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In response to a shortage of healthcare providers in Polk County, Florida, Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine have introduced a new six-year accelerated medical degree program aimed at expediting the training of future doctors.
Reports indicate that Polk County has only half as many doctors, dentists, and pediatricians per 100,000 residents compared to the state average. This scarcity has been attributed to a rapid increase in the local population.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable rise in emergency room visits for non-emergent care and general chronic disease management due to the lack of primary care access.
Innovation, Science and Technology building at Florida Polytechnic University. ((Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images))
The new program will enable students to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree within six years, as opposed to the traditional eight-year route (four years for undergraduate studies, four years for medical school), excluding residency.
This accelerated curriculum aims to address physician shortages by providing students with the necessary degrees while making medical education more accessible.
The program will also emphasize the integration of STEM and medicine, cost-effective education, and innovative academic partnerships.
Dr. Kiran C. Patel, OCOM’s Founder, and Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Florida Poly, announced their agreement to launch this initiative in July of this year.
Drone angle view of Lakeland, Florida in Polk County with Mirror Lake and city skyline. (Michael Warren)
The program will accept a maximum of 20 high-achieving students per year, requiring a minimum SAT score of 1390, an ACT score of 31, and a GPA of 3.5. Notably, a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will not be mandatory.
This is a transformative opportunity for students who want to become physicians and are eager to begin serving their communities. (iStock)
“This program offers a transformative opportunity for students aspiring to become physicians and make a difference in their communities,” stated Stephenson. “By combining rigorous STEM education with an accelerated pathway to medical school, we are redefining the possibilities in health education and addressing the critical need for more doctors in Florida and beyond. This agreement aligns with Florida Poly’s 25|30 Strategic Plan, which aims to enhance partnership development and solidify our role as a catalyst for innovation and impact.”
The goal of the new program is to produce local physicians more quickly, affordably, and in alignment with Florida’s growing healthcare demands by admitting high-achieving students and waiving the MCAT requirement.
