Pathway 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 communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
• Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
• Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation

Dates:

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

Selection:

• PEPP Scholars application window has closed for the 2025 summer program. Applications for summer 2026 will open in November of 2025. 

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 3,000 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 for the 2025 Summer Program has closed. 

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 communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
• Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
• Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation

Dates:

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

Selection:

• PEPP MD application has closed for the 2025 summer program. Applications for summer 2026 will open in November of 2025. 

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 3,000 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 for the 2025 summer program has closed. 

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 identify with communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care. 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 8 through June 13. 

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:

• UKMED application window has closed for the 2025 summer program. Applications for summer 2026 will open in November of 2025. 

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, including a Personal Statement (3000 character maximum)
2. Two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a professor who has taught you in a BCPM course (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 for the 2025 summer program has closed. 

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