MD FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program, answered

Considering a career in medicine? Applying to medical school can be overwhelming, we want you to have all the answers before and during applying to PHSU St. Louis. Below are a few of the common questions we hear from MD applicants.

MD Program Overview

PROGRAM LENGTH:

4 years (166 weeks)

CREDITS:

209 Credits

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

The application window for 2024 has closed. Please check back in June when we open the application for 2025.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Medical Education Program at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU-SOM) is a 4-year program with a duration of 166 weeks. It grants a doctor of medicine degree (MD degree). The Program consists of two years of pre-clinical (basic science) courses in the core disciplines of Gross Anatomy, Histology and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology/Immunology and Neurosciences.

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About the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

Is PHSU School of Medicine (SoM) in St. Louis accredited?

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) who supported the expansion of our accredited Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program from 150 to 180 students. PHSU will be launching its expanded M.D. program cohort of 30 students in St. Louis in August 2022.

How long is the MD program?

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program is designed to be a 4-year program.
Physicians are also required to complete training in a residency program, which can last up to an additional 7 years, depending on the specialty.

What is the outline of the MD program?

Year 1 and 2 of the MD program are focused on pre-clinical courses with the following core disciplines: Gross Anatomy, Histology and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology/Immunology and Neurosciences.

Year 3 offers the core clinical clerkships, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine, Psychiatry and Surgery.

Year 4 focuses on Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Radiology and Primary Care Selective with five months of sub-specialty elective rotations.

How do I apply?

Ponce Health Sciences University participates in the centralized application service provided by the American Medical Colleges Application Service (AMCAS), a division of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The electronic web-based application is available at: www.aamc.org The AMCAS application deadline is JANUARY 31 of the year before the requested admission date. The Office of Admissions does require a secondary application in order to complete the admissions process. (For more information CLICK HERE) Once the AMCAS application is received the following documents will be requested:

Three letters of recommendation (two from professors and one written by an individual familiar with the applicant’s skills and abilities) or a composite letter from a premedical committee. These letters must be submitted through AMCAS.
Official transcripts from all universities attended.
US $85 non-refundable application processing fee.
An AMCAS criminal background check will be conducted once the applicant is accepted. If a positive criminal record appears, the acceptance will be revoked.

Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following:

Written confirmation of acceptance and a deposit of $100.00 to secure your seat in the entering class.
Physical Exam results.
Evidence of up-to-date immunization certificate.

Accepted students will complete additional enrollment and orientation documents.

When does the application process for the MD Begin?

The AMCAS application typically opens during the first week of May each year for the following year’s medical school class. Since AMCAS submission doesn’t open until the first week of June, you’ll have about a month to begin working on your application before you can submit it. You’ll begin the application process in the spring in order to begin medical school in the fall of the following year.

For specific application dates and deadlines, visit the Medical School Admission Requirements, the AMCAS website, and the websites of your potential medical schools.

Once your application is complete, a secondary application for PHSU’s School of Medicine is required.

Is Financial Aid available for the MD program?

Visit our financial aid page for all the information about scholarships and support for funding your education at PHSU St. Louis.

When is the deadline to apply?

The application window for 2024 has closed. Please check back in June when we open the application for 2025.

Can students from other disciplines (non-science/biology majors) apply?

Students with non-science/biology mayors may apply if they have completed their bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Council of Education of Puerto Rico or by a US accrediting organization and comply with the other requirements established.

Can prerequisite courses expire?

The courses you’ve taken during your bachelor’s degree doesn’t expire. It is important to present your official transcript with the degree conferred.

Does PHSU consider prerequisite courses taken online?

We do consider prerequisite courses taken online as long as the university is accredited.

What courses count as credits towards the Behavioral & Social Sciences requirement?

We consider any of the following courses: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Political Sciences and/or Economics.

How much Spanish do we need to know to be considered?

For programs at the St. Louis campus, students are not required to be bilingual.

Are there any shadowing/volunteer hours required?

The Medical Admission’s Committee highly recommends extracurricular activities and experiences in the health fields such as research, shadowing, and volunteer work. However, it is not required.

What can I do during my gap year to make myself a strong applicant?

Applicants can consider taking a master’s degree in the sciences field such as an MS in Medical Sciences or other related fields. They can also focus on doing more experiences in the health field such as research, shadowing, and volunteer work.

Is graduate GPA looked at separately from undergrad GPA?

We take into consideration all the degrees that the applicant has conferred. However, it is important that your undergraduate GPA and SGPA meets with the minimum required (2.70 calculated by AMCAS)

When is the appropriate moment to complete the application?

Students’ applications must be completed by December 15 of the year prior to the requested admission date. They are also required to complete a secondary application through our website (mycampus.psm.edu).

Where do we submit our transcripts?

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all universities attended through AMCAS and the PHSU Admissions Office:

Online transcripts can be sent to stl-admissions@psm.edu

Mailing Address:

Ponce Health Sciences University – St Louis
2351 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103

From whom should the letters of recommendation be issued?

At least two of the letters of recommendation should consist of previous professors and one written by an individual familiar with the applicant’s skills and abilities.

Are lessons taught in Spanish or English?

At our St. Louis Campus materials and curriculum are completely in English.

What is the percent of USLME passing rates?

USMLE Passing Rate (First Time Takers Over the Last 4 years)

Step 1 (2016-2020) 87%
Step 2 CK (2016-2020) 88%

What percentage of students that graduate from PHSU get accepted into a residency program?

Please refer to the following table:

Match Rate	2017	2018	2019	2020
Initial Residency Match Rate (No SOAP)	94.40%	88.30%	76.10%	74.60%
Match Rate (SOAP)	94.40%	88.30%	78.90%	83.60%
Match Rate (No SOAP) Over 4 Years	86.00%
Match Rate (SOAP) Over 4 Years	89.20%

Is there any assistance in matching for residency?

We have an Associate Dean who works directly with the orientation, assessment, and letters for the application process to residencies.

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