The Blaze to MD Program is an 11-month pathway aimed at students aspiring to pursue a medical career but require additional foundational knowledge in basic sciences to compete effectively in medical school. This program is a collaboration between the School of Health Professions and the Heersink School of Medicine and a crucial component of their mission to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It offers an organ-based integrated curriculum, mirroring the first two years of medical school, leading to a Master of Science in Biomedical Health Sciences.

We collaborate with HBCUs in Alabama to offer the Burroughs Wellcome Scholars Early Assurance Program, which grants early acceptance to medical school for dedicated undergraduate students who aspire to pursue a medical career. This program supports eligible students from partner universities like Oakwood University, Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, and Stillman College. Ideal candidates possess diverse experiences, leadership potential, maturity, strong support letters, disadvantaged backgrounds, and a commitment to service.

We offer various opportunities for students to pursue dual advanced degrees within the institution and in collaboration with other schools across the university. These programs include MD/PhD, preparing students for careers combining clinical medicine and laboratory research; MD/MPH, providing a comprehensive understanding of public health issues; MD/MSPH, focusing on research-oriented public health specializations; MD/MBA, equipping students to address health care challenges with business acumen; and MD/MSHA, offering management and leadership skills for health care administrative roles. These dual-degree programs enhance students' capabilities and career prospects in diverse health care fields.

We participate in the AMCAS Early Decision Program, which is open to legal residents of Alabama who are eligible for a Bachelor's degree, have a GPA of 3.6 or higher, and a MCAT score of 506 or higher. Accepted EDP applicants must meet both the EDP criteria and the regular admission requirements. EDP decisions are communicated by Oct. 1.

The Primary Care Track is a specialized four-year MD program situated at the Tuscaloosa Regional Medical Campus, catering to students aspiring to pursue careers in primary care. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on clinical medicine, featuring longitudinal patient experiences, one-on-one faculty mentoring, and specialized training in population health and physician leadership. This program addresses the need for more primary care physicians in underserved areas of Alabama, where many counties lack adequate healthcare professionals.

We offer two five-year programs in partnership with The University of Alabama and Auburn University for students dedicated to pursuing careers in rural primary care medicine. The Rural Medical Scholars Program includes a year of study leading to a master's degree in Rural Community Health, followed by four years of medical school at the Tuscaloosa Regional Medical Campus.