According to the 2015 report of the Association of American Medical Colleges, Mississippi was the state with the worst active physician’s rate in the U.S., with just 64.5 per 100,000 people. And this shortage continues to be a problem today.
Fortunately, this means you’ll surely have a job after graduating if you want to pursue a career in medicine. Mississippi has two medical schools: one that grants M.D. degrees and one that grants D.O. degrees. In order to help you choose the best one, we summarized their most important aspects down below.
Learn More: Cheap Medical Schools in USA
Top Medical Schools in Mississippi
1. University of Mississippi School of Medicine (UMSOM)
The University of Mississippi School of Medicine (UMSOM) was founded in 1903 and started with a two-year program. It was originally located in the city of Oxford, but the campus moved to Jackson in 1955.
The School of Medicine shares the campus with the School of Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Related Professions. It also has a laboratory and research building and the Medical Center’s School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences.
Besides the four-year M.D. program, they also offer an M.D./Ph.D. program. This program lasts for seven years and prepares students for clinical practices and research. During the first three years, the program is divided into foundational coursework and clinical rotations.
Then, during the next three years, the M.D./Ph.D. program focuses on biomedical sciences, in which students must perform scientific research. This has the objective of preparing students for their dissertation. During the last year, the program consists of senior medical courses.
Initial applications to this medical school in Mississippi must be done through the AMCAS platform. Applicants must take the MCAT, have completed the required pre-medical courses, and submit any other relevant documentation that proves commitment with the community or early experiences in a medical environment.
There’s a special program called M1-M2 buddy list in which students of the first year are paired with students of the second year. This way, they can learn from more experienced medical students. UMSOM also offers tours for people interested in studying there. Go explore their website to learn more!
2. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)
The William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) was founded in 2008 with the aim of tackling the lack of physicians in Mississippi and in the region. It is located on the Hattiesburg campus of the university.
The D.O. degree program is divided into the foundational phase and the clerkship phase. During the first two years, students will learn science concepts, anatomy, histology, medical physiology, among others. This is combined with the development of basic clinical and patient interaction skills. These are taught through simulations and experiences with standardized patients. Actually, WCUCOM has a Simulation and Technology Center.
The last two years consist of clerkships and clinical rotations under the supervision of physicians. In the last year, students choose rotations in the areas in which they would like to be involved.
Along with the D.O. degree, WCUCOM also offers a Master’s in Biomedical Science.
Admissions must be done through the AACOMAS platform. Applicants must complete the secondary application, take the MCAT, have the required pre-medical courses, and submit the letters of recommendation. If competitive, they will be invited to interviews.
WCUCOM offers 110 places each year. This medical school in Mississippi accepts international students and out-of-state applicants. However, although this is a private medical school, they strongly prefer admitting in-state students.
We hope that this article on Best Medical Schools in Mississippi was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
