Pipeline Programs
At UK, nothing is out of reach. The College of Medicine is where you’ll find all of the things you need to do all the things you never thought you could. We are committed to training future health care leaders to provide excellent care for the Commonwealth and beyond. We invite our next generation of learners to dream boldly and discover what’s “Wildly Possible” through our pipeline programs.
The College of Medicine offers free pipeline opportunities at varying levels of education, from high school through undergraduate studies. Each program includes unique activities that aid in preparing students for a career in medicine.
Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) Scholars
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 health professions, in hope of solidifying their commitment to a career in medicine. The 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 or lawful permanent resident
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 2024 PEPP Scholars program are TBD.
Selection:
- Application opens on Nov. 1, 2023.
- Completed applications must be received by Feb. 1, 2024 including application form submission as well as required reference letters.
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letter of recommendation, application, transcripts, and standardized test scores 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:
- Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial high school transcript
- UK PEPP Scholars application
- A copy of your ACT/SAT score
- A photograph of yourself (standard passport size)
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) MD
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 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 or lawful permanent resident
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 2024 PEPP-MD program are TBD.
Selection:
- Application opens on Nov. 1, 2023.
- Completed applications must be received by Feb. 1, 2024 including application form submission as well as required reference letters.
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letter of recommendation, application, transcripts, and standardized test scores 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:
- Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
- Letter of recommendation from a professor (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript
- UK PEPP PEPP-MD application
- A photograph of yourself (standard passport size)
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
UKMED
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 attend workshops focused on interviewing skills, personal statement writing, and discussions on medical conditions relevant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Eligibility:
- Rising college juniors
- Students who are planning to apply for medical school
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0
Dates:
The program dates for the 2024 UKMED program are TBD.
Travel and Housing:
Participants are responsible for arranging their travel. Housing is available upon request and free of charge.
Application Process:
- Application opens on Nov. 1, 2023.
- Completed applications must be received by Feb. 1, 2024 including application form submission as well as required reference letters.
- For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
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 Department of Anesthesiology