HONORS MEDICAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM CREATES FAST TRACK TO MED SCHOOL

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- The FSU College of Medicine has joined forces with the university’s Honors Program to establish a B.S./M.D. program that will be open to five students annually beginning in fall 2006.

The program will allow eligible FSU honors students to pursue a B.S. degree of their choice while also participating in the Medical Scholars Program, which will include a seminar, mentorship program and required premed courses and experiences.

Students participating in the program will be eligible for early admission to the FSU College of Medicine upon completion of premed requirements, making it possible to graduate with B.S. and M.D. degrees in seven years.

“This will help FSU attract more of the brightest premed students,” said Paul Cottle, director of the Honors Program. “The medical school can really serve as a magnet for those students who can help FSU advance as a research institution.”

Myra Hurt, associate dean for research and graduate programs in the College of Medicine, said the program also will encourage the top premed students at FSU to stay put for their medical education.

“They’ll be able to see first-hand the College of Medicine’s superior offerings in research, education, clinical experience and community service,” Hurt said.

Applications and program details will be available Nov. 1 from the FSU Honors Office, (850)644-1841, honors@fsu.edu, or on the Web at http://honors.fsu.edu.

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