Number
615
Name
DEVELOPMENT OF A PRE-MEDICAL SCHOOL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC READINESS AND STUDENT SUCCESS.
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Ruchi Patel, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
Karen Wiles, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
Presentation Topic(s)
Student Support
Description
PURPOSE
The Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta
University, designed a Master of Science in Medical Physiology program as a
bridge between undergraduate and medical school education. In addition to
providing an avenue for students to improve their BCPM GPA, our goal is to
establish the skills required for success in medical school and provide early
exposure to educational experiences common in medical school curriculums.
METHODS
Our program is centered around medical physiology, and includes coursework
in pathophysiology, anatomy, histology and journal club. Together these
courses provide a detailed examination of human physiological systems and
their clinical correlations, emphasize structure-function relationships, and
facilitate critical analysis of research to support evidence-based medicine.
To accomplish the goal of improving academic readiness, the program
curriculum design utilizes educational best practices and incorporates
workshops to teach evidence-based learning strategies. Critical thinking
skills, integration and application of knowledge are reinforced through
case-based learning, research paper analysis, interactive labs (human
physiology, anatomy, ultrasound, and high-fidelity mannequin simulation), and
STEP-1 style questions.
RESULTS
This program, in its 4th year, has experienced substantial enrollment
growth, with matriculation numbers increasing from 5 (class of 2022) to 48
(class of 2026). Graduation rates suggest that the program design provides
sufficient academic support to promote student success in our highly rigorous
program. Student feedback suggests high student satisfaction with their
preparedness for medical school.
CONCLUSION
We have developed a Master of Science in Medical Physiology program that
supports academic preparedness for medical school by (1) combining courses
that build a solid foundation for pre-clerkship curriculums, (2) integrating
academic skill development and (3) introducing educational experiences, which
together prepare students for medical education.
The Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta
University, designed a Master of Science in Medical Physiology program as a
bridge between undergraduate and medical school education. In addition to
providing an avenue for students to improve their BCPM GPA, our goal is to
establish the skills required for success in medical school and provide early
exposure to educational experiences common in medical school curriculums.
METHODS
Our program is centered around medical physiology, and includes coursework
in pathophysiology, anatomy, histology and journal club. Together these
courses provide a detailed examination of human physiological systems and
their clinical correlations, emphasize structure-function relationships, and
facilitate critical analysis of research to support evidence-based medicine.
To accomplish the goal of improving academic readiness, the program
curriculum design utilizes educational best practices and incorporates
workshops to teach evidence-based learning strategies. Critical thinking
skills, integration and application of knowledge are reinforced through
case-based learning, research paper analysis, interactive labs (human
physiology, anatomy, ultrasound, and high-fidelity mannequin simulation), and
STEP-1 style questions.
RESULTS
This program, in its 4th year, has experienced substantial enrollment
growth, with matriculation numbers increasing from 5 (class of 2022) to 48
(class of 2026). Graduation rates suggest that the program design provides
sufficient academic support to promote student success in our highly rigorous
program. Student feedback suggests high student satisfaction with their
preparedness for medical school.
CONCLUSION
We have developed a Master of Science in Medical Physiology program that
supports academic preparedness for medical school by (1) combining courses
that build a solid foundation for pre-clerkship curriculums, (2) integrating
academic skill development and (3) introducing educational experiences, which
together prepare students for medical education.