I know this probably won’t help you at this point, but I'm replying for anyone else who might stumble across this post like I did. I am currently a student in this program. I can 100% say that it is THE BEST option for a program like this. Here's why:
1. One of the directors of the program, Dr. Eilertson, is a phenomenal resource for students trying to get into med school. She teaches at a level just below that of med schools, but well above that of undergraduate, nursing, or graduate work. She has specifically designed her courses to emulate med school classes and content; the content she teaches is well beyond what your competitors will have taken. Her classes are HARD, we're talking one of her classes is the same amount of work as a full course load hard. I have taken all 4 of her classes and I learned more from them than the rest of my education combined. She teaches applied medical physiology, surgical (human cadaver!!!) anatomy, orthopedic trauma, and pathophysiology. Those last three are med school classes your competitors will not have had access to. You can talk about them in your essays and interviews, and they will make you stand out. To give you an example, I taught 3rd year med students some of the things I learned in her classes while I was shadowing. Even they hadn’t covered the material yet. The attending was impressed
From her classes I have learned how to read: X-rays, CTs, MRIs, blood and metabolic panels, antibody panels, spirometry, EKGs, urinalysis, a little bit of ultrasound, and the list goes on. I also learned to conduct and interpret physical and neurological exams. Beyond that, I have learned which tests to order at appropriate times based on patient symptoms, and how to DIAGNOSE PATIENTS with those tests. All of her courses and exams are case based, so you have to actively practice and apply what you’ve learned in order to do well. You will know after taking Dr. E’s classes if you actually want to go to medical school, and if you can handle medical school.
2. The other course offerings are all medically based, so they teach useful and interesting information. They will make you stand out from students coming out of undergrad with their basic sciences and a few electives. They show that you want to be there, and that you know what you’re getting into.
3. There are two clinical internships offered if you do well in Dr. E’s classes. One, you go spend two weeks shadowing in hospitals in Greece. You do rotations in different specialties, and you get to watch and SCRUB IN to surgeries. It’s basically the Atlantis program but better. The other, is taught at Atlanta Medical Center, and is a similar concept but it’s a semester long. Either of those will count as your capstone, so no research or paper required. As well, you get clinical hours and experiences to talk about.
4. They are very good about finding TA positions that will cover your tuition.
5. GSU is a fantastic research university that strongly encourages student involvement. If you need or want research experience, you will be able to find it.
6. Because the teaching is so extensive and in-depth, you will be far better prepared for med school than your peers. It will help you in med school once you get there.
Sorry this got long, but I hope it helps anyone who is interested in our program!
TLDR; We have medical teaching and clinical opportunities well beyond what medical schools will be used to seeing from applicants, even from this type of program.