Well..... since I'm bogged down with board prep I'll make this short and to the point. PCOM offers a master's in biomedical sciences... it's not a traditional post-bacc program. The first year is basic sciences... histology, immunology/micro, pathology, gross anatomy, biochem/genetics, pharmacology, physiology, neuro-science/anatomy all taught by the SAME professors who teach in the DO program. The 2nd year of the program is your research work and thesis defense. If accepted to the DO program you have a huge advantage over the other students because you've seen much of the material already. You also have a chance to get familiar with the professors some of whom also do interviews or sit on the adcom. They usually accept 1/3-1/2 of those that apply to the DO program from the master's give or take a few. There are students who are accepted to other med schools and to PhD programs from this program. Another huge advantage is the opportunity to pursue research work and complete your master's while in the DO program. This is a major factor if applying into competitive specialties and need research experience on your CV. Again, this is not a typical post-bacc program where you still take undergraduate courses. If accepted and you want to get into med school then you have to work your A$$ off (nothing less than A's or B+'s) and get involved at the school. If you screw up his opportunity you may not have another chance!
