Pipeline Programs

UK’s Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) was established in 1982 and restructured in 2019 to include the PEPP Scholars program and the PEPP MD program.

PEPP Scholars is a summer academic enrichment program that exposes high school graduates to the field of medicine in the hope of solidifying their commitment to the career path. The one-week program affords young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within the health care setting.

Eligibility:

• Rising college freshman
• Clear interest in medical school
•  Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school 

Other factors for consideration include that a student:

• Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented or rural Appalachian in the health professions;
• Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
• Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation

Dates:

The program dates for the 2025 PEPP Scholars program will be June 1st through June 6th. 

Selection:

• Application opens on Nov. 1, 2024.
• Completed application form submissions and required letter of recommendation must be received by Feb. 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

The selection committee will carefully review the applicant's letter of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.

Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.

PEPP Scholars applications contain the following items:

1. Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
2. Letter of recommendation from a teacher (unique link sent via email)
3. Unofficial high school transcript
4. UK PEPP Scholars application
5. A headshot

For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.

The PEPP Scholars application opens on November 1st, 2024 and can be found here. 

The Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) MD is an academic enrichment program for rising college sophomores who are interested in becoming physicians to serve the Commonwealth. The two-week program is tailored to provide more intense and focused exposure to the professions. In addition, this program affords young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within the health care setting while gaining further understanding of the profession and requirements for future admission to medical school.

Eligibility:

• Rising college sophomore
• Have a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school 

Other factors for consideration include that a student:

• Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented or rural Appalachian in the health professions;
• Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
• Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation

Dates:

The program dates for the 2025 PEPP-MD program will be June 1st through June 13th. 

Selection:

• Application opens on Nov. 1, 2024.
• Completed application form submissions and required letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.

Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.

PEPP MD applications contain the following items:

1. Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
2. Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor (unique link sent via email)
3. Unofficial undergraduate transcript
4. UK PEPP-MD application
5. A headshot

For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.

The PEPP MD application will open on November 1st, 2024 at which time the link will be available here. 

Now in its 14th year, the University of Kentucky Medical Education Development Program (UKMED) is an annual recruitment program hosted by the UK College of Medicine. The goal of this annual recruitment program is to attract individuals who are underrepresented in medicine or rural Appalachian to the college. Participants have the unique opportunity to gain a glimpse of life in medical school through interactions with students and faculty. In addition, participants will develop skills that will strengthen their candidacy for medical school.

Eligibility:

• Rising college juniors
• Students who are planning to apply for medical school
• Minimum science GPA of 3.0
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school 

Dates:

The program dates for the 2025 UKMED program will be June 8th through the 13th. 

Travel and Housing:

Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.

Application Process:

• Application opens on Nov. 1, 2024.
• Completed application form submissions and required letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 
• For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.

The selection committee will carefully review the written essay responses, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.

UKMED applications contain the following items:

1. Responses to Essay Prompts on Application 
2. Two letters of recommendation from professors (unique link sent via email)
3. Unofficial undergraduate transcript
4. UKMED application
5. A headshot

For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.

The UKMED application will open on November 1st, 2024 at which time the link will be available here. 

Program History:

“The program is based on a similar program called FOCUS that I experienced as an undergraduate student at Georgia Institute of Technology,” said Dr. Ebong. “The idea arose out of my desire to do something positive and make a difference. Partnering with students on programs such as this is so inspirational for me.” Ima Ebong, MD | UKMED Creator and 2013 graduate

"Participating in the UKMED program as premed student was truly an invaluable experience. Having the opportunity to tour the facilities, participate in stimulation, and speak with current medical students and faculty, provided me with a glimpse into the different aspects of medical school. Now as a resident at UK, I’m happy to be able to pay it forward, helping other students pursue their passion for medicine." Tracy Harbut, MD (pictured) | UK College of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology