This web page is organized in three major sections: Admissions, Accepted Applicants and Outreach Programs; a list of subsections appears in the lefthand margin.

Follow updates from the medical school admissions office on and .

Admissions

Students who may want to become a doctor should visit the Association of American Medical Colleges' (AAMC) web site, "Considering a Medical Career".

The following presentations have been used for admissions workshops; premedical advisors and prospective applicants may find them to be informative and useful.

• Pathway to Medical School
• Application Workshop
• Photos of Medical Student Life
• Interview Workshop
• Reasons to Attend This Medical School

Download the Work/Activities Template to document experiences that should be entered in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) application.

Pre-application counseling is available for prospective applicants and post-application counseling is available for unsuccessful applicants. To make an appointment, call the Admissions Office at 601-984-5010 After the Admissions Office confirms an appointment, a student seeking pre-application counseling will be given a password to access an on-line Pre-application Counseling Form on which background information that will be useful during counseling should be submitted.

Email communication with the Admissions Office (AdmitMD@som.umsmed.edu) is encouraged.

If you would like to ask a current medical student a specific question, visit the Ask a Student! Web site hosted by the Division of Multicultural Affairs.

Office Personnel

Kim Dallas Student Admissions Officer	Rece Thompson Student Admissions Officer	Peggy M. Davis, MD Director of Admissions	Steven T. Case, PhD Associate Dean, Admissions

Bulletin

The content of these web pages and additional information about the University of Mississippi Medical Center are published as a Bulletin. It is available on line at: http://www.umc.edu/bulletin. A hard copy may be requested from:

Office of Student Records and Registrar
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Telephone (601) 984-1080

The Curriculum in Medicine

The purpose of the M.D. Program is to give students of high promise the opportunity to develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and personal qualities of excellent physicians. The fundamentals of medicine are taught by a distinguished faculty in a modern, caring environment.

The curriculum in medicine consists of four academic sessions. During the two preclinical years, students learn the sciences basic to the study of medicine and participate in laboratory exercises, small-group discussion, computer-assisted learning, and independent study. The first year (M1) curriculum was recently revised with the goal of increasing integration, improving the sequencing of course content, and providing earlier clinical experience for medical students in a manner similar to what already occurs in the second year (M2) curriculum. The third year involves full-time clinical exposure as students rotate through the major clinical disciplines and participate in the team care of patients in the University Hospitals and Clinics, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and various community settings. The fourth year consists of eight required calendar month blocks that may be taken anytime during the eleven months available from July through May. Fourth year clinical clerkships provide greater depth of study in a student's anticipated medical specialty. Opportunities are available for review, advanced study and research in the basic science departments and for electives at another institution in this country or abroad.

Students will be certified for graduation after all requirements for graduation are completed, including completion of the Graduation Questionnaire and required technical procedures. All diplomas are awarded at commencement.

Tuition and Required Fees

In June, 2008, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for the State of Mississippi approved the following tuition increases. Medical school tuition for residents of Mississippi will be $13,649 per year for 2009-2010 and $15,649 per year for 2010-2011. This payment includes required registration, laboratory and library usage fees. Tuition for non-residents will be $31,802 per year for 2009-2010, and $36,462 per year for 2010-2011. Medical school tuition is assessed in accordance with financial aid disbursement regulations. Health insurance is mandatory. Disability insurance is available. Students registered in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program will pay graduate tuition for graduate hours and prorated clock hours for School of Medicine courses.

FIRST for Medical Education- Created by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), FIRST offers a full range of Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools to help medical school borrowers expand their financial literacy, make smart decisions about student loans, and manage their student debt wisely.

• Pre-Health Advisors Site
• Applicants and Students Site
• FIRST Facts provides access to a number of informative and useful publications such as:
  • The Cost of Applying to Medical School
  • The Financial Aid Application Process
  • Medical School Costs for Non-Traditional Students

Admission To The Medical Curriculum

The authority to select applicants for admission to the School of Medicine is vested in the Admissions Committee. This committee is chaired by the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions and composed of members of the basic science and clinical faculty appointed by the Dean of the School of Medicine. No student may enroll for courses in the School of Medicine, either as a regular full-time student or as a special part-time student, without being admitted by the committee.

Correspondence regarding admission (such as requests for counseling and application status updates) should be addressed to:

Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Telephone (601) 984-5010
Facsimile (601) 984-5008
E-mail AdmitMD@som.umsmed.edu

Letters of Evaluation must be submitted directly to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®), Virtual Evals or Interfolio.

Official admissions records (such as transcripts) are handled and filed in the Office of Student Records and Registrar, and become the property of the School of Medicine. They cannot be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another school or individual. Correspondence regarding official records should be addressed to:

Office of Student Records and Registrar
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Telephone (601) 984-1080

Selection of applicants is made on a competitive basis, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or veteran status. Qualified handicapped students will be considered in relation to the Technical Standards that follow.

Technical Standards For Admission, Retention, Promotion And Certification For The Degree Of Doctor Of Medicine

Because the M.D. degree awarded to a senior medical student signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within postgraduate training programs, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. If they are to function in this manner, medical students must have somatic sensation and the functional use of the senses of vision and hearing, and equilibrium. They must have sufficient exteroceptive sense (touch, pain and temperature), sufficient proprioceptive sense (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis and vibratory) and sufficient motor function to perform the activities described in the sections that follow. Students also must be able to consistently, quickly, and accurately integrate all information received by whatever sense(s) and have the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze and synthesize data, and the appropriate behavioral and social skills for patient interaction. In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm), technological compensation can be made for some handicaps in certain of these areas, but the student should be able to perform in a largely independent manner.

Observation - The medical student must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including, but not limited to, physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states, and anatomical specimens. The student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.

Communication - A medical student should be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in a sensitive manner. A medical student should be able to elicit information, describe changes in the patient's mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. The student also must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.

Motor - Students should have sufficient motor function to obtain information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers; to do basic laboratory tests; to carry out diagnostic procedures; to read electrocardiograms and radiographs; and to conduct anatomical dissections in the basic sciences and clinical years. A student should be able to execute the motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency care to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, opening of obstructed airways, suturing of simple wounds and performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities - These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes - A student must possess the emotional health required to fully use his or her intellectual abilities; to exercise good judgment; to promptly complete the responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients; and to develop mature, sensitive and appropriate relationships with patients. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be flexible and able to adapt to changing environments, and capable of functioning in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.

Academic Accommodations

University of Mississippi Medical Center students may request academic accommodations for specific diagnosed conditions in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm).

The student must request that their healthcare provider/evaluator submit documentation of the disability to the Director of Student/Employee Health to verify eligibility under the above Acts. The disorder must have been diagnosed by a person who is not a family member of the individual. The diagnosis must be established by a medical doctor, psychiatrist, licensed doctoral-level clinical allied health professional, doctoral-level education psychologist, or a combination of such professionals with expertise in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. The evaluation must be comprehensive and current (reviewed within the past 3 years) and include specific requests for accommodations. The documentation should support the student's request for reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids on the basis of a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning.

In order to assure that all of the documentation requirements are met, a Request for Academic Accommodations form must be provided to the student's healthcare provider/evaluator for completion and submission to the Office of Student/Employee Health. Any prior accommodations granted by other educational institutions should be submitted also. These documents will be maintained in the confidential medical record of the student, and with appropriate written consent by the student, will be shared with individual faculty and staff only in the case of a clear, educational need to know basis.

Conditions that develop during the course of enrollment will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Students who have not previously undergone testing/evaluation but suspect they may have a condition that would qualify them for accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, may contact the Director of Student/Employee Health for arrangements for referral. In those cases, temporary accommodations may be granted pending full evaluation and recommendations.

A Commitment To Diversity

The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Statement of Purpose (see Medical Center General Information at www.umc.edu) states in part:

The Medical Center offers equal opportunity in all its programs and services regardless of race, sex, color, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veterans status. Mississippi's population is culturally diverse. Most Mississippians trace their own ancestral roots to the British Isles, the continent of Europe or the continent of Africa. The state also has many citizens of American Indian, Asian or Pacific Island and Hispanic descent. In policy and practice, the institution encourages and actively recruits applicants from all segments of the state's population. The Medical Center is committed to maintaining an educational environment that fosters respect for and sensitivity to individual differences; promotes personal and professional development; and gives all students the opportunity to succeed, regardless of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status.

The University of Mississippi School of Medicine adheres to this mission statement to assure the diversity of the school's student body. Mississippi's largest minority population is African-American. To aid in the recruitment of these young Mississippians, the School of Medicine offers six scholarships covering tuition, fees, books and most monthly living allowances, to first-year students. The scholarship is renewable annually if the recipient remains in good academic standing. Recipients must commit to reside and practice in Mississippi for five years.

Additionally:

• The Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions and representatives from the Division of Multicultural Affairs routinely recruit on the state's historically black campuses--as well as those which are majority white.

• The Division of Multicultural Affairs, established in 1973, also coordinates programs that address the needs of students who are underrepresented in the student body, and/or from disadvantaged groups and/or rural or medically underserved counties. Programs range from those which encourage junior high and senior high students to go into the health professions to workshops on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®) and a formal summer program, which provides educational reinforcement for college-level students and accepted first-year medical students prior to their fall enrollment.

• The Division of Multicultural Affairs provides a pool of tutors year-round at no charge to assist any student who finds the professional learning environment challenging.

• The Office of Academic Counseling also works with students on an individual (or group) basis to help them maximize their academic potential through programs designed to meet the student's special learning needs.

• The Medical Center's chapter of the Minority Student Health Professional Association sponsors social and educational enrichment activities for minority students throughout the academic session to give members the opportunity to interact with role models. The Student National Medical Association conducts a program of monthly meetings for local high school students to stimulate, encourage and guide them toward health professional careers.

For more information on these scholarships and programs, contact the Division of Multicultural Affairs (601-984-1340), University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.

Residency Classification

The Office of Student Records and Registrar is responsible for determining whether an applicant meets the requirements for being a legal resident of Mississippi for the purpose of enrollment, based on Admissions Standards and Legal Policy. When requested, applicants must complete a Request for Review of Residency Classification form and provide copies of a driver's license, car registration, car tag, voter registration card, proof of in-state banking and proof of a permanent in-state domicile.

Admissions Standards And Legal Policy

Strong preference is given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi; in recent years, nonresidents have not been admitted. This medical school is committed to training healthcare providers for Mississippi. Moving to this state alone does not signify a commitment to practice in Mississippi. Applicants who recently move to Mississippi will be evaluated by the medical school admissions committee for their motivation to move and possible ties to this state.

The criteria for legal residency listed below are taken from the By-laws and Policies of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, State of Mississippi.

I Admission to and attendance in all institutions of higher learning under the jurisdiction of this Board is a benefaction of the law, and any person seeking such privilege through attendance at any of the state institutions of higher learning must comply with such conditions as may be imposed by the Board of Trustees. The executive officer of each institution is authorized to admit a student who meets all requirements, or permit a student to continue in attendance at any institution, when in his or her judgment such student may reasonably be expected to profit from attendance at the institution and when such attendance may be expected to contribute to the welfare of the institution and the state.

II Every person seeking to attend a state institution of higher learning in Mississippi must make application according to regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees. Such regulations may be revised or changed by the institution or the Board of Trustees at any time without notice. Any application submitted must state the admission period sought and may be acted upon for the stated period only and cannot be considered a continuing application. In the event an application is denied or an applicant is not admitted upon said application, a new application is required for subsequent consideration at the same or any later term.

III The Medical Center applies the definitions and conditions stated here as required by state law in the classification of students as residents or nonresidents. Requests for a review of residency classification should be submitted to the Registrar; forms for this purpose are available from the Registrar's office.

IV The application of a nonresident of the State of Mississippi may be considered or not at the option of the executive officer of the institution. The definitions and conditions governing the resident status of applicants for admission to any of the institutions shall be as follows:

A. Residence of a minor - The residence of a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age is that of the father. After the death of the father, the residence of the minor is that of the mother. If the parents are divorced, the residence of the minor is that of the parent who was granted custody by the court; or, if custody was not granted, the residence continues to be that of the father. If both parents are dead, the residence of the minor is that of the last surviving parent at the time of that parent's death, unless the minor lives with a legal guardian of his person, duly appointed by a proper court of Mississippi, in which case his residence becomes that of the guardian.

