This program is designed for students who have clear medical career goals and are
interested in completing their medical school training in three years. The program
offers financial and time benefits, as well as early professional development opportunities
in Family Medicine. Students can also develop longstanding professional relationships
with departmental Faculty.
PCAT Scholars are initially admitted to the four-year program through the standard
AMCAS application process. To express interest in the PCAT program, you will indicate
this in your supplemental application, which will be sent to you by the University
of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville after your materials are verified
by AMCAS.
Yes. The PCAT program is designated for talented medical students who have a clear
career goal as a Family Medicine physician.
You can express your interest in the PCAT program on your supplemental application.
If you are accepted into the traditional four-year program, your application will
then be forwarded to the PCAT Admissions Team. Following their review, you may be
invited for a virtual interview, which typically begins in early Spring of the application
cycle.
You must first be accepted into the traditional four-year program. The PCAT Admissions
Team wants to see your demonstrated commitment to a career in Family Medicine.
Review our curriculum schematic to see how we optimize your three years of study. You will complete the same core
course work as your four year colleagues-just in a more efficient manner with a longitudinal
Family Medicine clerkship beginning your first year of medical school. Additionally,
you will undertake parts of your Surgery and Pediatric clerkships during the Summer
between your first and second years.
In the fourth year of medical school, much of a traditional student’s time is dedicated
to career development and exploring residency options. As a PCAT Scholar, you commit
to a career in Family Medicine and benefit from a residency placement within one of
the Prisma Health-Upstate Family Medicine Residency programs. You do not need time
off to apply or interview for other residency programs. You also do not need elective
courses to help you select a medical specialty.
No. PCAT students must complete the three-year curriculum uninterrupted. Students
who request a research year will transition into the four-year curriculum and will
not be eligible for the PCAT Scholarship.
We have a team to help you succeed in this program. In the event you experience academic
difficulties, such as a module failure or USMLE Step failure, The PCAT Director, Associate
Dean for Medical Education, Assistant Dean for Pre-Clerkship Education, and Associate
Dean of Student Affairs will collaborate to develop a personalized transition plan
into the four-year curriculum on a case-by-case basis.
A strong commitment to the Family Medicine specialty and a clear understanding of
our program’s requirements and post-residency employment expectations with Prisma
Health are essential. If you transition out of the program you will enter the traditional
four year curriculum. You will lose your scholarship and my required to repay previously
paid tuition. The Program Director, Associate Dean for Medical Education, and Associate Dean of
Student Affairs will assist you in creating a path to complete your graduation requirements.
Yes, you can pursue a career as a Family Medicine physician and still apply to the
Prisma Health Residency programs.
Please attend one of our virtual information sessions. You may also email us at PCAT@greenvillemed.sc.edu.