Framingham State Launches Pathway to Medical School With UMass Chan

Framingham State University (FSU) has announced the creation of a Baccalaureate MD Pathway (BaccMD) in partnership with UMass Chan Medical School to create medical school opportunities for economically disadvantaged and first-generation students.

Through this partnership, eligible FSU students can apply to the Baccalaureate MD Pathway Program. This program can offer students provisional acceptance to UMass Chan Medical School upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Eligible students apply in their sophomore year to join Medical Scholars, a cohort of about 15 to 25 students from FSU and partner colleges. Participating in Medical Scholars allows individuals to receive year-long pre-med advising, two summer enrichments, and MCAT prep resources.

Through this partnership pathway program, students will receive extensive academic and clinical immersion, including book clubs, mentorship with physicians and medical students, and clinical observations at UMass Memorial Medical Center to build their exposure to medical environments.

“This partnership reflects Framingham State University's longstanding commitment to expanding access to opportunity and ensuring that talented students — regardless of background — can pursue careers that have a profound impact on their communities,” said Framingham State President Nancy Niemi in a statement shared with the Framingham Source. “By working with UMass Chan Medical School, we are helping to remove barriers to medical education while preparing a compassionate, highly skilled workforce that better represents the many diversities in our community.”

“The BaccMD Program offers our students the mentorship, academic preparation, and clinical exposure they need to succeed at the highest levels,” said Dr. Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Framingham State's Dean of the College of STEM. “This pathway recognizes that potential is everywhere, even when opportunity is not, and it builds a supportive bridge from Framingham State to medical school for students who are ready to serve and lead in health care.”

The partnership was spearheaded by FSU Pre-Health Advisors Dr. Shelli Waetzig and Dr. Aline Davis, who are working to recruit the first cohort of students.