B. Residence of an adult - The residence of an adult is that place where he is domiciled, that is, the place where he actually physically resides with the intention of remaining there indefinitely or of returning there permanently when temporarily absent.

C. Removal of parents from Mississippi - If the parents of a minor who is enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning move their legal residence from the State of Mississippi, the minor is immediately classified as a nonresident student.

D. Twelve months of residence required - No student may be admitted to any institution of higher learning as a resident of Mississippi unless his residence, as defined herein above, has been in the State of Mississippi for a continuous period of at least twelve months immediately preceding his admission.

E. Nonresident may petition institution for change of residency classification - A person who enters the State of Mississippi from another state and enters an educational institution is considered a nonresident. Provided, however, that any person who has attained twenty-one (21) years of age and has thereafter actually established residency and resided within the State of Mississippi for twelve (12) consecutive months after attaining twenty-one (21) years of age upon sworn affidavit and other representation, may petition the particular institution for a change in residency classification for the purposes of fees and tuition assessment.
1 - The institution may make reasonable inquiry into the validity of the petitioner's claim.
2 - Such petition for change of residency must be made on or before the last day a student may register at the particular institution without penalty.

F. Residence status of a married person - A married person may claim the residence of his/her spouse.

G. Children of parents who are members of the faculty or staff of institutions of higher learning - Children of parents who are members of the faculty or staff of any institution under the jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees may be classified as residents without regard to the residence requirement of twelve (12) months for the purpose of attendance at the institution where their parents are faculty or staff members.

H. Military personnel assigned an active duty station in Mississippi - Members of the armed forces on extended active duty and stationed within the State of Mississippi, except those military personnel whose active duty assignment in the State of Mississippi for educational purposes, may be classified as residents, without regard to the residence requirement of twelve (12) months, for the purpose of attendance of state-supported institutions of higher learning and junior colleges of the State of Mississippi. Resident status of such military personnel who are not legal residents of Mississippi, as defined under "Residence of an adult' in paragraph III, B above, shall terminate upon their reassignment for duty in the continental United States outside the State of Mississippi.

I. Children of military personnel - Resident status of children of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty shall be that of the military parent for the purpose of attending state-supported institutions of higher learning and junior colleges of the State of Mississippi during the time that their military parents are stationed within the State of Mississippi and shall be continued through the time that military parents are stationed in an overseas area with last duty assignment in the State of Mississippi, excepting temporary training assignments en route from Mississippi. Resident status of minor children shall terminate upon reassignment under Permanent Change of Station Orders for their military parents for duty in the continental United States outside the State of Mississippi, excepting temporary training assignments en route from Mississippi.

J. Certification of residence of military personnel - A military person on active duty stationed in Mississippi who wishes to avail himself or his dependents of the provisions of paragraph H, must submit a certificate from his military organization showing the name of the military member; the name of the dependent, if for a dependent; the name of the organization of assignment and its address (may not be in the letterhead); that the military member will be on active duty stationed in Mississippi on the date of registration at the state-supported institution of higher learning or junior college of the state of Mississippi; that the military member is not on transfer orders; and the signature of the Commanding Officer, the Adjutant, or the Personnel Officer of the unit of assignment with signer's rank and title. A military certificate must be presented to the registrar of the state-supported institution of higher learning or junior college of the state of Mississippi each semester or tri-semester at (or within ten days prior to) registration each semester for the provisions of paragraph H above hereof to be effective.

K. Legal residency of a foreign student - Students with permanent immigrant status or refugee status can establish residence in the state by meeting the provisions of Mississippi Statute. The responsibility for registering under his/her proper residence status is placed upon the student. Students failing to do so may be subjected to administrative action which will terminate their attendance at the state-supported institution of higher learning concerned.

Course Requirements

Students, in consultation with a premedical adviser, should develop proficiency in a specific major area of study while in undergraduate school and acquire a background in the humanities and social sciences. Non-science majors with an interest in medicine are encouraged to apply.

Course credits are acceptable from only accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The applicant must show credit for at least three years of college work, totaling not fewer than 90 acceptable semester hours (excluding unacceptable courses described below), completed in an accredited college. These minimum 90 hours consist of courses required for entrance to this medical school and other courses (referred to here as electives) required by an undergraduate institution for a baccalaureate degree. Strong preference is given to applicants who will have completed all requirements for a baccalaureate degree prior to entering medical school. For those applicants applying with the minimum 90 acceptable semester hours, a maximum of 65 semester hours of credit from an accredited community college may be applied toward the minimum 90 acceptable semester hours required for admission. College graduates may complete additional postbaccalaureate coursework to satisfy prerequisites at any accredited U.S. college or university, regardless of the number of community college credit hours applied toward their completed undergraduate degree.

Required courses for entrance into this medical school include one academic year each of four core science courses with laboratories (biological science, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics) plus one year each of mathematics, English, and advanced science.

All required courses must have a college grade; therefore, advanced placement credit cannot meet these requirements. If an applicant has advanced placement credit for any required course, he/she can fulfill the requirement by taking either that course for a grade or a higher-level course in the same department for a grade. The minimum 90 acceptable semester hours will be completed by other course work (such as approved electives described below).

When evaluating course work, the Admissions Committee focuses on courses that contribute to the biology, chemistry, physics and math (BCPM) grade point average (GPA) calculated in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) application. Courses that contribute to the BCPM GPA are determined by AMCAS® course classification; however, when determining whether or not a science or math course will be acceptable as a prerequisite for this medical school, Student Records and Registrar examines the course number for a relevant prefix (such as BIOL, CHEM, PHYS or MATH). Required core science, advanced science and math courses must be taken in either science or math departments; thus, courses with either a related name or BCPM course classification but with a course number that contains another prefix (including but not limited to BESS, CLS, COMP, ENGI, HEAL, MEDC, NPSC, PHARM, PHCL) are not acceptable as requirements for entrance to this medical school.

There is no time limit on the validity of a baccalaureate degree; however, the Admissions Committee has concerns when prerequisite courses have been taken 10 or more years ago. If a required core science course (biological science, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics) was taken 10 or more years ago, it should be repeated. If all required core science courses were taken 10 or more years ago, the applicant should take at least 32 semester hours of BCPM course work to convince the committee that they are currently capable of sustaining the rigors of learning in a classroom environment. Such applicants are encouraged to retake the required core science courses; however, this may be substituted by either 32 credits of upper level undergraduate BCPM courses beyond the advanced science requirement (see below) or 32 credits of graduate BCPM courses. In the evaluation of applicants of applicants for interviews, the Admissions Committee initially considers only those courses that contribute to an undergraduate BCPM GPA; however, postbaccalaureate and graduate BCPM GPAs are considered later in the interview screening process.

Required Core Sciences - Required courses in biological science, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics must be taken in science departments (course number prefix must be BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS) and include formal laboratory work. If a department spreads the content of a typical two-semester required science course over three semesters, students enrolled at that institution must take all three semesters to satisfy the course requirement. The advanced science courses (see below) must be taken in a senior college.

Mathematics - A minimum of three semester hours of college algebra and three semester hours of trigonometry is required. A two-semester course, including algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus, also is acceptable. Students who qualify by placement tests to enter calculus I directly can satisfy their mathematics requirement with a three- or four-hour calculus I course; the remaining two or three hours required to meet the 90 hour minimum may be met with a recommended elective course.

English - The usual freshman college course of six semester hours in English composition or literature is required. The applicant is urged to take an advanced course in English composition.

Required Advanced Science - These courses must be taken at a senior college science or math department (course number prefix must be either BIOL, CHEM, PHYS or MATH). Examples of advanced science courses that are relevant to medical school are comparative anatomy, embryology, genetics, histology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, calculus II, III or IV, differential equations and advanced physics. It is recognized that laboratories are not offered with all advanced sciences.

Approved Elective Courses - A partial list of recommended elective courses includes advanced English, sociology, psychology, philosophy, history, geography, foreign language, computer science, fine arts (up to six semester hours) and selected advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.

Unacceptable Courses - None of the 90 semester hours of minimum collegiate requirements listed or described or recommended above may be met by the following: correspondence courses; courses in physical training, military science, or dogmatic religion; courses in mathematics or science designed for non-science majors; or course credit granted without college-level testing. A limited number of telecourse credits may be accepted for liberal arts electives; however, none will be accepted for required science and math courses. Courses taken outside science and math departments (course prefix other than BIOL, CHEM, PHYS or MATH) are not acceptable as required courses.

Credit Transferred from a Community College - For applicants who do not have a baccalaureate degree, sixty-five semester hours of credit from an accredited community college is the maximum that may be applied toward minimum 90 acceptable semester hours required for admission. For applicants who have a baccalaureate degree, there is no limit to the number of hours one can acquire from a community college to satisfy prerequisite coursework. The Office of Student Records and Registrar will select those courses that count toward satisfaction of prerequisites.

Completion of Degrees- An applicant enrolled in a degree-granting program at any college or university is expected to complete the requirements for and earn that degree before enrollment in medical school. Unless prior approval has been granted by the admissions committee, this applies to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Conditional Acceptance- Acceptance to this medical school is conditional; the Admissions Committee may rescind an offer of acceptance at any time before matriculation if an applicant fails to maintain expectations upon which the acceptance was based. Examples include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in academic performance, failure to complete prerequisites or other course work and degrees in progress, patterns of unprofessional behavior and incidents discovered in a criminal background check.

Medical School Application and Admissions Test

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) web page for student services (www.aamc.org/students) provides valuable information on medical schools and electronic access to the following.

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) Applications - All applications must be made through AMCAS®, a nonprofit, centralized application processing service for applicants to the first-year entering classes at participating U.S. medical schools. The AMCAS® application is available only on line at http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm . Further information may be obtained by writing to the American Medical College Application Service, 2501 M Street, NW, Lbby-26, Washington, DC 20037-1300 or by e-mail: amcas@aamc.org

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) - All applicants for admission to the School of Medicine must take the MCAT®. The test is 1) computer-based, 2) offered at specific test sites only and 3) offered multiple times each year. By following a well-planned schedule, the premedical student should be ready to take the test no later than the spring of the junior year and release scores to all schools to which they intend to apply. Selection of applicants for the medical school class entering in a given calendar year will be based, in part, on MCAT® scores acquired during the previous four calendar years only. Selection of alternates may include consideration of MCAT® scores acquired in the same calendar year.

MCAT® information (including test sites, registration deadlines and testing dates) and registration may be accessed on-line: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ . This information can also be acquired from most college premedical advisers or writing to The MCAT® Program Office, P.O. Box 4056, Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4046.

Fee Assistance Program (FAP) - The AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) is designed to be used in conjunction with registration for the MCAT® and/or for application to medical school through AMCAS®. The FAP is provided to assist individuals with extreme financial limitations whose inability to pay the full MCAT® registration fee or the AMCAS® application fee would prevent them from taking the examination or applying to medical school. Further information and the FAP application are at http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/start.htm. The supplemental application fee for this medical school will be refunded for applicants who are approved for FAP.

Nonacademic and Personal Preparation

Applicants are advised that in addition to academic preparation, MCAT® performance, and interviews, the Admissions Committee seeks evidence of: health related experiences, volunteer/community service activities, and leadership as well as other notable time commitments such as employment, athletics, research, hobbies, etc. Experience (volunteer or paid) in a health related environment is strongly encouraged. These activities should be listed and explained by the applicant in the Work/Activities section of the AMCAS® application.

Application Deadlines

Applicants are advised that everyone who completes a file by published program deadlines will be considered for admission; however, since those who submit applications and complete files early may have an advantage in the selection process, the timeline below is strongly suggested.

The MCAT® may be taken as soon a prerequisite course work is complete provided that adequate time has been devoted to MCAT® preparation [such as taking full-length, timed practice exams]. For some applicants, this may occur as early as the summer after the sophomore year.

Not later than the fall of the junior year, traditional applicants (who plan to enter medical school the August after graduation from a four year baccalaureate degree-granting program) are recommended to begin the timeline below. Non-traditional applicants should consider a similar timeline beginning about two years before the anticipated fall enrollment in medical school.

