The Medical Education Development (MED) Program is an intensive educational experience and challenging opportunity to gain insight into the realities of attending medical or dental school.
The MED Program was established in 1974 and is designed to increase opportunities in the health professions for individuals who demonstrate educational promise and commitment to a health career but who have lacked opportunities in the past in moving toward their professional goals. The MED Program is sponsored by the University of North Carolina Schools of Medicine and Adams School of Dentistry, and the State of North Carolina. The program offers a structured summer curriculum at the level of professional education to increase the ability of advanced pre-professional candidates. MED is designed to increase opportunities for individuals who have lacked opportunities, access, and resources, to compete successfully for admission to health professional schools.
MED serves three types of students: those seeking confirmation, re-confirmation, or affirmation in their academic abilities.
MED has two goals: to break down students processes (thinking, learning, studying & testing skills) to build up better foundations.
MED desires one outcome: to develop each student into a more compassionate human being, a more skilled scholar, and more insightful healthcare professional.
The MED 2025 application is open. Click here to apply.
The 2025 MED application will close on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Please email application questions or issues to Lisa Long at [email protected] or Mona Syed at [email protected]
Due to the heavy volume of emails throughout the application cycle, please allow 24-48 business hours for a response.
Upcoming Virtual Sessions
Please join us to learn more about the Medical Education Development (MED) program at one of our upcoming 2024 virtual sessions.
Please Note: all sessions are held on a Tuesday at 6:00pm Eastern Time.
Join Meeting Now
Info Sessions
October 8th, 2024
October 22nd, 2024
November 5th, 2024
November 19th, 2024
December 3rd, 2024
Meet Program Director & FAQs
October 15th, 2024
October 29th, 2024
November 12th, 2024
December 10th, 2024
General FAQs
General Information
What is the MED program?
The MED Program is a demanding academic preparatory program for students who have lacked opportunities, access, and resources and who demonstrate educational promise and commitment to health careers. Students take part in an intensive curriculum that mimics the first semester of medical and dental school. The program enhances your studying and test-taking skills and strengthens your sciences to prepare you adequately to begin medical or dental school. Participants take courses in biochemistry, gross anatomy, histology, microbiology, physiology, and dental theory (pre-dental). The MED dental theory course is held at Durham Technical Community College. We unfortunately are unable to provide transportation between campuses.
How long is the program and when/where is the program held?
The program is tentatively planned for nine (9) weeks and is usually held from last Friday in May until the last Saturday in July. It is held on the campus of UNC School of Medicine and Adams School of Dentistry. Tentative MED 2025 dates will be Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, July 26, 2025.
What is the typical daily schedule?
Classes and professional sessions are scheduled Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 pm daily with study review sessions on Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm. Participants are in class for the full time most days. All scheduled sessions are required, unless indicated by the program staff. A typical weekly schedule would resemble the following:
(Note: This is not a final schedule but intended to be a guide. Dates and times are tentative).
TENTATIVE 2025 SCHEDULE *BASED ON IN-PERSON SCHEDULE*
MED Begins – May 27th
8:00am-12:00pm – Move-In and on-boarding
1:00pm-5:00pm – Orientation
5:00pm-7:00pm – Cookout
ACADEMIC Block 1 – May 28th – June 23rd
8:00am-12:00pm – Biochemistry
1:00pm-5:00pm – Microbiology
ACADEMIC Block 2 – June 24th – July 25th
8:00am-12:00pm – Histology & Physiology
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Gross Anatomy
STRUCTURE
- LECTURES
- LABS
- SMALL GROUPS/CLINICAL CASES
- WEEKLY EXAMS
240 hours of instructional time
Classes are held M-F 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evening courses (Dental Theory), events, and office hours. Mandatory Saturday review sessions are held each Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Students accepted into the MED Program are expected to be present for the full duration of the program. Absences are excused in the event of personal illness, graduations, weddings, funerals or extenuating circumstances. However, extended absence from the program will hinder performance as the program is rigorous and has frequent examinations without time for making up missed work and further participation in the program will be left to the discretion of the Director.
How many people apply each year?
Over 300 applications are completed each year.
How many people are chosen each year?
The program accepts 60 applicants in total. Forty-eight (48) applicants are accepted for the medical component and twelve (12) for the dental component.
When are selections made?
Applicants should expect notification about the status of their application April 4, 2025 by close of business. If we are delayed in releasing decisions we will email all applicants with that update on April 4th.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes.
Is the waitlist ranked?
No.
Are there interviews?
No.
Benefits
What is the amount of the stipend?
The amount of the taxable stipend is $3000, which is distributed in two installments of $2000 and $1000. The first installment is paid at the end of June and the second upon completion of the program once all parking/room fees (lost keys, parking tickets) have been deducted. We estimate that stipend arriving the second week of August for participants. These funds are intended to help subsidize the cost of meals, transportation, and general living expenses. Housing and other program materials are provided by the MED Program.
Are accommodations provided?
The program pays for participant housing in an on-campus dormitory. Participants must bring all personal items. Furniture is provided in the dormitory (bed, dresser, and desk included).