Hey folks, I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing a career in medicine. I've heard about 7-year med programs that combine undergrad and med school. Can anyone share more about these programs and if they are worth considering? Thanks a ton!
Hey there! It's wonderful that you're interested in a career in medicine. Seven-year med programs can be a great option for students who are certain about their medical career goals. These programs, sometimes referred to as BS/MD or BA/MD programs, allow you to complete a bachelor's degree and a medical degree in a combined seven-year timeframe instead of the traditional eight years.
Some benefits of these programs include a streamlined admissions process since you typically apply to both the undergraduate and medical school at the same institution simultaneously, and potentially reduced stress as you may not be required to take the MCAT if you maintain a certain GPA.
A few well-known BS/MD programs include Brown University's PLME, Northwestern's HPME, and Case Western's PPSP. Keep in mind that these programs can be quite competitive and may have additional application requirements.
As for whether they're worth considering, that really comes down to your certainty about your career aspirations and your desire for a more focused academic path. If you're sure about your commitment to medicine, such programs can be a great opportunity. However, if you think you might want to explore other interests or fields before committing fully to a medical career, attending a traditional undergrad program with more flexibility might be a better fit.
I hope this helps! Best of luck in your college search and future medical career!
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