• September - Begin preparation for Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®)
• March - Take 1st MCAT®
• May - Request transcripts & faculty evaluation letters
• June - Complete and submit on-line American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) application
• Summer - Repeat MCAT®, if needed
• September - Interviews begin

The tables below summarize dates for submitting required documentation to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the University Medical Center (UMC). Details for the Early Decision Program (EDP), Regular Decision Program (RDP) and Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program follow.

Applicants should submit all documents as early as possible and well ahead of deadlines. Applicants alone are solely responsible for ensuring all required documents reach the appropriate offices by the specified deadlines. An applicant file lacking any item on the specified deadline will be considered incomplete and ineligible for consideration for admission. The Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions may, for good cause shown, grant individual deadline extensions if the applicant can document that circumstances beyond his/her control were encountered that prevented timely arrival of required documentation.

To monitor timely document receipt, an applicant should

• Contact AAMC to confirm his/her AMCAS® application is complete and transcripts for all college course work have been received.
• Access the School of Medicine's restricted Secondary Application System to confirm that the secondary application, supplemental application fee, transcripts for all college course work and required faculty Letters of Evaluation have been received. An applicant's file for this medical school is not considered complete until all of these items have been received. Due to the volume of material received, anticipate a few days delay between receipt and posting of information to this site.
  • For questions pertaining to transcripts, contact Student Records and Registrar.
  • For everything else, contact the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions.

Dates for EDP -

Dates for RDP -

¹ A complete set of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate transcripts must be mailed to:

American Medical College Application Service
2501 M Street, NW, Lbby-26
Washington, DC 20037-1300
E-mail: amcas@aamc.org

² Letters of Evaluation must be submitted directly to AMCAS® .

³ An additional set of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate transcripts must be mailed to:

Office of Student Records and Registrar
University of Mississipppi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Telephone (601) 984-1080

⁴ Access to UMC's web-based Secondary Application System is restricted. Functionality requires receipt of a verified AMCAS® application by this medical schoo; therefore, do NOT login until you receive an email instructing you do to so. A nonrefundable supplemental application fee of $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents is required.

Early Decision Program (EDP)

Students interested in early acceptance may apply for admission under the EDP. Two important aspects of the EDP should be understood: (1) the applicant can apply to only the one school of choice until a decision is received and, if accepted, must attend that school; (2) if not accepted under the EDP, the applicant will automatically be reconsidered as an RDP applicant by that school and may then apply to other schools. Since EDP decisions are rendered before most RDP applications are reviewed, only above average applicants are competitive for the EDP. The typical entering class at this medical school has an undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics (BCPM) cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) scores that average 9 in verbal reasoning, physical science and biological science.

Both AMCAS® and UMC require receipt of specific documents by specified deadlines summarized above. Applicants wishing to apply for the EDP must submit a web-based AMCAS® application and transcripts of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work to AAMC between June 1 and August 1. In addition, by September 15, EDP applicants must submit a web-based Secondary Application to UMC, transcripts of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work to the Division of Student Records and Registrar and three faculty Letters of Evaluation. A final decision on EDP applications will be rendered on or before October 1.

Regular Decision Program (RDP)

Students may simultaneously apply for admission to multiple medical schools under the RDP. Both AMCAS®and UMC require receipt of specific documents by specified deadlines summarized above. Applicants wishing to apply for the RDP may begin on June 1 and must submit a web-based AMCAS® application by October 15 and transcripts of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work to AAMC by October 29. In addition, by December 1, RDP applicants must submit a web-based Secondary Application to UMC, transcripts of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work to the Division of Student Records and Registrar and three faculty Letters of Evaluation.Applicants accepted for admission under the RDP will be notified on a rolling basis between October 16 and March 15; all other decisions will also be rendered by March 15. Applicants who hold multiple acceptances must inform this school of their decision by May 15.

Combined Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

A combined M.D./Ph.D. program is offered to highly qualified students by the School of Medicine in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences. The program is designed primarily to train physician scientists who seek a professional career combining clinical skills and research. For this combined program, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is offered in the health sciences programs. Students interested in pursuing the combined M.D./Ph.D. program must complete all medical school application materials. In addition, applicants must: complete the MD/PhD Motivation and Significant Research essays in their AMCAS® application, describing all relevant research experience and research presentations; submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores; and submit at least one supplemental faculty Letters of Evaluation from someone able to evaluate the applicant's research potential. Applicants to the M.D./Ph.D. program must adhere to RDP deadlines.

Applicants to this combined degree program must be sequentially accepted for admission by the admissions committees of both the School of Medicine and School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences.

The combined M.D./Ph.D. program is a seven-year program. During the first two years, the student is enrolled respectively in the freshman and sophomore medical courses. During the next three years, the student is enrolled in courses required by a relevant graduate program in the biomedical sciences, which are listed under the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, and performs independent scientific research leading to the successful defense of a Ph.D. dissertation. During the final two years, the student is enrolled for the junior and senior medical courses.

A limited number of stipends are available for students enrolled in this combined degree program. Competitive scholarships may also be available which offer a waiver of both medical and graduate school tuition.

It is also possible for first or second year medical students not currently in the M.D./Ph.D. program to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. degree. Interested students should contact the graduate program director of a specific program about the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. degree in that program, before applying to graduate school

Advanced Standing Transfer

Applications for admission to advanced standing in levels up to the beginning of the junior year in the University of Mississippi School of Medicine are considered by the Admissions Committee. Prior to Admissions Committee deliberations, the Associate Deans for Admissions, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs consult with the Dean of the School of Medicine who determines whether or not space exists within the pertinent medical school class. This process ensures that adequate resources exist so that the training of currently enrolled students will not be adversely affected.

Advanced standing applicants must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)- accredited U.S. medical school and strong preference is given to those who fulfill Mississippi residency requirements (see Admissions Standards and Legal Policy). The applicant will be required to submit evidence of withdrawal in good standing from the LCME accredited medical school previously attended and a validated transcript of the work completed at that school. The applicant's undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics (BCPM) cumulative grade point average (GPA) and Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®) scores must be competitive with those of the class he/she seeks to enter. If the applicant's previous medical coursework is incompatible with the curriculum or schedules in this school, the applicant may be asked to complete a required course(s) before being accepted to transfer or the applicant may be accepted to a lower level of advanced standing and be required to complete a particular course(s) before proceeding with the next academic year. No student will be admitted to advanced standing if there is a condition or failure in any subject or if the applicant is not in good standing at the medical school from which he wishes to transfer. For a student applying for transfer to the junior year, receipt of the student's official transcript from the National Board of Medical Examiners demonstrating a passing score on United States Medical Licensure Examination Step 1 is a requirement for admission to, and for initiating, the junior year in this school. For details, see the Advanced Standing Transfer Policy.

A prospective applicant for transfer should email (AdmitMD@som.umsmed.edu) or write the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, for information concerning applications. The completed application must be returned to this address by March 31.

Visiting Students

For medical students at University of Mississippi School of Medicine who wish to take senior electives at other medical schools-

The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) is a brand-new AAMC application designed to make it easier for medical students to apply for senior electives at other U.S. medical schools. Information regarding the VSAS process can be found at http://services.aamc.org/20/vsas/. Each medical school must issue a student authorization before he/she may log in to VSAS. You will be notified of these authorizations by email.

If you are not applying to a medical school that does not use VSAS, please use the Extramural Electives Compendium (EEC) for visiting student application information.

For medical students at other schools who wish to take senior electives at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine-

Senior medical students who are enrolled in good standing in an LCME-accredited school, or an American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-accredited school, in the U.S. or Canada and who are formally approved by their parent school can be offered a senior elective in this School of Medicine. The Registrar's Office verifies the credentials of visiting senior medical students, formally registers them, and maintains a roster of these students.

Prior to accepting an application for a visiting student clerkship, the Associate Deans for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs consult with departmental chairman and the Dean of the School of Medicine who determines whether or not space exists within the pertinent elective course. This process ensures that adequate resources exist so that the training of currently enrolled students will not be adversely affected.

Verification of credentials for prospective visiting students is part of the application form for the extramural block. Visiting students from other schools for clinical clerkships and electives must possess qualifications equivalent to students in this medical school. Approval by the chairman of the appropriate department and by the dean of the parent LCME-accredited or AOA-accredited school, as well as verification of professional liability insurance coverage for the visiting student, is required. An imprint of the parent school's seal on the application is also required. The Registrar, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, screens applications to ascertain that applicants are enrolled in good standing in LCME- or AOA-accredited U.S./Canadian medical schools, that applicants are (or will be) senior medical students, and that applicants have been granted approval by their school. Final acceptance of the applicant, on a space available basis, for a senior elective in our program is vested in the department.

Evaluations of visiting students are provided to their parent schools by the respective departments offering the electives. Health services are available to visiting students through Student-Employee Health and the University Hospital. The liability insurance policy for our students provides coverage for visiting senior medical students; however, if visiting students have liability insurance coverage in effect through their parent schools, our student policy then provides only secondary coverage for them.

Prospective visiting students should either email (HSVerzwyvelt@registrar.umsmed.edu) or write the Office of Student Records and Registrar, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505 for information and an application.

Evaluation of Applications and Applicants

Email communication with the Admission Office (AdmitMD@som.umsmed.edu) and Registrar's Office (HSVerzwyvelt@registrar.umsmed.edu) is encouraged.

Primary evaluation - The first evaluation of applications is based on residency. Residency determination is not based solely on information provided in an AMCAS® application; it is based on information provided in the UMC Secondary Application and, when requested, a Request for Review of Residency Classification form and supporting documentation. Questions regarding residency classification should be addressed to the Office of Student Records and Registrar.

Strong preference is given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi; in recent years, nonresidents have not been admitted. This medical school is committed to training healthcare providers for Mississippi. Moving to this state alone does not signify a commitment to practice in Mississippi. Applicants who recently move to Mississippi will be evaluated by the medical school admissions committee for their motivation to move and possible ties to this state.

Secondary evaluation - The second evaluation is based on two factors. First, the scholastic record in courses preparatory for the medical school curriculum. This is summarized as the applicant's undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics and math (BCPM) cumulative grade point average (GPA). It is recommended that students receive a grade in required premedical science courses and avoid those courses established on a pass-fail basis. Academic averages are calculated on a four-point basis. If a course is repeated, both grades are used in calculating the average. The second and equal factor is scores reported for the applicant's performance on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®). Students must take the MCAT® and release score reports to UMC. Selection of applicants for the medical school class entering in a given calendar year will be based, in part, on MCAT® scores acquired during the previous four calendar years only. Selection of alternates may include consideration of MCAT® scores acquired in the same calendar year. Emphasis is placed on numerical MCAT®scores in verbal reasoning, biological sciences and physical sciences.

The entering class at this medical school has an average BCPM GPA of 3.6 and MCAT sum of 28.

Interviews - Those applicants for whom the secondary evaluation indicates the scholastic competency necessary to pursue successfully the course of study required of students in the School of Medicine are invited for interviews provided that a completed Secondary Application has been submitted and the Supplemental Fee has been paid. Three Admission Committee members interview each applicant. All Admissions Committee members serve as interviewers. The purpose of the interviews is to assess the following non-cognitive variables independent of academic credentials.

• Communication, listening and relational skills: speech; body language; eye contact; the ability to articulate ideas and opinions; clarity of expression; the ability to listen sufficiently well enough to ask questions; ability to relate personal experiences.
• Respect for others: tolerance; the ability to relate to others in a nonjudgmental manner, appreciation for race/culture/gender differences.
• Motivation for medicine: the who, what, when, where, and why of an applicant's desire for medicine as a career; alternate career plans.
• Vision of practice: community where it may be located, private versus hospital, specialty.
• Critical thinking/problem solving/decision making: the ability to analyze a situation, consider the available facts, and derive a logical conclusion.
• Honesty/integrity: consistent regard for highest standards of behavior.
• Maturity: self-reliance, ability to make decisions and respond to circumstances or environment in an appropriate manner. The ability to control emotions, to find solutions to problems, to have a sense of responsibility; the probability that applicant can live and function away from home.
• Accountability/reliability: fulfilling implied contracts, persistence and determination in pursuing goals.
• Altruism/compassion/empathy: commitment to service and the ability to draw satisfaction from working with others; placing others' interests above self; kindness, sympathy towards others; social interests.
• Awareness of ethics/values: sense of right/wrong; ability to act in the best interest of others; respect others' autonomy, preserve dignity, recognize and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Excellence: efforts to exceed ordinary expectations.
• Setting priorities: for academic study, MCAT® preparation, achievement of career goals.
• Self appraisal: recognize personal strengths/weaknesses; goals and commitment to self-improvement.
• Coping skills: ability to overcome adversity.
• Support system: supportive relationships with family, spouse or friends.

