ACPHS and WAUSM Launch Accelerated Path to Medical Degree
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) and Western Atlantic University School of medicine (WAUSM) have announced a new partnership designed to accelerate the path to an MD for eligible ACPHS students. The Accelerated Pathway to MD (APMD) program allows qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from ACPHS and an MD from WAUSM in as few as six years.
The collaboration guarantees eligible ACPHS students a reserved seat in WAUSM’s MD program, streamlining the transition from undergraduate studies to medical school. students will complete their bachelor’s degree at ACPHS before directly entering WAUSM’s MD curriculum. WAUSM offers a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a purpose-built campus in Freeport, Grand Bahama, alongside an immersive US clerkship program at partner teaching hospitals. WAUSM currently boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the USMLE Step 1 exam.
ACPHS president Toyin Tofade emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the college’s strategic plan, stating, “A critical aspect of our 2024-29 Strategic Plan is to expand through relationships with institutions that share our mission of educating the next generation of health care leaders… We are thrilled to include Western Atlantic University School of Medicine in the growing list of relationships we are developing with partners abroad.”
Dr. Paula wales, WAUSM’s provost and chief operating officer, echoed this sentiment, noting the shared commitment to public health. “ACPHS and WAUSM share a commitment to educating future leaders to improve public health. We’re excited to welcome ACPHS students into our community and support their growth into compassionate, skilled physicians.”
ACPHS Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sibdas Ghosh, PhD, highlighted the benefits for students, stating, “This partnership opens doors for our students to pursue their medical aspirations with clarity and confidence.”
ACPHS, founded in 1881, has a long history of preparing students for health science careers and supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. WAUSM partners with a growing network of US colleges and universities to offer similar accelerated MD pathways.
Interested ACPHS students can find more information about the program and application details at www.acphs.edu. Further information about WAUSM is available at www.wausm.education.
A presentation regarding the program will be held on friday, October 10th at 12 pm in OB218.
