Special Programs and Community:
Undergraduate Programs

Hispanic Center of Excellence MCAT

The seven-week summer MCAT Review Course targets Latino and other students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine pursuing a medical career. This review assists students in preparing for all sections of the MCAT examination utilizing:

  • Traditional instruction methods
  • Homework exercises
  • Small group discussions
  • Practice examinations
  • Mock medical school admissions interviews

Student for Medicine and Dentistry Program (SMDP)

The SMDP program has existed since 1978. SMDP is a six-week academic enrichment program that begins in early June and ends in late July. Students are assigned to various courses that provide them with the basic foundation in the sciences. The courses offered include MCAT review course, organic chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology. Since not all participants are assigned to every course, students can participate in SMDP more than one summer. In addition, the science curriculum is coupled with seminars on the "Key Ingredients Essential to Success in the Health Professions” in the form of academic skills, exposure to role models, interview process and exposure to the clinical and research environment.

Program Summary

  • Study Strategies for the MCAT - This course offers a comprehensive review of the verbal reasoning, biological and physical sciences sections of the MCAT through a problem-solving approach.
  • Physics - This course offers an introduction to the study of physics. It includes topics in classical and modern physics.
  • Physiology - This course is intended to simulate physiology taught at the medical school level. It includes the normal function of the human body and mechanisms of disease.
  • Organic Chemistry - In view of the need to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts of stereochemistry, this course is designed to establish a direct connection between organic chemistry and biochemistry.
  • Anatomy - This course includes laboratory sessions and lecture/didactic sessions. The course also cover the thorax.
  • Library Skills - This course is A review of literature searches and general library use.
  • Clinical Exposure - This component of the program exposes participants to both the medical and dental professions. Under the supervision of the appropriate staff member of University Hospital and the NJDS clinics, students rotate in small groups through Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Room, Psychiatry and Surgery. In the dental area, student rotations include Endodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics and Oral Surgery.

Summer Medical Education Program (SMEP)

The SMEP program at the NJMS has six primary objectives:

  1. Improve students' writing, reading comprehension and communication skills as they relate to success in the practice of medicine.
  2. Assist each student with the development and implementation of a personal academic and career plan.
  3. Involve students in a problem-based learning model of science education used in medical school promoting their critical thinking skills.
  4. Provide MCAT preparation for those students preparing for the August administration of the MCAT.
  5. Increase students' awareness of diverse and/or underserved populations and their impact on the practice of medicine.
  6. Provide students with a limited but informative set of clinical experiences under the direction of outstanding faculty preceptors and role models.

SMEP builds on NJMS’s 30 year tradition of conducting enrichment programs geared toward attracting students into the health sciences beginning with the third grade. The curriculum has been carefully designed to enhance the academic and personal skills required to succeed in medical school.This is accomplished by providing opportunities for the development and practice of critical thinking skills, problem-based learning skills, self-assessment and MCAT preparation. This is complemented by an opportunity to engage in sessions devoted to the delivery of healthcare to diverse populations.

New Jersey Medical School offers other enrichment programs for students who aspire to a career in medicine. SMEP students have the opportunity to return to our campus during subsequent summers and participate in other structured programs.

Academic Programs:
Consists of two separate academic tracks plus a required core curriculum for all students.
TRACK I is primarily for freshman and sophomores with courses in gross anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry and physics.
TRACK II is designed for eligible junior, senior and post baccalaureate students focused on intense MCAT preparation.

Core Curriculum:
Reading, writing and communication classes that advance verbal skills by discussing relevant medical literature and new events. This allows students to learn more about topics such as ethics and cross-cultural communication in medicine. Students also develop writing skills through assignments, which include preparing a personal statement and oral presentations.

For more information on the Summer Medical Education Program, visit the AAMC Web site.

Contact Information

Denise Epps
Phone: (973) 972-3762/3763
E-mail: eppsdl@umdnj.edu

Lonnie Wright
Phone: (973) 972-5433
E-mail: wrightlo@umdnj.edu