No applicant is accepted until interviewed by members of the Admissions Committee. Guidelines for selecting interviewees are established by the Medical School Admissions Committee. Applicants should not present themselves for interviews until requested to do so by the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions.

Applicants whom the Admissions Committee selects are notified to contact the Admissions Office to schedule their interview. Interviews are generally conducted from September through February on Tuesdays and Thursdays (see schedule below). Interviews consist of three one-on-one discussions with members of the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be provided lunch and a tour of UMC guided by medical students. Because of the tour, applicants should wear comfortable shoes and allow approximately five hours for completion of the interview process.

Interviews Conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Criminal Background Checks (CBCs)

Mississippi Statute - Effective July 1, 2004, Section 37-29-232 of the Mississippi Code requires that students enrolled in a healthcare professional academic program undergo fingerprinting and a CBC before any clinical rotation in a licensed healthcare facility may occur. Any preadmission agreement executed by the healthcare program with a student shall be void if there is a disqualifying incident or pattern of unprofessional behavior in the CBC. Since clinical rotations are an integral part of the education of medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, all medical school applicants will be fingerprinted at the conclusion of interviews and CBCs will be initiated. The steps involved in evaluating a criminal background history are described in the School of Medicine Procedures for Criminal Background Checks.

AAMC Centralized CBCs -Independent of CBCs based on finger prints required by the State of Mississippi, all successful applicants to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine undergo a second centralized AAMC-facilitated CBC. Upon initial acceptance to this or any other participating medical school, Certiphi Screening, Inc. will provide you electronic access to consent forms that will give them permission to conduct a CBC based on inspection of local, state and national records. There will be no charge to the applicant for this service. When the Certiphi CBC is complete, accepted applicants will be given ten calendar days to review the report on a secure web site. Reports may be contested for accuracy or released to the requesting medical school; if the applicant does not respond within ten calendar days, the report will be released automatically.

Other Nonacademic and Personal Attributes - In addition to interviews, evidence for these attributes are acquired from "work/activities" listed on an applicant's AMCAS® application. Examples of what the Admissions Committee seeks include evidence of: exposure to clinical medicine (volunteer work or employment at a hospital, clinic, nursing home or hospice, shadowing physicians, participating in medical missions); interaction with diverse people; volunteer service; community activities; leadership; academic pursuits beyond the classroom (such as research); cultural interests and other activities that require commitment of time outside the classroom (employment, athletics, artistic performance). Applicants who acquire such experience while maintaining high academic performance possess time management skills that can contribute to success in medical school.

Faculty Letters of Evaluation -

Evaluations must be written by faculty who taught the applicant, preferably pre-requisite courses, and who can provide information not readily available elsewhere. A minimum of three faculty evaluation letters is required: however, one composite evaluation from a pre-professional advisory committee will suffice. Composite letters must contain the names of faculty who participated in the evaluation of the applicant. All letters must be printed on institutional letterhead, signed by the author(s) and state the course(s) in which he/she taught the applicant. Above all, information is sought on an applicant's approach to academic studies including how difficulties encountered along the way were dealt with. Comments are welcome on student professionalism and past behaviors such as altruism, compassion, and empathy; accountability and reliability; awareness of ethics and values; excellence; duty; honesty and integrity; maturity; and respect for others. For definitions of these terms, see Interviews. No specific format is required; however, the Premedical Faculty Appraisal Form indicates areas of interest to the Admissions Committee.Premedical advisory committee letters may be on institution-specific forms but a name and contact information must be included. Supplemental letters should be kept to a minimum. When appropriate, a supplemental letter from a physician the applicant has shadowed or current employer may be considered by the admissions committee; but it does not replace required faculty evaluations.

Do NOT send letters to this medical school; they will not be accepted. Instructions for submitting letters are provided to applicants in AMCAS®. Letters must be submitted by one of the following methods; in all cases, applicants must provide authors a Letter Request Form generated from the applicant's AMCAS® application.

Submit on-line as .pdf file to

AMCAS® Letter Writer Application (https://services.aamc.org/letterwriter/) : This application enables letter writers to upload documents securely to AMCAS® rather than send letters via the mail. If you are interested in this option, and can upload a PDF version of your letter, make note of the requesting applicant's AAMC ID and AMCAS® Letter ID included in the Letter Request Form.

VirtualEvals (VE, http://www.virtualevals.org/): VE is available to members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP). If you are a VE user, make note of the requesting student's AAMC ID and AMCAS® Letter ID included in the Letter Request Form and upload your letter(s) to VE.

Interfolio (http://www.interfolio.com/): AMCAS® can receive letters sent to Interfolio if the student requesting this letter is an Interfolio user or your institution/organization uses Interfolio to deliver letters of evaluation/recommendation.

Mail hard copy to AMCAS® for scanning into .pdf file. If you select this option, please attach the Letter Request Form to your letter(s) and mail to: AMCAS, Attn: AMCAS Letters, AAMC Medical School Application Services, P.O. Box 18958, Washington, DC 20036.

AMCAS® will acknowledge receipt of your letter; this office will not. AMCAS® will load .pdf files into applications and distribute your letter electronically to all medical schools indicated by the applicant in his/her AMCAS® application.

Applicants who reapply must submit new faculty evaluation letters with each application.

Admissions Committee Deliberations - The Medical School Admissions Committee reviews the entire file for every interviewed applicant. Committee deliberations include a discussion of an applicant's complete academic record, all MCAT® scores, interviewers' evaluations of noncognitive variables, other nonacademic and professional attributes, part- and full-time employment, particularly while enrolled in school. Attention is given to applicants who are from racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine in Mississippi, applicants from either rural or medically underserved Mississippi counties and applicants from either educationally or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Decisions Rendered - All applicants receive e-mail notification as to the final disposition of the their application not later than March 15. Final notification will be one of the following: 1) acceptance 2) placement on the alternate list or 3) no position available for this year. Alternates will be used to fill any vacancies that may occur if accepted applicants choose not to attend. Any applicant who does not gain acceptance is invited to schedule an appointment with either the Director or Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions to seek post-application counseling on how to improve the competitiveness of their application should the applicant choose to subsequently reapply.

Conditional Acceptance- Acceptance to this medical school is conditional; the Admissions Committee may rescind an offer of acceptance at any time before matriculation if an applicant fails to maintain expectations upon which the acceptance was based. Examples include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in academic performance, failure to complete prerequisites or other course work and degrees in progress, patterns of unprofessional behavior and incidents discovered in a CBC.

Directions to UMC

UMC is conveniently located just off interstate highway 55 (see Location of UMC); Jackson International Airport is less than 10 miles away. Enter the campus from North State Street at the traffic light, Parking Garage A is the first structure on the left ( go to UMC Campus Maps, select Parking, Parking Garage A). If full, alternative sites are Parking Garage B, Visitors Parking Lot D, and the stadium parking lot across North State Street. Applicants will be given a parking pass valid at all sites at the conclusion of your interview.

The entrance to the David S. Pankratz Building - School of Medicine is adjacent to the School of Nursing ( go to UMC Campus Maps, select Schools, School of Medicine). All interviews begin at the Office of the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions (see Map to Admissions Office).

Response to Offer of Acceptance

Upon notification of acceptance, an applicant will be provided on-line access to Information and Instructions, Statement of Acceptance, Criminal Background Check, Technical Standards, Academic Accommodations, and White Coat Ceremony forms that must be read, completed and submitted electronically within 15 days after the date of notification that the applicant has been accepted. Failure to do so within the specified period may automatically void the offer of acceptance..

Statement of Acceptance - A convenient form for an applicant to indicate his/her intention to attend this medical school.

Criminal Background Check Form- A description of CBC policies and procedures for this medical school that includes an applicant's responsibility to report, to the Associate Dean for Admissions, any incident that occurs subsequent to a CBC check.

Technical Standards Form- A description of Technical Standards applicants are expected to meet for admission, retention, promotion and certification as an M.D. Space is provided to describe accommodations that might be required for an applicant to meet these standards.

Academic Accommodations Form - A description of Academic Accommodations policies and procedures to request them. If needed, a link is provided to the Academic Accommodations Request Form.

White Coat Ceremony Form- A form that enables an accepted applicant to verify the listing of his/her name and specify the size of the coat that he/she will receive at a ceremony held during orientation.

Accepted Applicants

Accepted applicants are enouraged to consult the Student Affairs and Academic Affairs web pages for useful information.

Contact Information

You must keep all contact information (especially email address, preferred mailing address and telephone numbers) updated in your AMCAS application until you arrive for orientation.

Start Date

Mandatory orientation and registration for the class entering in 2010 has been changed to Thursday, August 5th. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs will mail further details during the summer. For questions, call 601-984-5012.

Laptop Computer and Clicker Requirement

Students must provide their own lap top computer and Interwrite PRS RF Clicker (see Student Computer Policy).

In June, 2008, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for the State of Mississippi approved the following tuition increases. Medical school tuition for residents of Mississippi will be $15,649 per year for 2010-2011. This payment includes required registration, laboratory and library usage fees. Tuition for non-residents will be $36,462 per year for 2010-2011. Medical school tuition is assessed in accordance with financial aid disbursement regulations. Health insurance is mandatory. Disability insurance is available. Students registered in the combined MD/ Ph.D. program will pay graduate tuition for graduate hours and prorated clock hours for School of Medicine courses.

M1-M2 Buddy List

Incoming first year medical (M1) students are paired with second year medical (M2) students who can provide valuable advice and resources. M1 students are encouraged to consult the Buddy List and establish contact with their assigned M2 student during the summer. The list is updated each year by late June and a required password is emailed to incoming students.

Jackson Free Clinic

Now that you have made it into medical school, have you considered volunteering at the medical student-run Jackson Free Clinic? Incoming medical students are welcome during the summer before they matriculate to join upper-class students in providing the homeless and uninsured population in the Rankin/Hinds County areas with free medical care.

La Sociedad de Espanol Medico

The Medical Spanish Interest Group is a student led and faculty supported organization designed to educate participants concerning the growing Hispanic population in Mississippi with emphasis on learning culture and language. As future physicians, we want to provide the best care possible, and part of that care is showing an interest in the culture and language of our patients. All students and faculty are invited to attend, and attendance is taken for students to receive active membership credit at the end of the school year. We also welcome native speakers to help in clarification of regional variation in the phrases we are learning.. Emphasis is placed on participation and active speaking, and the goal for each student varies depending upon prior knowledge. Some students have no background in Spanish and their goal is to learn to read and speak so that the Hispanic patient can understand them. Some students are proficient in Spanish having high school and college experience, and their goals include increasing vocabulary.

Para mayor informacin, por favor contactar a la presidenta estudiantil, Jenetta Owen (JAOwen@som.umsmed.edu) o al Dr. John Naftel (jnaftel@anatomy.umsmed.edu), representante de la Facultad.

[For more information, please contact Jenetta Owen, student president, at JAOwen@som.umsmed.edu or faculty representative, Dr. John Naftel, at jnaftel@anatomy.umsmed.edu)

Research Opportunities For Medical Students

• Dean's Summer Student Research Fellowship
• Medical Student Research Program

Student Policies on the Academic Affairs Web site contains links to the following:

• Student Handbook including topics such as
  • A Covenant for Medical Education: The Student-Teacher Relationship
  • Medical Student Professionalism Code
  • Academic Regulations
• Academic Achievement Policy
• Professionalism and Professional Behavior
• Professional Appearance Guidelines
• Student Computer Policy
• Class Officer Policy
• Confidentiality
• HIPAA
• FERPA
• Religious Holidays and Religious Diversity Policy
• Personal and Electronic Items During Examinations Student Duty Hours

Student Government

The Associated Student Body (ASB) is composed of elected representatives and designated officers from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Health Related Professions and Dentistry and the graduate programs in the medical sciences. Each school also elects its own student council. As the official UMC student government organization, ASB meets with and provides information and opinions on student concerns to the administration and faculty. ASB also develops activities relating to academic programs and sponsors extracurricular activities, including a film series, intramural sports and publication of the Medic, campus yearbook, and The Murmur, student newspaper. ASB also maintains a list of available housing.

