MOULTRIE – Students from regional colleges and universities spent Saturday, Oct. 8, at PCOM South Georgia learning how to receive a guaranteed interview for the doctor of osteopathic medicine program or how to begin the program while completing their undergraduate degree.

More than 30 students from Valdosta State University and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Albany State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University traveled to Moultrie for the Pathway to PCOM.

The event introduced and informed students of ways to fast-track their medical education in Moultrie through articulation and affiliation agreements, PCOM representatives said in a statement.

PCOM South Georgia has articulation agreements with ABAC, VSU and GSU. The agreements “provide qualified students with the opportunity to attend their institution through their junior year, then transfer to the DO program at PCOM South Georgia and take medical school courses a year early,” representatives said.

During their first year at PCOM South Georgia, they will receive credit toward their undergraduate program, ultimately completing their bachelor degree while also completing their first year of medical school.

“Not only does this save students time but money as well,” PCOM representatives said. “Completing medical school one year early saves students an average of $50,000.”

PCOM South Georgia has affiliation agreements with ABAC, VSU, GSU, ASU, Thomas University and FAMU which guarantees students with a four-year degree an interview for the DO program.This special consideration is an exceptional opportunity for students interested in medical school as PCOM South Georgia has a highly competitive admissions process.

During the 2021-22 interview cycle, PCOM South Georgia received more than 3,000 applications, conducted nearly 300 interviews and matriculated 59 students into the DO class of 2026.

Both agreements provide students with guidance and mentorship from PCOM South Georgia staff, faculty and students and increase students’ chances of receiving an interview and acceptance, PCOM representatives said.

Jena Willis, senior assistant director of admissions, said the agreements serve as a way for regional students to receive assistance from PCOM South Georgia before and during the application process.

“Our goal is to identify students who are interested in medical education early so that we can provide resources, programming and mentorship to help them become a competitive applicant for medical school,” she said. “By being a part of these agreements, students from our area can fast-track their medical education, saving them time and money. We are committed to recruiting students from the South Georgia region and this is a great way to do so.”

Students interested in the agreements can reach out to the PCOM South Georgia admissions department at sogaadmissions@pcom.edu.