Emery A. Wilson, M.D., is Dean of the College of Medicine.
The College of Medicine offers a four-year curriculum leading to a degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and training for postdoctoral and research fellows. The University of Kentucky Hospital offers accredited postdoctoral training for interns and residents.
A curriculum in medicine has been part of the University of Kentucky since 1960. The College of Medicine is responsible for providing its students with training in related basic sciences and with clinical experience under supervision in the University of Kentucky Hospital and other affiliated facilities.
As part of the Medical Center -- which also includes the University of Kentucky Hospital, the Colleges of Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Professions, and the School of Public Health -- the College of Medicine strives for programs of the highest possible quality. This means selecting the best possible student body, creating an environment which fosters learning, investigation, and clinical excellence, and acquiring and keeping talented faculty and administrative staffs.
Medical science and practice involve complex relationships between physical, biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental aspects of human behavior. In the preparation for medical school, fundamental undergraduate college training in biology, chemistry, physics and English is essential. Minimal requirements are satisfied with the equivalent of two semesters of studies in physics; two semesters in the biological sciences; four semesters in chemistry, including organic chemistry; and at least one year of English with emphasis on communication skills such as reading, writing, and speaking.
Courses in each of the science areas must include laboratory work. Students are encouraged to follow special interests which they may have in philosophy, psychology, literature, social sciences, or the fine arts.
Students are urged to demonstrate a capacity for advanced work through concentrated study of at least one subject in a major area by completing courses beyond the introductory level.
Applicants for admission to the College of Medicine, in addition to meeting general University requirements, must meet the prerequisite requirements of the College of Medicine and be accepted by the Medical College Admissions Committee. Applicants will be required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and to have completed a baccalaureate degree program at an accredited college or university.
In admitting students to the College of Medicine, the University endeavors to select students who show promise of becoming excellent future physicians. Applicants are judged on the basis of their total qualifications and in comparison with other applicants.
As a state-supported school, the College of Medicine gives preference to qualified residents of Kentucky. Although well-qualified nonresidents may apply, preference is given to candidates with Kentucky ties. Positions for nonresidents usually are limited to ten percent of the class.
Selection from among applicants who meet the general premedical educational requirements of the College of Medicine is based on a number of criteria. A high level of academic performance at the undergraduate level is extremely important. It is recognized, however, that a meaningful evaluation of student performance must consider many factors in addition to grades. For example, exposure to the health care profession is usually considered an asset.
Scholastic aptitude as measured by the Medical College Admission Test also is considered.
Since the practice of medicine involves the physician in continual relationships with people -- with patients, and with other members of the health care team -- applicants are also judged according to premedical evaluations, the degree of their participation in campus and community activities and organizations, and the personal characteristics that they demonstrate. Friendliness, warmth, compassion, integrity, and commitment are all essential traits of the physician.
Often the physician's ability to communicate effectively will determine the degree of success in the diagnosis and management of a patient's health problem and in other professional activities. Thus, consideration is given to the communication skills demonstrated by each applicant. Communication is a two-way process and involves the ability to listen perceptively, as well as to speak and write clearly.
Because the practice of medicine and the life of the medical student require a great investment of effort and demand both time and energy, it is essential that a prospective medical student meet the Technical Standards of the College of Medicine detailed in the College of Medicine Bulletin. Further, prospective applicants should be able to demonstrate that their motivation to study medicine is sufficiently strong to sustain him or her in the face of difficulties.
The Student Progress and Promotion Committee is charged with monitoring student progress through the curriculum. The committee regularly reviews each student's performance and makes recommendations on such actions as graduation, promotion, remediation, dismissal, and leaves of absence. Final authority on all matters of student progress and promotion is vested in the Dean of the College of Medicine.
Students are responsible for conforming to all rules and regulations specified by the Behavioral Standards in Patient Care, Health Science Student Professional Behavior Code, the College of Medicine Honor Code, the "Technical Standards Related to Applicant Admission and Student Performance" detailed in the College of Medicine Bulletin, the academic standards established in the Student Promotion rules, and the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for all University of Kentucky students.
Course listings for the College of Medicine may be found under the college according to departmental and area headings.
For specific information about programs in the College of Medicine, students should refer to The Graduate School Bulletin or the College of Medicine Bulletin.
A medical student who wishes to work toward a combined medical and graduate degree (master's or doctoral) may do so by enrolling both as a graduate student and as a medical student. Details of the combined degrees are available from basic science department chairpersons, the Associate Dean for Research and Basic Sciences, or the Office of Academic Affairs, College of Medicine.