Financial Aid

About 90% of first year students at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine receive some form of merit- or need-based financial aid. Financial aid sources are diverse and include private donations, institutional accounts, state and federal governmental programs and commercial banks.

The most authoritative and up-to-date information is available at the Student Financial Services web site: http://financialaid.umc.edu/ . Questions beyond what is provided here should be directed to Student Financial Aid at acct-financial-aid@accounting.umsmed.edu or 601-984-1117.

• Prospective Students provides accepted applicants and alternates general information about the financial aid process. .
• Steps for Aid provides prospective and enrolled students the most up-to-date information on how to apply for financial aid, including required forms and deadlines.

Instructions and deadlines updated February 11, 2010 for applying for financial aid are contained in this Flyer.

Financial Literacy 101 is an on-line course developed by the AAMC specifically for medical students. The course is divided into seven quick modules, designed to provide information in a quick and precise manner. Modules are short, lasting about four minutes each. Entering students are urged to view this course as a resource to help you learn how to manage and understand both student debt and budgeting.

Timelines for making financial aid awards, mailing statements, posting credits and issuing award checks are approximate; variations may occur due to specific program requirements that this institution cannot control. For example, polices governing military scholarships require the institution to invoice the student for tuition/fees before funds will be provided to credit the account. It is important for students to become familiar with policies governing their specific awards.

Questions pertaining to financial aid should be directed as follows.

• Status of financial aid file; Office of Student Financial Aid (601-984-1117).
• Charges to account; call Student Accounting (601-984-1062).

Every attempt is made to provide incoming students accurate figures for the cost of attendance and financial aid awards in advance of enrollment; however, these figures are not fully under institutional control. For example, increases in tuition and fees mandated by the Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning and increases in medical insurance premiums charged by insurance carriers may not be imposed until the summer before enrollment. Some forms of financial aid (loans and cost of attendance scholarships) may be able to accommodate these increases while others (scholarships for fixed amounts) may not. Final figures including adjustments to any form of financial aid will be available for students at registration.

A complete list of Scholarship and Loan Funds appears below, but some merit special attention here.

Federal Scholarships/Loans for Disadvantaged Students-

The University of Mississippi School of Medicine annually applies to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Bureau of Health Profession's (BHP) Division of Health Careers Diversity and Development (DHCDD ) for funds to assist needy students finance their medical school education. The amount of funds awarded to the institution varies each year based on: availability; the proportion of graduated students going into primary care; the proportion of underrepresented minority students; and the proportion of graduated students going into medically underserved communities. The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program provides scholarships to full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) program provides long-term, low-interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

An individual from a disadvantaged background is defined as someone who meets either environmental or economic criteria.

(a) A person who comes from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skill, and abilities required for enrollment in and graduation from a school is environmentally disadvantaged. Specific criteria for an environmentally disadvantaged background include:

The individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school with low ACT or SAT score based on most recent data available:

The individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school from which, based on most recent data available: (i) a low percentage of seniors receive a high school diploma or (ii) a low percentage of graduates go to college during the first year after graduation.

The individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school with low per capita funding.

The individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school at which, based on most recent data available, many of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.

The individual comes from a family that receives public assistance (e.g. Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, Medicaid, public housing).

The individual comes from a family that lives in an area that is designated under section 332 of the Act as a health professional shortage area.

(b) A person who comes from a family with an annual income below a level which is based on low-income thresholds according to family size published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index, and adjusted by the Secretary HHS for adaptation to this program is economically disadvantaged. Note that "family" refers only to parents' income and parents' size of family. It does NOT refer to the student's income and student's family size, regardless of whether a student is independent or dependent.

You are eligible to apply for SDS and LDS funds if you:

(a) have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in this medical school;

(b) are a citizen, national, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States or the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico or the Marianas Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated State of Micronesia; and

(c) are from an environmentally or economically disadvantaged background.

Participating medical schools are responsible for selecting SDS and LDS recipients, making reasonable determinations of financial need, and providing funds that do not exceed the cost of attendance (tuition, reasonable educational expenses and reasonable living expenses).

Awards are disbursed to recipients twice each year in August and December for 1st and 2nd year medical students. The amount of funds provided at each disbursement may vary based on the amount of funds that BHP/DHCDD awards to the medical school and how many accepted applicants and matriculated students apply and qualify for funds at each disbursement.

• Follow instructions and deadlines in Steps for Aid for acquisition of a PIN, submission of Fedral Income Tax forms, completion of an on-line FAFSA and Entrance Interivew (entering students only).
• Complete an SDS Eligibility Form and submit to the Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions by March 31. Do not submit federal income tax forms at this time
• Based on the SDS Eligibility Form and verification of data that qualifies an applicant as environmentally disadvantaged, the School of Medicine's Admissions Office will submit a list of candidates for SDS funds to Student Financial Aid.
• Student Financial Aid will review the candidate list and verify data for economically disadvantaged status via the on-line FAFSA. If a FAFSA is not on file, this data cannot be verified and funds will not be awarded.
• Candidates who clear the verification processes mentioned above will be sent UMC Financial Aid and UMC SDS Application forms by the Office of Student Financial Aid. These forms will be accompanied by instructions, a deadline for their submission and, if needed, a request for student and parental federal income tax forms.
• UMC will be notified in May as to whether or not the federal government will award SDS funds to the School of Medicine. If funds are awarded, based on i) the amount of the award to the School of Medicine, ii) how many applicants qualify for funds and iii) federally mandated criteria for disbursement priorities, the Director of Student Financial Aid will determine the amount of SDS funds that will be awarded to each student and notify them of this amount.

• The Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship (formerly known as The National Scholarship). This $10,000 scholarship was created in 2003 by the AMA Foundation as part of its ongoing effort to provide financial assistance to medical students facing a spiraling debt load. In its first year, one scholarship was awarded; since then, the Foundation has expanded the program and more scholarships have been added. The Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship provides the highest level of tuition assistance available from the Foundation to a deserving student enrolled in an accredited United States medical school, based on financial need or academic excellence. All nominees must be rising seniors (M3 students). UMC may nominate one student. Deadlines: UMC May 1, AMA May 31
• Minority Scholars Award Ten $10,000 scholarships are available to students underrepresented in the medical profession. Eligible students of minority background include African American/Black, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino. The selection of awards is based on a combination of financial need, academic excellence and promise for the future. Nominees must be rising-second or rising-third-year medical students. Each medical school dean may nominate two candidates for this scholarship. Deadlines: UMMC March, 15 AMA April 15

• Albert Strickler Memorial Fund Dr. Albert Strickler, founder of Philadelphia's Skin and Cancer Hospital, established this fund through an endowment. Dr. Strickler recognized the need to assist talented men and women pursue their medical education. The fund provides an interest-free loan of no greater than $1000. It is open to all U.S. citizens and residents, regardless of sex, race or religion, who are enrolled in an accredited medical or osteopathic school. Preference is given (but not required) to those who are of the Jewish faith; past recipients include non-Jewish men and women. Students should demonstrate a significant need of financial aid and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical or osteopathic school. It is a requirement of this fund that loan repayments begin within five years after graduation. This ensures that funds will continue to be available for future students in need.
• Samuel F. & Sara G. Feinman Fund Isabel Feinman established this fund through an endowment in memory of her parents. Ms. Feinman was a compassionate resident of Philadelphia. She created the fund to assist talented men and women pursue their legal or medical education. The fund provides an interest-free loan to medical and law students based on scholarship and need. Open to all U.S. citizens and residents, regardless of sex, race or religion, who are enrolled in an accredited medical, osteopathic or law school. Preference is given (but not required) to students who live in the Greater Philadelphia area; past recipients include men and women who resided or attended school outside the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. It is a requirement of this fund that loan repayments begin within five years after graduation. This ensures that funds will continue to be available for future students in need.
• Ida Foreman Fleisher Fund Foreman Fleisher established this fund in memory of his mother Ida Fleisher. Mr. Foreman recognized the financial demands of the "necessities of life" and established this scholarship to assist talented women to become professionals. The fund provides scholarships for the purpose of permitting women to obtain professional educations. Preference is given (but not required) to women who are of the Jewish faith; past recipients include non-Jewish women. Grant distributions are administered by a local bank and customarily sent directly to the student's school to be used for tuition.

Required Items

Students must provide their own lap top computer and Interwrite PRS RF Clicker (see Student Computer Policy), required textbooks and special equipment, including stethoscopes and dissecting instruments, as specified throughout the course of study. These items are normally available through the Medical Center Bookstore.

 Honor Societies

Alpha Omega Alpha- national honorary medical society, was installed on the Medical Center campus in 1958. Undergraduate membership is based entirely on scholarship, personal honesty and leadership potential. Alumnus membership is granted for distinctive achievement in the art and practice of scientific medicine and honorary membership is granted to eminent leaders in medicine and allied sciences.

The Society of the Sigma Xi- national honorary society dedicated to the encouragement of original investigation in the pure and applied sciences, was installed as a chapter in May, 1967. Membership requirements include noteworthy achievement as an original investigator in a pure or applied science.

Phi Kappa Phi- national honorary scholastic fraternity installed on the Oxford campus in 1959, is open to those medical, dental, graduate, nursing and health related students who qualify.

Gold Humanism Honor Society- a national honorary society, was installed on the Medical Center Campus in 2005. This society honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. Members are selected by a peer nomination and faculty nomination process.

Professional Organizations

Active chapters of the Student American Medical Association and the Student National Medical Association provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs, including MECO, a program in which students work with practicing physicians in hospitals throughout the state.

Through the University Medical Society, a component society of the Mississippi Medical Association, official voting delegates participate in the House of Delegates of the Mississippi State Medical Association. Medical students also participate as voting delegates of the Organization of Student Representatives of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

There are active organizations for spouses of medical and dental students to promote closer fellowship through informational programs and service projects to help prepare them for their roles in the health care community.

The Medical Alumni Guardian Society

The society is a special organization sponsored by the medical alumni to encourage extraordinary giving by alumni, friends and faculty of the School of Medicine. The gifts, representing either current or deferred contributions, may be restricted or undesignated. The membership holds the responsibility of insuring that available funds are distributed to the School of Medicine as well as serving as trustee for specially designated charitable programs.

Scholarships and Loan Funds

Application forms for financial assistance are forwarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid to all students receiving an appointment to the School of Medicine. One should not apply for financial aid until an official letter of acceptance has been received.

The Dean's Awards are presented annually to the four sophomore students with the highest academic records on the first year's work in medical school. These awards currently consist of $250 for each of the recipients. Awards are subject to renewal provided the recipient maintains academic standing in the upper one-third of his class.

The Norman C. Nelson, M.D., Scholarships, established as the Dean's Scholarships in 1988, were designated in the name of Dr. Norman C. Nelson in 1994 in honor of his 21-year tenure as Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine. Nelson Scholarships are awarded to superior students who have exceptional academic potential. The scholarship is renewable each year if the recipient remains in good academic standing.

The William K. Purks, M.D., Scholarship, established by the Vicksburg Hospital Medical Foundation in 1990, is awarded to a freshman medical student selected on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, character, and potential in the field of medicine. This scholarship may be renewed for each year of medical school.

The Hazel Wilmington Medical Scholarship, established in 1992, is awarded to a freshman medical student based on demonstrated financial need and overall promise in the field of medicine. The award is renewable each year if the recipient maintains good academic standing.

The Cyril Hart Scholarship Loan Fund was established in 1960 by Dr. and Mrs. William H. Rosenblatt in honor of S.C. Hart. The scholarship is open to single students who have successfully completed two years of work in the medical school, who rank in the upper one-third of their respective classes, and who are in need of financial assistance.

The E.H. Sumners Foundation Scholarships were established in 1977 by Mrs. E.H. Sumners of Eupora, Mississippi, to provide scholarship assistance for students from Webster, Montgomery, Attala, Carroll, and Choctaw counties who are enrolled at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

The Hartsfield Memorial Loan Fund was established in memory of the brother of Mrs. Clyde Little Nolan to provide small and immediate loans to deserving medical students.

