The Primary Care Accelerated Medical Pathway (PCAMP) is designed to tackle the primary care physician shortage and reduce student debt by providing a streamlined route into the Family Medicine residency program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
PCAMP aims to identify, recruit and support exceptional candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a deep commitment to addressing the health care needs of rural and low-income communities. Each cycle, we admit two students who have completed the initial requirements of the four-year program. Successful admission into both programs is required.
The ideal PCAMP student integrates academic excellence with outstanding soft skills and a dedication to the humanistic aspects of medicine. These candidates offer valuable personal insights and a strong commitment to enhancing health outcomes in underserved areas, reflecting the dedication needed to succeed in an accelerated medical program with a focus on family and community medicine.
PCAMP is an 3+3+3 accelerated medical school program that includes:
- 3 years of medical school
- 3 years of residency training with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Family and Community Medicine Program
- 3 years as a faculty member at the College of Medicine – Tucson
We seek applicants who are interested in pursuing family medicine. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to matriculate.
Requirements
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 3.0 undergraduate BCPM GPA
- 498 MCAT score or better
- Permanent U.S. residency status
Accelerated entry into family medicine practice: Our accelerated medical school program is designed for family medicine, which allows you to complete your training and start practicing as a family physician sooner. This is particularly beneficial if you are passionate about serving communities in need and want to make an immediate impact in primary care settings.
Focused curriculum and early specialization: This program integrates a curriculum specifically tailored to family medicine from the start, providing you with targeted education and hands-on experience in primary care. This focused approach helps you gain expertise in managing a wide range of health issues common in family medicine, allowing you to become a skilled practitioner sooner.
Reduced debt burden: Accelerated programs typically reduce the total time spent in medical school, which can significantly lower the cost of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, our students have priority to the Primary Care Physician Scholarship, which covers the portion of in-state tuition. This is particularly advantageous for those pursuing careers in family medicine, where balancing financial considerations with a commitment to serving diverse populations is crucial.
You will begin gaining clinical experience from your first week, working directly in clinical settings alongside dedicated physicians. This hands-on experience allows you to actively contribute to patient care and support the health care needs of the community.
You can access the application essay questions in the portal under PCAMP. After you complete your application, we will start our review process. Candidates who appear to be a good fit will be invited for a secondary interview in late February. This online interview will involve rotating through different interviewers, with final decisions communicated by early April.
Informational Sessions: We offer informational sessions every 3-4 weeks during the application cycle to provide detailed insights into the PCAMP program. These sessions are an excellent resource for prospective applicants to learn more about the program’s structure, admissions criteria and opportunities. They also offer a chance to ask questions and receive guidance directly from program representatives.
Drop-in Office Hours: To further support applicants, we hold drop-in office hours where you can get personalized assistance. These office hours are an open forum for you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about the application process, program requirements or related topics. This resource ensures you have access to timely support and advice as you navigate your application journey.
FAQ
Yes, when accepted to the PCAMP program you are also evaluated for the Family and Community Medicine Residency program at the College of Medicine – Tucson. Upon completing the requirements for the PCAMP program you will have a direct pathway into the Family Medicine Residency Program.
All applicants who are offered an interview for the traditional MD program are eligible to apply for the PCAMP program. After completing your interview, you will be invited to submit a supplemental application. If selected, you will participate in a PCAMP-specific interview day. Your application will undergo a review by the PCAMP Committee.
We accept two students every application cycle.
No, you do not need to be accepted into the traditional MD pathway to take part in the PCAMP application process. You will, however, need to be accepted by both the traditional MD and PCAMP committees to be accepted into the program.
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