Program Overview
A medical student’s journey begins as soon as they enter the UMKC School of Medicine’s B.A./M.D. program. Immediate exposure to a curriculum that builds a strong foundation in medical science and clinical skills is integrated with the liberal arts and humanities into a year-round program. Our program allows students to choose an undergraduate major and earn their B.A. and M.D. in six years.
Students pursue baccalaureate degrees in one of the following areas:
- Liberal Arts
- Chemistry
- Biology
The ability to pursue certain undergraduate degree options is dependent on the college credit a student is able to transfer in from high school. College credit may be accepted for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP or dual-enrollment courses. With the help of an advisor, students will determine their undergraduate path upon admission to the BA/MD program.
Docent System
Students begin clinical experiences and interacting with physicians in the third week of the program through the docent system. A docent is a teaching physician who also serves as a mentor as student’s advance through the curriculum.
YEARS 1-2: Students are assigned to docent teams with peers from their class (10-15 students per team). In this early docent experience, students are educated and mentored on the fundamentals of medicine.
YEARS 3-6: Students are assigned to docent teams with a mix of peers in years 3 – 6 (12-15 students per team). In this docent experience, students spend a half day per week every week assisting with outpatient care in a continuing care clinic. This team also works together on the internal medicine rotation two months out of the year in years 4–6.
Research
Students can work with faculty in both clinical and research settings. Students involved in research can present their findings each spring at the annual Student Research Summit, and funding is available to support student research projects. The Office of Research Administration facilitates student research programs as well as coordinates supplemental research lectures and seminars.
Service
Students at the UMKC School of Medicine have the opportunity to develop community partnerships, provide community service and reflect upon their experiences. Students participate in service-based programs, such as the Sojourner Clinic, a free outpatient clinic developed and managed by medical students, and the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic.