The Dr. and Mrs. Henry O. Leonard Scholarship Fund was established in June, 1988, by Helen G. Snider in memory of her aunt and uncle. Dr. Leonard was in general practice in Coffeeville for many years. Juniors in good academic standing with proven financial need are eligible for the Leonard Scholarship. Recipients must plan to go into the practice of family medicine and must commit to practice in state for a period of five years following graduation and residency training.

The Robert E. and Margaret Shands Memorial Fund was established in 1963 by Mrs. Robert E. Shands in memory of her husband, Dr. Shands, a medical certificate alumnus of The University of Mississippi School of Medicine, who had served as president of the Medical Alumni Chapter. This scholarship fund exists to provide financial assistance to students of medicine. The Shands children redesignated the scholarship as a memorial to both their parents in 2000.

The Idalou Bagley Memorial Cancer Educational Loan Fund was established by Clara Bagley in memory of her sister, Idalou Bagley. Recipients should be in their fourth year of medical school and display an interest in cancer research or cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The James T. Baird Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 through a gift to the Medical Center. At least one scholarship is available each year in the School of Medicine. All recipients must be in good academic standing, and preference is given to those students who intend to practice in smaller Mississippi towns and communities.

The Frank Bradley Baker Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship endowment sponsored by the Class of 1965 of the School of Medicine to honor and memorialize their deceased classmate, Frank Bradley Baker. This scholarship is administered by the School of Medicine Loan and Scholarship Committee according to the criteria developed by the Class of 1965. It is awarded to the sophomore with the highest academic average for the preclinical years.

The John C. and Nina S. Culley Memorial Scholarship was established in 1968 through a $50,000 bequest from Dr. John Culley to the University of Mississippi. When earnings permit, the scholarship is awarded to the top premedical student at the University of Mississippi who applies to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine by November 1 of the year preceding admission.

The Ottilie Schillig Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1984 through a gift to the Medical Center from the Schillig Trust. Miss Schillig, a native of Port Gibson, was a noted concert singer. At least one scholarship is available each year in the School of Medicine. All recipients must be in good academic standing, and preference is given to those students who intend to practice in smaller Mississippi towns and communities.

The Douglass Wills Memorial Fund was established in 1969 by classmates in memory of Douglass Wills. The fund provides scholarships for sophomore medical students who demonstrate promise in medicine, financial need and good character.

The Maribel Barber Scholarship in Medicine was established in 1972 through a bequest to the University of Mississippi for outstanding medical students who are legal residents of Mississippi. Four-year scholarships are awarded. Recipients are selected for their scholastic promise and leadership qualities. To retain the award in succeeding years, the recipient must maintain satisfactory academic progress during formal preparation for a career in medicine.

The Elizabeth N. Waites Scholarship Fund provides loans to medical students who show evidence of financial need. It was established by Elizabeth N. Waites.

The Weatherford Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually, was established in 1984. The recipient must be a Jackson County resident with demonstrated financial need.

The Kellogg Loan Fund was established in 1942 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as a loan fund of $10,000 for the purpose of providing loans for assistance to medical students.

The G. D. Shands Memorial Loan Fund was established in 1943 by Dr. and Mrs. Paul Hill Saunders in memory of Mrs. Saunders' father, Lieutenant Governor Garvin D. Shands, who for many years was Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law. This fund exists for the benefit of medical students.

The R. J. Nichols Loan Fund was established in memory of Dr. R.J. Nichols to provide loans to medical students who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.

The Walter R. Wallace Memorial Fund was established in 1956 by Dr. James A. Wallace in memory of his father, Dr. Walter R. Wallace, a native Mississippian. Loans are available on the basis of need to students in the School of Medicine.

The Robert Wood Johnson Loan Fund, made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides low interest loans to medical students who show evidence of financial need.

The L. P. Whitehead Scholarship was established by the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation. These awards are available to female medical students who show evidence of financial need.

The J. T. and Mary P. Davis Loan Fund is available to medical students who show a financial need. Preference is given to students from Alcorn, Benton, Prentiss, Tippah, and Tishomingo counties who have successfully completed the first year of medical studies.

The Billy S. Guyton, M.D., Memorial Medical Education Loan Fund, established in 1971, is sponsored by the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, the Mississippi Medical Association and the Medical Alumni Chapter of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association. Native Mississippians in the sophomore, junior and senior classes of the School of Medicine are eligible to apply.

The Levine Loan Fund, established by the late Dr. Julius Levine, is available to junior and senior medical students who are native Mississippians and who show evidence of financial need.

The Googe Memorial Medical Loan Fund was established in 1979 by family of the late Dr. and Mrs. George W. Googe of Rienzi. Dr. Googe practiced medicine in Northeast Mississippi for more than 50 years. Students who have successfully completed at least two quarters in medical school may apply. Applicants must show evidence of financial need and be in good academic standing. Preference is given to applicants from Alcorn and Prentiss counties.

The Ulva H. Bernard Unitrust Loan Fund provides loans to junior and senior medical students who demonstrate financial need.

The Mississippi State Medical Educational Scholarship Loan Program was established by the legislature of the State of Mississippi. Loans are available to Mississippians who have been accepted by the School of Medicine who plan to pursue postgraduate education in family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology or internal medicine, and who sign contracts obligating them to return to the state of Mississippi. Interested students should address written inquiries to Loan Program, Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211-6453.

The American Medical Association-Educational Research Foundation loan program is a source for loans to medical students, interns, and residents. Students are eligible to apply for loans upon the successful completion of two or more quarters of medical school.

The Carl G. Evers Scholarship was established in 1993 by the Mississippi State Medical Association in memory of Dr. Evers, who was professor of pathology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Medicine at the time of his death in November, 1992. Scholarship information may be obtained from the Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

The F. A. Hunt Scholarship was established through a bequest from Fannie Gordon Hunt to honor her husband. It is awarded annually on the basis of academic excellence.

The Southern Medical Association Scholarship was established by the Southern Medical Association. This award is available to superior third-year students who need financial assistance.

The John Houston Wear Foundation Scholarships were established by the Wear Foundation to aid worthy students. These scholarships are awarded for academic excellence.

The National Medical Fellowship was established by the National Medical Fellowship Foundation to provide scholarships to minority students in their first year of medical school.

Max, Doris and Jewel Blackmon Trust Fund Scholarship provides scholarships for outstanding Caucasian medical students enrolled in this School of Medicine who have been selected by the Scholarship and Awards committee on the basis of academic potential or financial need. The scholarship may be renewed annually if the student remains in good scholastic standing. Preference is given to students who intend to practice in Mississippi.

The Joseph Collins Foundation was established in 1951 through a bequest from Dr. Joseph Collins. Recipients of this scholarship must be in the upper one-third of their class, demonstrate financial need and show an interest in the arts and letters or other cultural pursuits outside the field of medicine.

The New York Life Scholarship Fund was made possible by the New York Life Insurance Company. It provides one or two scholarships to entering medical students who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.

The J. K. Oates Loan Fund was established in 1957 in honor of Dr. J.K. Oates to provide loans to worthy medical students.

The Medical Students' Wives Auxiliary Student Aid Fund was established by the auxiliary to provide short-term loans to medical students.

The Edward A. Mellinger Education Foundation Loan Fund is available to medical students. Address inquiries to Edward A. Mellinger Educational Foundation, Inc., Professional Building, 1025 East Broadway, P.O. Box 278, Monmouth, Illinois 61462.

The Armed Services Health Professions Scholarship Program through the Army, Navy, Air Force and the USPHS offers Health Professions Scholarships to students interested in serving in the military. Students are required to serve a year as a commissioned officer for each year of participation in the program, with a two year minimum. These scholarships provide tuition, other academic fees, required books, required equipment, and a monthly living stipend.

The Hattiesburg Physicians' Scholarship was established in 1983 by the Board of Directors of the Hattiesburg Community Blood Center, Inc. Award recipients must be sophomores or juniors in good standing. Preference is given to medical students from the Hattiesburg area.

The John F. Lucas Sr., M.D., Scholarship was established by family and friends of Dr. Lucas, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Greenwood for more than 48 years. Incoming freshmen from Leflore, Sunflower, Washington, Bolivar, Humphreys and Yazoo Counties are eligible. Selection is based on financial need.

The Federal-State Loan Programs in which the Medical Center participates are under the governance of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid is responsible for the administration of all state-funded financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships and loans. These funds provide assistance to Mississippi residents in pursuit of their educational and professional goals. Several programs are designated to provide financial assistance to medical students.administered through the Division of Student Services and Records. See Financial Aid.

The Regions Bank Scholarship, established in 1986 as the AmSouth Bank Scholarship, goes to a senior in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and promise in the field of medicine.

The Hearin-Hess Scholarship Fund, established in 1988, offers scholarships to outstanding students selected on the basis of academic record and financial need.

The Trustmark National Bank Scholarship, established in 1988, is awarded to a junior medical student in recognition of scholastic excellence.

The L. D. Webb, M.D., Memorial Scholarship was established with a bequest from Dr. Webb in 1990. A two-year alumnus of the Ole Miss School of Medicine who earned his M.D. at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Webb was in family practice in Calhoun City for more than 35 years. First-year students who demonstrate financial need and academic promise are eligible for this scholarship--renewable for each year of enrollment if the student remains in good academic standing. Preference is given to students from northeast Mississippi.

Dr. M. Winter Jackson Medical Scholarship is awarded to a third-year student on the basis of academic standing, potential for growth and development in the chosen field and need. In the first year the scholarship is awarded, a fourth-year recipient also will be chosen. In subsequent years, the third-year student selected to receive the scholarship also will receive it in the fourth year of medical school if he/she continues to meet the criteria.

The Charles Preston Winters Scholarship, established in December, 1997, by the Charles Preston Winters Foundation of West Point, goes to a senior medical student who is going into pediatrics. Preference is given to students who plan to practice in Mississippi. This scholarship is a memorial to Charles Preston Winters who operated the Winters Hardwood Dimension Company in West Point for many years.

The Nina Bess Goss-Moffitt, M.D., Scholarship, established by Dr. Ellis M. Moffitt in 1999 in memory of his wife, Dr. Nina Bess Goss-Moffitt, who was a longtime member of the Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior faculty. The scholarship is designated for a female student and is awarded on the basis of need and potential for successful completion of the four-year curriculum. Recipients will receive the Goss-Moffitt scholarship each year in medical school if they remain in good academic standing.

The James A. McDevitt, M.D., Medical Scholarships, established through a bequest from Alma Valentine McDevitt in memory of her husband, are awarded to worthy and deserving medical students. The scholarships are renewable for each year of medical school provided the recipient maintains good academic standing.

The George C. and Laura B. McKinstry Scholarship/Loan Fund was established in 1973 by Dr. McKinstry in memory of his father and mother to provide low-interest loans to needy students in the School of Medicine and the Graduate Programs.

The Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation Scholarships, established by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, are awarded to outstanding students selected on the basis of their premedical record and financial need.

The Fred McDonnell, M.D., School of Medicine Scholarship, made possible by the Barksdale Foundation Account, is awarded to a first-year student who is a Mississippi resident to provide scholarships to promote excellence among School of Medicine students and to achieve educational benefits to students derived from a diverse student population. Recipients are selected by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Awards Committee. Selection is based on prior academic achievement, the student's potential for success in medicine and accepted institutional financial aid guidelines. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing. Recipients must commit to reside and practice medicine in Mississippi for a period of five years.

The Don Mitchell, M.D., School of Medicine Scholarship, made possible by the Barksdale Foundation Account, is awarded to a first-year student who is a Mississippi resident to provide scholarships to promote excellence among School of Medicine students and to achieve educational benefits to students derived from a diverse student population. Recipients are selected by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Awards Committee. Selection is based on prior academic achievement, the student's potential for success in medicine and accepted institutional financial aid guidelines. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing. Recipients must commit to reside and practice medicine in Mississippi for a period of five years.

The Bryan Barksdale, M.D., School of Medicine Scholarship, made possible by the Barksdale Foundation Account, is awarded to a first-year student who is a Mississippi resident to provide scholarships to promote excellence among School of Medicine students and to achieve educational benefits to students derived from a diverse student population. Recipients are selected by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Awards Committee. Selection is based on prior academic achievement, the student's potential for success in medicine and accepted institutional financial aid guidelines. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing. Recipients must commit to reside and practice medicine in Mississippi for a period of five years.

