Information Overview
2007-2008
Combined BA/MD Degree Program - Information
The Combined BA/MD
Degree Program is a partnership program between the UNM College of Arts
& Sciences and the School of Medicine. It is designed to help alleviate
the physician shortage around New Mexico by recruiting and enrolling
motivated New Mexico students who are committed to practicing medicine
in our communities with the greatest need. Included in the
undergraduate component of the BA/MD Program is a challenging
curriculum, comprehensive support services and supplemental scholarship
assistance covering the cost of the undergraduate education. Successful
completion of the Program earns students both a Bachelor of Arts and
Medical Degree in an eight-year timeframe. In the year 2010, the UNM
School of Medicine will increase its class size from 75 to 100 students,
with the 25 additional students coming from the BA/MD Program.
The Program is open only for current New Mexico high school seniors (and
residents) to apply. In the fall 2007 there will be two classes of
students enrolled in the program at UNM (58 students total). By being
admitted into the BA/MD Program, the admissions committee acknowledges
the high regard the students are held, as well as the potential seen in
them as future physicians in New Mexico.
Admittance into the
Combined BA/MD Degree Program is based on a combination of the following
recommendations:
* Admittance to the University of New Mexico
* Application submitted to the UNM Scholarship Office (by Nov 15th)
* Community
Involvement & Volunteer Service
* Extracurricular activities
* Honors and Awards
* Letters of Recommendation
* Personal Statement
* Potential as a physician in New Mexico
* Interview (of the final candidates)
Continuous Eligibility Requirements for the BA/MD Program
Through their admission into the BA/MD Program, students are granted provisional admission into the UNM School of Medicine. The students’ full admission into the School of Medicine is contingent on the following requirements being met during their time in the four-year undergraduate degree portion of the BA/MD Program:
1. Maintaining an annual grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for first year; 3.5 for subsequent years.
2. Maintaining the enrollment status required to complete the undergraduate program in four years (16 credit hours per semester / 32 credit hours per calendar year).
3. Earning a GPA of a 3.0 (B) or better on all courses specifically required for UNM School of Medicine (SOM).
4.
Completing all coursework,
including the Summer Community Health Practicum, for Options I, II, or
III, with a cumulative GPA of 3.375 or better.
5. Abiding by the UNM and SOM Student Codes of Conduct.
6. Meeting the ongoing Technical Standards for UNM SOM Admission, Continuation, and Graduation.
Additionally, in order for a BA/MD student to officially transition into
the UNM School of Medicine portion of the program, they must satisfy the
continuous eligibility criteria outlined above, as well as the following
additional criteria required by the UNM
School of Medicine:
1. Taking the MCAT Preparatory Course.
2. Earning a score on the MCAT exam consistent with the minimal acceptable threshold for admission into the MD program at the UNM School of Medicine.
3. Maintaining a code of professional and moral conduct consistent with the SOM standards for non-cognitive behavior.
4.
Developing an understanding of the public health needs of
communities in
New Mexico, and demonstrating a commitment to those needs through
service, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of New Mexico’s unique
populations.
During the last
semester of their senior year, the BA/MD Committee on Continuous
Eligibility (CCE) will review the BA/MD students’ overall academic and
Program records to ensure that they meet all of the above eligibility
requirements. If a student has successfully met all of the Program
requirements, the CCE certifies to the SOM Admissions Committee that the
student has fulfilled all requirements for full admission into the UNM
School of Medicine.
In order to assure
their success in the undergraduate portion of the BA/MD Program, the
students work closely with the BA/MD Academic Advisement Specialist, as
well as with other Program faculty and staff. The Program offers a
variety of supportive services for all students, including
individualized tutoring, an MCAT preparatory course, faculty mentoring,
and supplemental scholarship
assistance to cover their basic undergraduate costs.
For more information about the program, please contact us and/or visit us on the web:
1-877-977-BAMD (toll free)
(505) 925-4500 (local)
E-mail: combinedbamd@salud.unm.edu
Web: http://hsc.unm.edu/som/combinedbamd
