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About

Three-Year Pathway:

FIRST Calendar

Three-Year MD Curriculum:

Year 1

  • Assigned your own patient panel
  • 1/2 day per week in clinic
  • Intensive summer curriculum

Year 2

  • 1/2 day per week in clinic
  • Close mentorship
  • Enhanced faculty apprenticeship

Year 3

  • 1/2 day per week in clinic
  • Early acting internships
  • Progressive responsibility
  • Community opportunities

A More Detailed Look at the FIRST Curriculum:

  • Curricular Time: 134 weeks (similar to other students and meets LCME requirements)
  • Vacation: 1st year winter break: 2 weeks; Summer- 2 weeks (flexible scheduling); 2nd Year winter break: 2 weeks: other vacation 4 weeks
  • Shelf study time: 6 weeks
  • Step 1 study time: 8 weeks (same as TEC)
  • Campus: Application Phase options at Asheville, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, or Wilmington
  • Dual Degree Programs:  Unfortunately, due to the accelerated nature, FIRST is not compatible with MD/MPH or MD/MBA programs; however, it is possible to pursue these after residency during the 3 service years

 

Residency:

Acceptance into the FIRST Program has a directed pathway into one of our affiliated NC Residency Programs pending successful completion of your medical school training (See Collaborating Programs for affiliated programs ). Upon meeting the academic and professional standards for graduation from medical school, you will be ranked favorably to match into the NC Residency Program through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). You are free to interview and rank other programs.

If your career interests change during your time in medical school, you will revert to the traditional TEC curriculum.  This is to ensure you have ample opportunity to explore electives and interview for residency.

UNC Family Medicine, with support from key statewide leaders, will provide ongoing support, mentoring, and opportunities for continuing medical education throughout the three years of service after residency.