The Roxie Bunch Scholarship was made possible by a bequest to the School of Medicine from Mrs. Bunch. She directed that the scholarship be used to "to help young men through medical school.

The A. Wallace Conerly M.D. Scholarship, which honors Dr. Conerly's service as vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine from 1994 - 2003, provides both medical and graduate tuition for outstanding MD/PhD students.

The Robert M. Hearin Foundation Minority Scholarship is awarded to minority students in the School of Medicine entering class who, in the opinion of the Admissions Committee, are most likely to provide health care to underserved Mississippians.

The Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association, Inc., Scholarship is applied toward tuition. Preference is given to an incoming M1 who is an African American or represents another minority group.

The Pearl L. and Otis Walters Scholarship was established by a bequest from the Walters to the University of Mississippi Foundation.

Jim and Donna Barksdale School of Medicine Scholarship, made possible by the Barksdale Foundation Account, is awarded to first-year medical students who are Mississippi residents. Recipients are selected by the School of Medicine Admissions Committee. The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize men and women with superior academic achievement and outstanding experiences in healthcare, service and leadership that will potentially impact the medical school class and practice of medicine in Mississippi. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing. Recipients must commit to reside and practice medicine in Mississippi for a period of five years.

Awards and Prizes

The Leonard W. Fabian Award, established in 1992 by the Department of Anesthesiology to honor its first chairman, consists of a certificate and cash award. It is presented to a senior medical student in recognition of outstanding achievements in anesthesiology.

The Waller S. Leathers Award is a medal given on Commencement Day to the graduating student with the highest academic average for the four years in medical school. The medal is awarded in memory of the first dean of the School of Medicine, Waller S. Leathers, M.D.

The Alpha Omega Alpha Student Scientific Award, given by the Mississippi Chapter, consists of a certificate and cash prize awarded annually to a medical student for the best original paper.

The Sigma Xi Student Research Awards, consist of a certificate and a cash prize awarded annually to a medical student and a graduate student for the best original research work.

The Student of the Year Award, given by the Medical Alumni Chapter, consists of a cash prize and a plaque designation. It goes to a graduating senior medical student selected by the senior class in recognition of those qualities most desired in a physician.

The Mississippi Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Society Awards are given to two senior medical students for excellence in otolaryngology and ophthalmology. The awards consist of plaques on which the names of recipients are inscribed.

The Rice-Holland Memorial Award, established in memory of Dr. James C. Rice and Dr. William C. Holland, former chairmen of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, consists of a cash prize awarded to an outstanding medical student in pharmacology.

The Alford Memorial Award, established by the Class of 1967 in memory of Raymond Alford, consists of a plaque on which is engraved the name of the medical student who achieves the highest academic record during the freshman year.

The William B. Gallagher Award, established in 1969 in memory of Dr. William B. Gallagher, is a cash prize given to the senior considered most outstanding in obstetrics-gynecology.

The Department of Surgery Prize is awarded to the senior medical student for outstanding performance in surgery during the clinical years.

The Virginia Stansel Tolbert Award, sponsored by the Mississippi State Medical Association, is a cash prize and plaque given to a medical student who has demonstrated superior scholarship and leadership in campus activities. Additionally, the recipient must exhibit interest in issues which affect the profession and willingness to devote time and effort to those matters.

The J. Robert Snavely Award, established in memory of Dr. J. Robert Snavely, first chairman of the Department of Medicine, consists of an engraved wristwatch and plaque awarded to a senior medical student for outstanding scholastic achievement in internal medicine.

The Robert D. Sloan Award honors the first chairman of the Department of Radiology. It includes a textbook and plaque and goes to the senior considered most outstanding in radiology.

The American Society of Clinical Pathologists Award is given to a capable sophomore medical student who shows special promise for a career in pathology. The award includes a book provided by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and a certificate from the Department of Pathology.

The Ernest W. Goodpasture Award is given to the sophomore pathology student with the highest grade in pathology. The tangible components of this award are a cash prize and a certificate, both from the Department of Pathology.

The Department of Pathology Prize consists of a cash prize presented to the sophomore student or students with superior scholastic performance in pathology.

The Mississippi Psychiatric Association Outstanding Senior Award is a certificate awarded to the senior with the most outstanding clinical and academic record in psychiatry.

The Robert A. Mahaffey Jr., Memorial Award, established in 1976 in memory of graduate student, Robert A. Mahaffey, Jr., includes a cash prize, certificate and plaque. The award goes to a degree candidate in any UMC school chosen for exceptional research potential by a faculty committee..

The David S. Pankratz Scholarship, awarded in memory of the first dean of the four-year School of Medicine and first director of the Medical Center, is a cash prize given to a sophomore student in recognition of outstanding academic achievements in the freshman medical year.

The Daryl Douglas Memorial Award, established by the Class of 1978 in memory of Daryl Douglas, a classmate, consists of a plaque on which are engraved the names of sophomore students who most consistently demonstrate readiness to serve and assist their classmates in the pursuit of medical knowledge and skills.

The Dodgen Memorial Award is given to a third quarter freshman in memory of Dr. Charles Dodgen, who served on the UMC Biochemistry faculty from 1958 to 1980. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Admissions Committee. Recipients of this award are chosen on the basis of overall performance and professional potential.

The William Forrest Hutchison Award was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. William Forrest Hutchison by his family. Dr. Hutchison was a member of the School of Medicine faculty from 1955 until 1990. The award is given to a sophomore in the top 25 percent of the class who demonstrates excellence in and a commitment to community service.

The Donald T. Imrie Award, established by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery to honor Dr. Imrie, is a $250 prize and certificate awarded to a senior for outstanding performance in orthopedics.

The CIBA Award is presented to a sophomore medical student selected by the class members in recognition of outstanding community service.

The McGraw-Hill, Merck and Lange Book Awards consist of medical books presented to senior, junior, sophomore and freshman students in recognition of scholastic excellence.

The Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Book Awards are for academic excellence in the anatomical sciences. One award is given to the medical student with the highest academic standing in gross anatomy and neurobiology and the second to the highest ranking student in medical histology.

The Family Medicine Award, sponsored by the Department of Family Medicine and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, goes to a senior who demonstrates excellence in family medicine. It includes a cash prize, textbook and inscription of the student's name on a plaque.

The Neuroscience Research Award, sponsored by the Mississippi Chapter, Society for Neuroscience, consists of a cash prize and certificate, and recognizes meritorious research in the neurosciences.

The Chris Allenburger Memorial Award, established in 1986 by Dr. and Mrs. Gray Hilsman, is a cash prize awarded to a senior medical student or a resident who best displays clinical skills indicative of the courage, dedication, empathy, and love shown by Chris Allenburger.

The Blair E. Batson Award for Excellence in Pediatrics recognizes a senior whose clinical performance and devotion to pediatrics are judged superior in the class by the pediatric faculty. It is given to honor Dr. Blair E. Batson, first chairman of the Department of Pediatrics.

The Thomas J. Brooks, Jr., Award in Preventive Medicine, established to honor the first chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine and sponsored by the department and Connaught Laboratories, Inc., is awarded annually to a junior who has demonstrated excellence in the course composing the preventive medicine block the previous academic year.

The W. B. Saunders Medical Physiology Award consists of a book award and framed certificate presented to the medical or graduate student with superior scholastic performance in the medical physiology course.

The J. P. "Jake" Mills Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology was established in 2000 in memory of J. P. "Jake" Mills of Tupelo, who served on the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning from January, 1992, until his death on April 17, 1999. Students eligible for this award are seniors who have matched for residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. Preference is given to those students who plan to practice in Mississippi.

The Stanley C. Russell Award was established by Dr. Russell's family in 2001 in celebration of his 70th birthday. Eligible students are seniors who plan to go into a residency in family medicine. Selection is based on academic excellence, character, bedside manner and commitment to practice in a rural area of Mississippi. The Russell Award is presented on Honors Day

The Margie Bulboff Award, established in 2001 by the Office of Alumni Affairs in honor of Margie Bulboff a long time Department of Pathology employee and friend to generations of medical students. This $1000 scholarship goes to a second-year medical student in good standing who successfully balances the demands of the educational program with family, community, philanthropy and intramural activities. The Bulboff Award is presented on Honors Day.

The Thomas M. (Peter) Blake, M.D. Award, established in 2001 by the Department of Medicine in memory of Dr. Peter Blake who served as the course director for Physical Diagnosis from 1955-1990. This award consists of an engraved plaque, cash, and a textbook on advanced physical diagnosis and is presented to a medical student in recognition of academic excellence in the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course, and a pursuit of knowledge, professionalism, and reliance on self rather than others in the ultimate achievement of his/her own goals.

The James E. Griffith Pulmonary Award is sponsored by the Mississippi Thoracic Society and is in memory of Dr. James E. Griffith. It is given yearly to a fourth-year medical student who shows interest in pulmonary medicine.

The Dr. Wally Conerly Community Service Award is presented to the fourh-year medical student who most exemplifies Dr. Conerly's outstanding attributes of leadership and community outreach and service. The award is sponsored by the Mississippi State Medical Association.

The Blanche Lockhard Scholarship Endowment in Medicine provides an annual award toward tuition for a deserving female medical student. Dr. Lockhart, was an obstetrician-gynecologist, and a longtime member of the School of Medicine's clinical faculty.

The Medical Alumni Scholarship is awarded to a rising M3 who is in the top half of his or her class, has no other M3 scholarship and intends to practice in Mississippi after completing all training.

The Miller-Pittman Medical Scholarship was established through a bequest from the late Mary Eugenia Miller. The scholarship is designed to assist "deserving medical students enrolled in the School of Medicine."

The Joey Purvis Memorial Fund Award honors Joey Purvis, a member of the Class of 2002, who was killed in an automobile accident while in route to Pennsylvania State University Medical Center to interview for an ob-gyn residency position. This award goes to a medical student who best exemplifies Joey's caring concern for patients and fellow students.

The Curtis Delgadillo Roberts M.D., Scholarship in Medicine honors the memory of a longtime Brandon family physician who died in 1989. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of exceptional merit and/or exceptional need and potential for successful completion of the four-year curriculum. Preference is given to Rankin County residents.

The Jimmy Waites, M.D. Student of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mississippi Physicians Care Network, consists of a cash prize and plaque designation. The award honors the memory of Dr. Waites who was a long-time family physician in Laurel and a member of the School of Medicine's second graduating class. The award is presented to a graduating senior medical student selected by the senior class in recognition of those qualities most desired in a physician - which Dr. Waites so exemplified.

Brenda Joy Nicholson Pritchard Scholarship Fund established in 1999 provides funds to deserving second, third or fourth year students in the upper half of their class with financial need.

Mark T. Smith Memorial Scholarship was established by the Class of 2000 in memory of Mark Thompson Smith, a classmate. This award goes to a sophomore medical student with a true caring Christian spirit and attitude towards classmates, instructors, and patients, intellectual curiosity in the field of medicine, and enthusiasm for life displayed by a heartfelt smile even when confronted with a challenge.

The Thomas J Brooks, Jr., M.D., Endowed Fund in Preventive Medicine was established in 2008 to honor the first chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine. The fund is used to support final year medical students who have been accepted into the Epidemiology Elective Program for Senior Medical Students at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recipients are selected by a committee consisting of three SOM faculty members, one each from the Departments of Preventive Medicine, Medicine and Pediatrics. Funds will cover the costs of round-trip transportation to the student's assigned CDC facility and living expenses during the elective period.

The Orr-Russwurm Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a student in any medical center school planning a full or part-time career in Christian missionary work.

J.T. & Mary Davis Medical Scholarship Endowment was established in 1985 and provides scholarships to deserving young men and women who are pursuing an education in medicine. Recipients must have received the baccalaureate degree from The University of Mississippi.

Outreach Programs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center seeks to promote the health and well being of Mississippians by training health professionals who will care for the state's citizens, by doing research that adds to man's knowledge about disease and health, and by treating the illnessess of patients who come to our hospitals from all of the state's 82 counties. As the state's only health sciences campus, the institution also is committed to the community at large as a source for health information and science instruction. Several programs that reflect that outreach comittment are described below.

Base Pair Science Mentorship Program

"Base pair" refers to the two complementary bases of the DNA helix which form the structure of the molecule from which all life begins. In the same way, a mentorship program called "Base Pair" teams Jackson Public School students with practicing scientists at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC).

