In a response to the University of Texas System Request for Proposals to develop innovative and fully integrated pilot programs

which lead to the award of both baccalaureate and Doctor of Medicine degrees, UT School of Medicine at San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) have partnered to implement an innovative program.

In order to meet degree requirements set for all college graduates in the State of Texas, core courses have been interwoven into a fully functional, collaborative seven year curriculum with the end result of graduating physicians (Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education [FAME] Program). This shared project utilizes traditional course structure, team taught courses, as well as innovative seminar courses structured on disease related experiences. The development of the program was careful to provide opportunities for students to exit the program should their interests take them to any number of other health related fields.

The FAME program will recruit and admit highly qualified students. These students will benefit from an accelerated degree program, and innovative curriculum, early immersion into medical education and professional identity formation, and a decreased overall student debt. Once implemented, the FAME program will play a positive role in helping to address the healthcare needs of Texas.