Discover Georgetown SMP A Highly Regarded Program

The Special Master's Program in Physiology (SMP) of Georgetown University is highly regarded in the medical community. This program has been in existence since 1975 and over 50% of students apply to medical school and are accepted while enrolled in SMP.

Otherwise, 85% of students who complete the program eventually earn an acceptance to medical school.

SMP is conducted through the Departments of Physiology and Biophysics at the Georgetown University Medical School. Because of the nature of the program and the standing which it has throughout the country it is very competitive.

One unique aspect of the program is taking six of your courses alongside the first year medical students. Being academically prepared to meet the challenges of a medical school curriculum is essential if you are going to excel in this program. For instance, you will be graded against the medical students and this will allow medical school admissions officers to truly gauge your abilities in the sciences and especially your competency for medical school.

Program Focus

The Special Master's Program has a focus on exceptional students who need to enhance their academic credentials before applying to medical school. Essentially, you must meet the same requirements as though you were applying to medical school. Therefore, course work in general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry and biology is necessary. The MCAT will be required, but the GRE can be substituted with the idea you will take the MCAT while enrolled.

Structure

As mentioned, you will take six medical school courses over the fall and spring semesters. Generally, you will be in class from 8-12 hours each week in the morning, along with 4 hours of evening classes per week. Classes will meet only during regular hours, between 9 am and 5 pm. Otherwise, you will spend the rest of your time studying.

Fall Semester Courses

• Molecular & Cellular Physiology, 3 cr
• Metabolism, Signal Transduction and Nutrition, 3 cr
• Medical Immunology and Micro, 2 cr
• Human Nutrition, 1 cr
• Biomedical Career Pathways, 1 cr
• Physiology Forum, 1 cr
• Cardiopulmonary Physiology, 5 cr

Spring Semester Courses

• Gastrointestinal Biology, 2 cr
• Renal Biology, 2 cr
• Sexual Development & Repro., 3 cr
• Adv. Physiol & Pathophysiology, 3 cr
• Intro to Neuroscience, 3 cr
• Library Research Paper, 2 cr

Please note the courses in each semester are not all taken at the same time, you will have some overlapping courses, but not a full course load all at once. Grading will be in a manner to test you competency in relation to the medical school students.

Eligibility

You must meet the same requirements as though you were applying to medical school. The only exception is in the MCAT, the GRE may substitute during admission into SMP. But you will need to take the MCAT while enrolled in the program. Otherwise, you must present superior academic credentials and show your promise for a medical career. Again, many students will apply to medical school while enrolled at the Georgetown Special Master's Program.

Admissions

This is a premier program and you will want to apply early, the application deadline is May 15. Application materials may include:

• Application fee $125 (they've always been expensive)
• MCAT or GRE score
• Official Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• AMCAS application or Supplemental Data

I will reiterate, this SMP is extremely competitive, but those who make it into the program fare exceptionally well in getting admitted to medical school. Please be prepared to work hard in this program and don't let anything deter you from achieving your medical dreams. Lastly, the application fee is expensive but consider it to be an investment in your future.
Visit Georgetown SMP.