and BA/DO programs now. The basic idea is to streamline the medical education somewhat. Not all baccalaureate/MD programs are the same though and the designation BS/MD can mean different things at different schools. So, you need to research your schools.
Generally speaking, you apply to a baccalaureate/MD program right out of high-school, there is no separate application to the medical school. The admission to the medical school is conditional though and you need to achieve a GPA and MCAT score above the cut-off (if the MCAT is required - not all schools require it) to stay in the program.
BS/MD programs are highly competitive with acceptance rates in the single digits. Applicants are expected to have taken the most challenging courses in high-school, have excellent test scores, GPA, class rank and recommendation letters, meaningful research and clinical experiences as well as other extracurricular activities. Advocacy and social justice work are highly recommended.
Some baccalaureate/MD programs take 8 years, just as long as it would take to earn a regular bachelors and medical degree. Other schools have accelerated programs where you earn your bachelors in 2 or 3 years. That usually requires a higher course load and summer classes. So, on top of all your other obligations as an aspiring medical student, you'll have a higher workload. You'll also loose some of the flexibility to take electives just because you are interested.
The biggest drawback of a baccalaureate/MD program is probably that you need to attend the undergraduate school that is tied to the medical school. Usually, the undergraduate school is less prestigious and the choice of bachelor programs might be limited. If you are absolutely committed to go to medical school it might not matter, but if you have an alternative career in mind you could get into an "elite" undergraduate school for your bachelors instead if reputation or rank is important to you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.collegeadvisor.com/resources/bs-md-programs/
There are quite a few BS/MD, BA/MD, BS/DO and BA/DO programs now. The basic idea is to streamline the medical education somewhat. Not all baccalaureate/MD programs are the same though and the designation BS/MD can mean different things at different schools. So, you need to research your schools.
Generally speaking, you apply to a baccalaureate/MD program right out of high-school, there is no separate application to the medical school. The admission to the medical school is conditional though and you need to achieve a GPA and MCAT score above the cut-off (if the MCAT is required - not all schools require it) to stay in the program.
BS/MD programs are highly competitive with acceptance rates in the single digits. Applicants are expected to have taken the most challenging courses in high-school, have excellent test scores, GPA, class rank and recommendation letters, meaningful research and clinical experiences as well as other extracurricular activities. Advocacy and social justice work are highly recommended.
Some baccalaureate/MD programs take 8 years, just as long as it would take to earn a regular bachelors and medical degree. Other schools have accelerated programs where you earn your bachelors in 2 or 3 years. That usually requires a higher course load and summer classes. So, on top of all your other obligations as an aspiring medical student, you'll have a higher workload. You'll also loose some of the flexibility to take electives just because you are interested.
The biggest drawback of a baccalaureate/MD program is probably that you need to attend the undergraduate school that is tied to the medical school. Usually, the undergraduate school is less prestigious and the choice of bachelor programs might be limited. If you are absolutely committed to go to medical school it might not matter, but if you have an alternative career in mind you could get into an "elite" undergraduate school for your bachelors instead if reputation or rank is important to you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Wow thank you so much, Professor Karin! Do you think I still have a chance of being admitted into a BS/MD program even if I haven't done any verified research before I graduate highschool ? And does it have to be a specific type of research?
Thank you so much for all your helpful advice! I have a much clearer picture of BS/MD programs! Thank you again!
Gracelynn
If that's what you want to do, apply. There is always a (small) chance and no application is perfect. Just understand that a 3% acceptance rate makes it unlikely that you will get in and make sure you do your research and apply to enough schools that are not quite as competitive for a regular bachelors degree.
Karin P.
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Please see the last (excellent) answer re: a baccalaureate/MD program.
RR: general surgery.
(You have to really want it.) General surgery training is a very rigorous five years. It can be very exciting but can also be very challenging/demanding. Once you decide you would like to pursue it as a career, I would encourage you to gain as much exposure to those in training and of course those in practice to better understand what it takes to become a general surgeon and then what it means to be a general surgeon.
Then start looking at the difference between a career in "academic" surgery versus a non-academic (community) practice. The former involves teaching and usually research and is associated with a university.
General surgery is a fantastic specialty and could be very rewarding. I would encourage you to continue exploring the possibility through any programs that may be available to gain exposure to the different phases as mentioned above. Reach out to training programs that may be in your area or at least accessible that may offer such exposure or advise you accordingly.
Good luck Dr. Gracelyn
RR: general surgery.
(You have to really want it.) General surgery training is a very rigorous five years. It can be very exciting but can also be very challenging/demanding. Once you decide you would like to pursue it as a career, I would encourage you to gain as much exposure to those in training and of course those in practice to better understand what it takes to become a general surgeon and then what it means to be a general surgeon.
Then start looking at the difference between a career in "academic" surgery versus a non-academic (community) practice. The former involves teaching and usually research and is associated with a university.
General surgery is a fantastic specialty and could be very rewarding. I would encourage you to continue exploring the possibility through any programs that may be available to gain exposure to the different phases as mentioned above. Reach out to training programs that may be in your area or at least accessible that may offer such exposure or advise you accordingly.
Good luck Dr. Gracelyn