Some students know from an early age what they want to do—whether it’s teaching, writing, research, or starting a business. For those set on a career in medicine, the University of South Florida’s accelerated 7-year B.S./M.D. program offers a clear path to becoming a doctor.
For Judy Genshaft Honors College and 7-year B.S./M.D. program alum Parker Olive, the passion for medicine started early.
“My interest in medicine actually started in fourth grade,” he said. “I had a job fair, and I had to choose something, and I picked a cardiac surgeon. I have no medicine in my family, so it was new to me, but it just grew from there.”
The program is a collaboration between the Judy Genshaft Honors College and the Morsani
College of Medicine, designed to accelerate dedicated students through their undergraduate
degree and into medical school. In addition to completing two experiential learning
requirements and two semesters of an Honors thesis, students gain access to service
and observation hours as well as research opportunities.
The rigorous curriculum comes with significant rewards. For Honors alum and current
Morsani College of Medicine student Rahul Jain, the accelerated pace was the perfect
fit for his aspirations.
“For me, it’s really about helping people, combining science and empathy, and seeing patients get better every day,” Jain said. “There’s a responsibility and satisfaction that comes with that.”
Choosing USF’s Accelerated Program
Admission to the 7-Year B.S./M.D. program is academically demanding. Students must have a 4.0 weighted high school GPA and a minimum SAT score of 1500 or ACT score of 34 to be eligible. While there is no formal application, students must gain admission to both USF and the Judy Genshaft Honors College to enter the program.
Once admitted, students must meet rigorous benchmarks, including maintaining a 3.8 GPA in their first three undergraduate years, scoring at least 516 on the MCAT by their second year, and completing 270 hours of undergraduate health research. They must also complete 75 hours of medical observation and 75 hours of medical service, receive an interview with the Morsani College of Medicine, and obtain three letters of recommendation.
Success in medical school requires a strong work-ethic with long study hours and challenging coursework. Jain recognized that USF’s 7-year B.S./M.D. program would provide the same academic rigor as a traditional four-year route but with a defined structure and faster path to becoming a physician.
“Medicine is a long process with a lot of uncertainty, and burnout is on the rise,” Jain said. “That’s how I discovered B.S./M.D. programs, and USF’s growing reputation made me choose it over other schools.”
Both Olive and Jain appreciate the Morsani College of Medicine’s downtown Tampa location, part of USF Health on Water Street.
“There’s always something to do in downtown Tampa. I love it. It’s a beautiful place,” Olive said.
Staying on Track
Students in the 7-year B.S./M.D. program must balance biomedical coursework, an early MCAT, and undergraduate research simultaneously. Jain credits the experience with preparing him for medical school.
“The MCAT is daunting, but the program does an excellent job of preparing you for medical school,” he said. “It tests your habits, discipline and determination at an early age. You have to build a plan, stick to it, and not negotiate with yourself.”
Beyond academics, students engage in high-level research, often earning national recognition.
“As an undergrad, I won an award for my lab research,” Olive said. “That was probably the most impactful thing I did. Research can be intimidating, but you just have to take the plunge. Email a professor you want to work with — you’ll learn so quickly!”
Jain recommends reaching out to medical school faculty early to secure research opportunities.
“What you can do is say, ‘Hi, I’ll be a first-year medical student next year, and I’ll be here for a long time. Can I work in your lab?’” Jain said. “Professors are more likely to take you, and you’ll gain much more from a long-term research experience.”
Expectation vs. Reality
Jain and Olive emphasize that medical school isn’t just about studying — it’s also about building a community and enjoying the experience.
“I was terrified in undergrad because people told me, ‘Once you get to med school, you have no life,’” Olive said. “But it has been the exact opposite. We’re in med school, but we still enjoy life and have fun.”
For students considering the 7-year B.S./M.D. program, Jain recommends connecting with upperclassmen and utilizing academic advisors.
“Talk to seniors as much as you can,” he said. “Your seniors are your best resource.”
Olive encourages prospective students to immerse themselves in extracurricular activities that align with the program’s requirements and the Honors College’s experiential learning opportunities.
“What college you go to is just a fraction of who you are,” Olive said. “Medical schools care about what you did with the opportunities you had.”