Base Pair students are selected for their interest and aptitude in science. Each student chosen for the program is paired with a UMC scientist or "mentor" whose area of research closely matches the interest of the student. UMC mentors are all scientists of the first rank who do original research and publish regularly in scholarly journals. The number of students who participate in Base Pair is determined largely by the number of mentors who volunteer; the program averages 10 students annually.

The first semester of the program begins in the home school where teachers prepare students for the second semester when four afternoons each week are spent at UMC. Students spend three afternoons a week working individually in the laboratory with their mentor. One afternoon is reserved for a group meeting with program director where the week's laboratory experience and outside reading are discussed.

The students learn laboratory and research skills, scientific documentation and presentation. Each student is required to make a presentation on their research findings and experiences to "colleagues" at UMC at semester's end. The mentors also encourage students to present abstracts at the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences meeting.

Students receive academic credit for their participation in Base Pair while they get a real taste of the life of the scientist. Base Pair encourages the pursuit of science as a career by demonstrating the challenge and intellectual excitement of biomedical science. Even if students don't pursue careers in science, they are given a new appreciation of how science affects the daily lives of everyone--regardless of occupation.

Students who are interested in participating in Base Pair should contact their science teacher and principal.

The Base Pair program director is:

Rob Rockhold, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, (601) 984-1634, rockhold@pharmacology.umsmed.edu

Health Careers Pipeline Programs

The Division of Multicultural Affairs supports the Medical Center's efforts to train a diverse healthcare workforce for the state of Mississippi. The Division's overarching mission is to foster an environment that recognizes the benefits of diversity and inclusiveness through academic preparation, instruction, community outreach, and professional development. It also seeks to disseminate valuable resources and research on cultural competency, quality and equity in healthcare to the Medical Center community.

Health Careers Pipeline Programs offered by the Division of Multicultural Affairs are designed to support the academic and professional growth of students interested in math, science and healthcare professions. Below are links to and brief descriptions of programs offered. Applications to all Health Careers Pipeline Programs are available on-line.

Science Training and Education Program (STEP) - is designed to provide academic enrichment in math, science, and critical thinking for disadvantaged/underserved 6th-8th graders from local school districts.

EXCEL - is a summer enrichment program designed to provide disadvantaged/underserved high school sophomore and junior high school students with the opportunity to participate in challenging math, science, computer, and language arts course work.

Medical Cooperative Program (MEDCORP I & II) - is a summer enrichment program for pre- freshman and pre-sophomore disadvantaged/underserved college students designed to provide an advanced math and science curriculum to increase their preparation to meet criteria for admission to health professions school.

Medical Cooperative Program (MEDCORP III & IV)- provides disadvantaged/underserved pre-junior and pre-senior college students with an intense, comprehensive program of study for the MCAT®/DAT admission exams. Kaplan-trained instructors lead students though a course of study intended to reinforce students' knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biological sciences. A verbal reasoning section is also included.

Pre-Matriculation Summer Educational Enrichment Program (PRE-MAT) - is a seven-week intensive program which is designed to significantly increase the competitive basis upon which the participants approach more advanced professional studies. This demanding program provides students with a simulation of the rigors of professional school with an intensive study of gross anatomy and biochemistry.

Clinical Elective Diversity Program (CEDP) - is to provide visiting senior medical students the opportunity to have an outstanding clinical training experience and to learn first-hand what the University of Mississippi Medical Center has to offer.

Health Careers Development Program

This program is currently unavailable.

The Professional Portal Track

Vision- Recognizing the value of non-traditional approaches to improving health care for medically underserved communities and populations in the State of Mississippi, the Professional Portal Track will identify, nurture and maximize the academic potential of students who strive towards careers in health care or biomedical science that will benefit the underserved of this state.

Introduction- The Professional Portal Track will provide a mentor-based, comprehensive program that offers a terminal degree in the biomedical sciences suitable as preparation for teaching at the community/junior college level, as advanced training for governmental and industrial positions, and as an indication of competitiveness for admission to the University of Mississippi Schools of Medicine (M.D. program), Dentistry (D.M.D. program), and Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences (Ph.D. program).

Criteria for admission to the Professional Portal Track include: 1) formal application and denial of admission to either the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, or School of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; 2) Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®) or Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores not more than four years old; 3) belonging to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine or coming from an environmentally or economically disadvantaged background; 4) recommendation by the medical, dental or graduate school's admission officer; 4) invitation to apply by the Professional Portal Track Program Director; and 5) submission of acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Residency requirements and time limitations for the Professional Portal Track are the same as those listed in the University of Mississippi Medical Center Bulletin for the Master of Science program. The degree requires the completion of 45 quarter hours of graduate level credit and the maintenance of a B average. A maximum of 15 students will be enrolled in each class.

Mission Statement- The Professional Portal Track at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences utilizes the power of mentorship to attract, sustain and empower students underrepresented in medicine or from environmentally/economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Objectives are to:

• identify, recruit and enroll students whose academic credentials are less than competitive with the current applicant pool but whose non-cognitive, non-academic and professional attributes are consistent with those sought by this institution's programs of professional study related to health care and biomedical sciences;
• apply an individually tailored, mentor-based system of instruction and support that will maximize a participant's study and test taking skills, positive self-expression, and confidence; and
• deliver an academically rigorous course of instruction in contemporary post-baccalaureate biomedical sciences that will prepare graduates to successfully compete for admission and complete M.D., D.M.D or Ph.D. programs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Frequently Asked Questions-

What is the target audience for the program?

The Professional Portal Track is intended for students who

• strive towards careers in health care or biomedical science and
• belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine or come from an environmentally or economically disadvantaged background that renders them less than academically competitive and
• are most likely to serve medically underserved communities or populations.

What constitutes an environmental or economic disadvantage?

The Federal definitions for environmental and economic disadvantages are taken from The Health Professions Education Partnerships Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-392).

An individual is considered "environmentally/educationally disadvantaged" if they come from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge skills and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school, or from a program providing education and training in an allied health profession. Specific criteria for an environmentally disadvantaged background include:

• the individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school with low ACT or SAT scores based on most recent data available.
• the individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school from which, based on most recent data available: (a) a low percentage of seniors receive a high school diploma or (b) a low percentage of graduates go to college during the first year after graduation.
• the individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school with low per capita funding.
• the individual graduated from (or last attended) a high school at which, based on most recent data available, many of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.
• the individual comes from a family that receives public assistance (e.g. Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, Medicaid, public housing).
• the individual comes from a family that lives in an area that is designated under section 332 of the Act as a health professional shortage area.

An individual is considered "economically/financially disadvantaged" if they come from a family with an annual income below a level based on low income thresholds according to family size, published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index, and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health and allied health professions programs.

The Secretary defines a "low-income" family for programs included in Titles VII and VIII of the PHS Act as having an annual income that does not exceed 200 percent of the Department's poverty guidelines. The Department's poverty guidelines, published in the Federal Register, are based on poverty thresholds published by the U.S. Census Bureau, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Secretary annually adjusts the low-income levels based on the Department's poverty guideline and makes them available to persons responsible for administering the applicable programs. The following family size and income figures illustrate brackets used for health professions and nursing grant applications requesting FY 2008 funding.

* - Includes only dependents on Federal Income Tax forms. ** - Adjusted gross income for calendar year 2008.

Who should consider applying to the program?

Applicants must meet the following criteria. They must

• formally apply and be denied admission, within the past calendar year, to either the School of Medicine, Dentistry, or Graduate Studies in Health Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
• have Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®) or Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores not more than four years old.
• belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in medicine or come from an environmentally or economically disadvantaged background.
• be recommended by the medical, dental or graduate school's admission officer based on the following:
  • academic credentials (low GPA or entrance exam scores) less than competitive with the current applicant pool and not immediately correctable by diligent effort on the part of the applicant.
• possession of non-cognitive, non-academic and other professional attributes sought by the school.
• demonstrated interest in or promise of serving medically underserved communities or populations.
• expressed interest in completing the two-year Master of Biomedical Science degree program.
• be invited to apply by the Professional Portal Track Program Director and submit acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

What courses are offered in this program?

The PPT program includes seven required core courses and elective courses. Consult the PPT curriculum for course descriptions and the PPT calendar for the academic schedule.

What are the outcomes for the program?

The primary outcome for successful completion of the Professional Portal Track program is the awarding of the degree, Master of Biomedical Science (M.S.).

In addition, both successful completion of M.S. program requirements and accomplishment of specific academic remediation requirements, as specified by the relevant admissions committees, will afford an individual entry into their school of primary interest (Medicine, Dentistry or Graduate Studies in Health Sciences).

Does this program guarantee subsequent entry into the School of Medicine, Dentistry or Graduate Studies in Health Sciences?

Yes, but only if the individual meets the following criteria:

• successful completion of all requirements for the degree of Master of Biomedical Science, and
• completion of specific, individualized academic remediation requirements, specified by the relevant admissions committee including but not limited to:
  • retake of standardized tests (MCAT®, DAT, GRE) with achievement of specified scores, and/or
  • achievement and maintenance of a specified GPA in the academic coursework leading to the Master of Biomedical Science degree.

What is the cost of the program?

Tuition in 2008 for Mississippi residents enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences was $189 per quarter hour credit, up to a maximum charge of $1702 per quarter. Tuition and fees for non-residents was $ 273 per quarter hour credit, up to a maximum charge of $4,156 per quarter. Tuition and non-resident fees will be prorated for less than nine quarter hours. Laboratory fees and other special fees depend on the courses taken.

Is financial aid available?

Scholarships are not available at this time. PPT students should be prepared to pay for the summer quarter of graduate school expenses at registration. For those who complete requirements listed in Steps for Aid, financial aid customarily available to graduate students (federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans) may be available in time for registration for the fall quarter in August

Is a thesis required?

No. Graduation from the Professional Portal Track and awarding of the Masters of Biomedical Science degree do not require completion of a thesis.

What is the anticipated timeline for admission?

The admissions process in both the School of Medicine and Dentistry can accommodate the following time line. Months listed refer to the calendar year following the initial unsuccessful application to medical, dental or graduate school. For example, a student who applied for admission to professional school in the summer of 2003 would receive notification from the admissions officer of review for recommendation into the Professional Portal Track in March of 2004.

• March 15: Potential applicants to the Professional Portal Track will be notified of review and/or possible interview.
• March 30: An invitation to apply to the Professional Portal Track will be issued by the Program Director.
• May 1: Application to the Professional Portal Track must be received; notification that a student has taken or is scheduled to take the GRE must accompany the application.

What is the duration of the Professional Portal Track program?

The Professional Portal Track is a two year, eight quarter program that begins in the summer quarter of the year of admission and ends with the spring quarter of the second year following admission. The summer quarter of the first year will engage students in a ten week course, entitled Academic Excellence, the purpose of which is to provide academic counseling and guidance in study skills and test-taking to ensure establishing a competitive academic record.

Students enrolled in the first year of the Professional Portal Track program that prematurely apply to University of Mississippi Medical Center Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Graduate Studies in Health Science will be automatically denied admission.

How do I find further details about this program?

The initial contacts for information concerning the Professional Portal Track are the admissions officers for the school of primary interest for the applicant.

For the School of Medicine:

Steven T. Case, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions University of Mississippi Medical Center 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216-4505 (601) 984-5010 AdmitMD@som.umsmed.edu

For the School of Dentistry:

James D. Duncan, D.D.S. Chairman, Dental School Admission Committee University of Mississippi Medical Center 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216-4505 (601) 984-6030 jduncan@sod.umsmed.edu

For the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences:

contact the department or program of interest.

The Program Director for the Professional Portal Track is:

Rob Rockhold, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology University of Mississippi Medical Center 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216-4505 (601) 984-1634 rrockhold@pharmacology.umsmed.edu

The Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program

In 2007 the Mississippi Legislature created the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, creating a unique longitudinal program that identifies rural college students who aspire to return to their roots to practice medicine. Academic enrichment, faculty and physician mentoring plus solid medical school financial support through the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program will enable capable young Mississippians to address the challenge of Mississippi's healthcare crisis.

Additional information is available at http://mrpsp.umc.edu/ and Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216-4505, 601. 815.9022 .