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The
primary goal of the MD Program is to provide quality medical education.
A strong foundation in the Basic Sciences is stressed so that students
can obtain the most from their training in the clinical sciences. About
sixty five (65) students are admitted on a competitive basis to the
freshmen class each year. It is mandatory that the students be fluent in
both English and Spanish, (writing, reading, speaking and understanding)
or their application will not be considered.
Ordinarily, four years of undergraduate education are necessary to prepare for entrance into medical school; however, special programs (e.g., combined baccalaureate-M.D. programs) may allow this to be reduced. General education that includes the social sciences, history, arts, and languages is increasingly important for the development of physician competencies outside of the scientific knowledge domain. Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences strongly suggests that applicants apply with a BA/BS completed at a college level institution accredited by the Council of Education of PR or by a US accrediting organization. Candidates that have completed a bachelor’s degree will be given preference. Within the bachelor’s degree, all applicants are requested to have completed the pre-med courses to comply with the requisites of the Puerto Rico Medical Board of Physicians (“Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Médica de Puerto Rico”) and six credits in mathematics. For these requisites, online courses are not accepted.s. The courses required for admission are as follows (to be included in the bachelor’s degree):
* Any of the following: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Sciences, and/or Economics. The English and Spanish requisites are direct language classes (grammar and/or literature). For the English requirement, classes from other departments described as “intensive writing” may be considered as substitute. In addition to the above requirements, we strongly recommend course work in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Liberal Arts and/or Humanities.
When evaluating the applicants, the Admissions Committee selects the
best of all candidates applying. PSMHS looks for students of integrity
and maturity that show concern for others, leadership potential and a
positive attitude for working with people. Preference will be given to
local residents, but applicants from the US mainland are also invited to
apply. 1. Academic performance 2. MCAT scores 3. Applicant’s essay 4. Extracurricular activities 5. Life experiences 6. Experience in the health field (research, community work) 7. Interviews 8. Letters of recommendation
Accepted applicants that are still completing the degree, must
successfully complete all courses in progress at the academic level they
had been performing at the time of application. PSMHS 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: The AMCAS application deadline is DECEMBER 15 of the year prior to the requested admission date. We do not use a secondary application but the following documents will be requested after the AMCAS application is received at the Admissions Office:
The letters should provide input from people in responsible positions who can comment on the applicant’s academic, employment or volunteer performance, advocacy experience, character and interests. For undergraduates, this often means professors, academic advisors or employers. Letters from people that really know the applicant, rather than from people who have impressive titles are the most valuable. An AMCAS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (by Certiphi Screening, Inc.) will be conducted once the applicant is accepted. If a criminal record appears in the results of the background check, the acceptance will be revoked.
Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following: · Written confirmation of acceptance and a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to secure the seat in the entering class. · Physical Exam (using a form provided by the Admissions Office) · Evidence of up to date immunization record (must include Varicella, Td Adult, MMR and three doses of Hepatitis B). · Other documents will be notified as pertinent. Registration, orientation period and commencement of classes take place in the second half of July.
1. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico at Ponce (PUCPR) - The program with PUCPR includes two years of pre-medical courses at PUCPR and four years of medicine at PSMHS. You must contact their General Science Department at 787- 841-2000 for details. 2. Interamerican University of PR at Ponce (UIA) - The program with UIA includes three years of pre-medical courses at UIA and four years of medicine at PSMHS. You must contact their Science Department at 787-284-1912 for details. Each university is responsible for the selection of the candidates to participate. They are selected among those who show outstanding performance in High School and College Board Exams.
For
PSMHS, these candidates must comply with all requisites but are
requested a minimum MCAT score of 20. Once the student meets all the
admission requisites, will automatically be admitted to Ponce School of
Medicine and Health Sciences. Applications are processed through AMCAS.
The
MD Advanced Standing Committee will consider applications for transfer
from other medical schools to the second or third year of the MD
Program. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Students with
academic or disciplinary sanctions will not be considered for transfer.
Students seeking transfer from LCME accredited schools may be accepted
to the level for which they are applying provided that their curriculum
is equivalent to that of PSMHS. Advanced Standing Admission Requirements
* Any of the following: Psychology,
Sociology, Political Sciences, Economics, or Anthropology
o Official transcript from all institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate) o Official transcript from the medical school from which the candidate is seeking transfer o Letter of good standing from the dean of the medical school o Two letters of recommendation from professors of the medical school who can comment on your academic performance and character. o Letter explaining the reason(s) for seeking transfer to PSMHS o Certificate of No Penal Record (Police Clearance/Background Check) o Application fee of US$100, non-refundable
Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following:
Classes and clinical rotations begin every July.
USMLE REQUIRED FOR PROMOTION · Student's performance in medical school · Undergraduate record · MCAT and USMLE scores · Interviews · Letters of recommendation - the letters of recommendation should provide input from people in responsible position who can really comment on the applicant’s academic performance, character and interest.
Students from non-LCME accredited medical schools must have at least two
years of medical studies to be considered for a second year position. Applicants who have been dismissed from another medical school due to academic or disciplinary reasons will be considered.
Transfers from osteopathic, veterinary or dental schools will not be
considered either.
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