Current Texas Tech med students--thoughts on FMAT?

[miraclemd]

I'm applying to the Texas Tech medical school, and see that they have an option for prospective students to apply for the FMAT program (family medicine accelerated track) on TMDSAS (and then do the separate FMAT application); I was told that students invited to interview at the school could be interviewed for this program on the same day (if selected). Just wanted to get any thoughts about this program from current Tech med students (especially those who might be in this program). I don't know if it's a good idea to apply or not. It seems appealing, given the scholarship for one year and reduced debt, but I'm not sure if I'd want to commit to staying at Tech for residency. Also, it seems like this program is pretty intense, and given that med school would already be intense as it is, it would probably be a lot of added stress...

Thanks for any input!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[TexasPhysician]

While I am not a current student, I thought I would respond because no one else is.

I'm 99% sure Tech would do all interviews in 1 day. Med schools want to make things as relaxed as possible for you. Remember they are recruiting you too.

The program is VERY new, so if you want to speak with a current FMAT student, call TT and ask. As no student has completed the program yet to my knowledge, I'm not sure you will find anyone with first hand knowledge of everything.

I would only apply if you are 110% sure family medicine is for you and that you WANT to stay with TT for residency. I'm not sure if you can opt out once selected for the program. The benefits are nice if you are sure you want to meet all requirements.

I don't think it would be any more stress than regular medical school though. Most of the difference as I understand it is combining MSIV with PGY-1 which is pretty easy to do if you are going into FM. I would think it would make medical school simpler and more relaxed. No need to impress residencies anymore. You already have your residency planned out.

 

[techdoc88]

As a current FMAT student at Tech, I think you should apply to the program if you are interested in family medicine. I had some of the same concerns when I was deciding on whether or not to do the program. After talking to several family medicine doctors, I realized it was the best option for me.

To clear up some questions you might have...as an FMAT student, you have a guaranteed spot in one of Tech's family medicine residency program (at Lubbock, Amarillo, or Midland). You still go through the match program just like everyone else, so you could rank another family residency program above Tech's if you decide to try to go somewhere else for residency. Tech wants you to stay at their programs since they are investing so much time and money in you, but won't take your scholarship away as long as you stay in family medicine. And Tech's programs are very good for family medicine and primary care. I've toured the one in Lubbock and in Amarillo and was really impressed (that's my opinion of course).

Also, if you decide to apply and get into the program, you don't have to stay in the program. If you decide anytime during the course of med school that family medicine isn't for you, you can drop out of the program and just be a normal med student. The only penalty would be the scholarship they gave you would turn into a loan (which you probably would have taken out if you weren't in the program anyway).

As far as intensity, the program isn't any more intense than normal med school. You take the same classes as other med students throughout your first 2 years. You would just have to go to school through the summer after your first year (and we only go in the mornings and not on fridays so its not really intense) and you have a longitudinal clinical experience through your 2nd year on top of basic science classes.

So in short, if you are really interested in family medicine (even if your not 100%), I think you should apply. You can come up during your interview and ask all the questions you want to make sure its the right program for you. The faculty realize that most students aren't 100% sure on their future when they are applying for med school and are open to any and all questions you have.

 

[Mavs88]

How competitive is this program, stats-wise for Texas residents? Do they accept non-traditional students with major upward trends but a low cGPA?

Look on MDApps, I recall seeing someone with that kind of a trend get in.

 

[squat]

If you don't apply FMAT during the normal application cycle, you can apply by February of your first year. I think it is easier to get accepted to the FMAT program with your initial application. There are 9 of us already accepted to the program and I believe 3 more seats are up for grabs with the winter application. We are a mix of non-trads and young-uns. None of us were "110% committed" to family medicine, so don't worry about that 🙂 And I've talked to people in the classes ahead of us about their pre-med school ambition for family medicine.

I had my FMAT interview by Skype about a week after my in-person interview as I did not initially fill out the application. I was accepted 2 weeks after that.

 

[moxymed]

Hi - I see this is pretty much a dead thread, but wanted to try my question here before starting a new thread.

I'm interested in FM as well as applying to FMAT currently through TMDSAS. However - I really don't think I can decide right now what specialty I'd like. My top interests are currently peds (interested in specializing in pediatric allergies) and surgery, with FM close behind. Since I am kind of all over the place, I probably shouldn't bother applying FMAT, right?

I realize I could opt out if I get in or apply later, but that in itself takes options off the table (since it's easier to get in with your initial app).

Hopefully made sense. In the throes of MCAT prep/completing OChem II and applying. Thanks!

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

Hi - I see this is pretty much a dead thread, but wanted to try my question here before starting a new thread.

I'm interested in FM as well as applying to FMAT currently through TMDSAS. However - I really don't think I can decide right now what specialty I'd like. My top interests are currently peds (interested in specializing in pediatric allergies) and surgery, with FM close behind. Since I am kind of all over the place, I probably shouldn't bother applying FMAT, right?

I realize I could opt out if I get in or apply later, but that in itself takes options off the table (since it's easier to get in with your initial app).

Hopefully made sense. In the throes of MCAT prep/completing OChem II and applying. Thanks!

So, just like you said, you can opt out, or opt in soon enough if you realize that's what you want to do. Additionally, if you really want to take time to explore the different specialties, you can always do FM in the regular 4 year program.

 

[Ryan30]

Hey guys. Late to the thread but are the FMAT admissions statistics similar to the typical matriculant at TT?

 

[moxymed]

Hey guys. Late to the thread but are the FMAT admissions statistics similar to the typical matriculant at TT?

Bumping this because I have the same question. I applied this cycle and haven't received an II, but others who were verified after me have. (Trying not to stress myself out too hard since there's nothing I can do except wait.)