The Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS) was developed at Florida State University in 1971. At its initiation the program involved FSU, Florida A&M University, and the College of Medicine of the University of Florida. The University of West Florida joined the consortium in 1985. Any student enrolled in the University of West Florida may participate in PIMS. Participation is open to any student regardless of major or class standing. Please note that PIMS is not a major.

The courses listed below (or equivalent courses from other schools) are required for selection and may or may not be part of the requirements for graduation in the student's major. Participants should register with the associate director early in their academic career.

Course descriptions are listed alphabetically by prefix at Course Listings/Descriptions.

Comparable courses from community colleges may be substituted. Pay particular attention to the inclusion of laboratory work where indicated. For the most part, these courses are required for admission to any medical, dental or veterinary school. With a few additional courses, the student should be able to apply to other programs in the health sciences.

Selection
During their junior year, participants may apply for selection to the PIMS program. Transfer students and post-baccalaureate degree students who participate in the program are eligible for selection during their second semester in residence (minimum 12 sh per semester). Appropriate forms may be obtained from the associate director's office. The candidate must take the MCAT examination in the spring of the junior year to be eligible for spring selection. One may postpone application until the fall of the senior year. In this case, the MCAT must be taken no later than the August offering.

Selection is made by the PIMS selection committee at FSU which is comprised of representatives from the participating universities and practicing physicians. The selection is based upon grades, MCAT scores, recommendations, and interviews. Both selectees and participants are encouraged to apply to any other medical school programs they wish.

If selected, the student must complete the major and other university graduation requirements. Also, the selected student must complete the following:

The Program
The program begins at FSU in May following receipt of the undergraduate degree. Courses taken there represent the first year of medical school. On successful completion of that first year (three consecutive semesters), the student transfers to UF as a second-year medical student. At the end of the fourth year, the M.D. degree is awarded by the College of Medicine at the University of Florida. Hospital-based residency programs (3 or more years, depending on specialization) follow receipt of the M.D. degree prior to private practice.