College of Medicine

Charles “Chipper” Griffith III, M.D., is Dean of the College of Medicine.

The College of Medicine offers a four-year curriculum leading to a degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).

A curriculum in medicine has been part of the University of Kentucky since 1960. The College of Medicine is responsible for providing its students with training in related basic sciences and in the clinical experience under supervision in the University of Kentucky Hospital and other affiliated facilities.

As part of the Medical Center - which also includes the University of Kentucky Hospital and the Colleges of Dentistry, Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health - the College of Medicine strives for programs of the highest possible quality. This means selecting the best possible student body, creating an environment which fosters learning, investigation, and clinical excellence, and acquiring and keeping talented faculty and administrative staffs.

Academic Preparation for the Study of Medicine

Medical science and practice involve complex relationships between physical, biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental aspects of human behavior. In the preparation for medical school, fundamental undergraduate college training in biology, chemistry, physics and English is essential. Minimal requirements are satisfied with the equivalent of two semesters of studies in physics; two semesters in the biological sciences; four semesters in chemistry, including organic chemistry and biochemistry; and at least two semesters of courses involving critical writing, synthesis of scholarship, and oral presentations/speaking skills.

In addition, we strongly recommend that prospective applicants complete a course in anatomy, behavioral science, genetics, psychology, physiology, and statistics. Students are encouraged to follow special interests which they may have in philosophy, psychology, literature, social sciences, or the fine arts.

Students are urged to demonstrate a capacity for advanced work through concentrated study of at least one subject in a major area by completing courses beyond the introductory level.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants for admission to the College of Medicine M.D. program, in addition to meeting general University requirements, must meet the prerequisite requirements of the College of Medicine and be accepted by the College of Medicine Admissions Committee. Applicants will be required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and are encouraged to have completed a baccalaureate degree program at an accredited college or university.

Selection Criteria

In admitting students to the College of Medicine, the University endeavors to select students who show promise of becoming excellent future physicians. The Office of Admissions utilizes a holistic review process to evaluate applicants. This process incorporates an applicant’s experiences, attributes, and metrics that can contribute to the class and their success in medical school. Applicants are judged on the basis of their total qualifications and in comparison with other applicants.

As a state medical school, the UK College of Medicine gives preference to Kentucky residents. Non-residents who have strong ties to the state (e.g., previous attendance at a Kentucky college or university) and applicants who support the mission of the college may be considered. International applicants who graduated from a Kentucky high school or attended (or are attending) a Kentucky college/university may be considered for the Lexington campus.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is used to assess scholastic aptitude along with academic performance at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

Since the practice of medicine involves the physician being in continual relationships with people - with patients, and with other members of the health care team - applicants are also judged according to premedical evaluations, their exposure to the health profession, the degree of their participation in campus and community activities and organizations, and the personal characteristics that they demonstrate. Friendliness, compassion, integrity, professionalism, and commitment are all essential traits of the physician.

Often the physician’s ability to communicate effectively will determine the degree of success in the diagnosis and management of a patient’s medical condition and in other professional activities. Thus, consideration is given to the communication skills demonstrated by each applicant. Communication is bidirectional and involves the ability to listen perceptively, as well as to speak and write clearly. 

Because the practice of medicine and the life of the medical student require a great investment of effort and demand both time and energy, it is essential that a prospective medical student meet the Technical Standards of the College of Medicine detailed online at: https://medicine.uky.edu/sites/meded/technical-standards. Further, prospective applicants should be able to demonstrate that their motivation to study medicine is sufficiently strong to sustain them in the face of difficulties. Accepted applicants are subject to a criminal background check prior to matriculation.

Student Progress

The Student Progress and Promotions Committee is charged with monitoring student progress through the curriculum. The committee regularly reviews each student’s performance and makes recommendations on such actions as graduation, promotion, remediation, dismissal, and leaves of absence. Final authority on all matters of student progress and promotion is vested in the Dean of the College of Medicine.

Students are responsible for conforming to all University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and M.D. Program policies and procedures throughout the duration of their enrollment in medical school.

Students have the opportunity to take an academic leave of absence to pursue an MBA or a MPH.

Course Descriptions

Course listings for the College of Medicine may be found at: https://medicine.uky.edu/sites/meded/curriculum-overview.

For specific information about programs in the College of Medicine, students should refer to the UK Graduate School Catalog or the College of Medicine Bulletin.

Students have the opportunity to take an academic leave of absence to pursue an MBA or a MPH.

Programs

• Pharmacology Minor

• Medical Behavioral Science Certificate