Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program


The Penn State College of Medicine Primary Care Scholars’ Program is an exceptional opportunity for those who are interested in attending medical school and specializing in primary care. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program will be held virtually and will kick off the week of May 17, 2021 followed by a series of evening sessions over the weeks that follow.

 The Primary Care Scholars’ Program will include discussions on topics such as medical care, primary care, medical school admissions, and the medical school’s curriculum.  Participants will have opportunities to interact with medical students and faculty, and to learn about the philosophy and practice of primary care within the disciplines of family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The format will include large group presentations, small discussion groups, panel discussions with medical students, individual application consults, and a sample problem based learning session.  In previous years, the program also included a week of shadowing in the office of a primary care provider. While most face-to-face shadowing opportunities have been canceled due to the current pandemic, the Penn State College of Medicine is working with some of its community partners on the possibility of some virtual shadowing. More information will be forthcoming.
Program Information:
Cost: Free!
Eligibility: juniors, seniors, and post-baccalaureate students
 To apply for the program:
Submit the following to Dr. Surmacz csurmacz@bloomu.edu  by January 18, 2021:
  • Completed application. Applications may be obtained from Drs. Surmacz or Ardizzi,
  • A one-to two page personal statement that indicates your career interests in medicine and what you personally would bring to a career in primary care.
  • A letter of support from a community organization or someone in your hometown or college community who knows you well.
 Applications will be reviewed by the Pre-professional Committee. Applications of nominated students, along with a support letter, will be forwarded to Penn State College of Medicine by the February 1 deadline.
Please contact Drs. Surmacz (csurmacz@bloomu.edu) or Ardizzi (jardizzi@bloomu.edu) if you have any questions.

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