Primary Care Accelerated Track (PCAT)

Intending to increase primary care physicians in South Carolina, the Primary Care Accelerated Track (PCAT) is an accelerated pathway to becoming a medical doctor. Participating medical students will receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for a four-year commitment to family medicine to provide primary care in South Carolina.

What is PCAT?

The Primary Care Accelerated Track (PCAT), launching in July of 2024, is a 3-year accelerated pathway to an M.D. that seeks to increase primary care physicians in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (USC SOMG) in 3 years, PCAT participants will transition into a 3-year Primary Care residency program in Family Medicine. Full USC SOMG tuition reimbursement will be provided in exchange for a 4-year sign-on contract to provide primary care in the state of South Carolina following residency completion.

Why PCAT?

Mentorship opportunities with Family Medicine faculty and residents 
Early introduction and relationship with future Family Medicine residency program 
Academic support for this accelerated program 
Efficient medical training with reduced financial burden
Full tuition reimbursement in exchange for a 4-year sign-on contract to provide primary care in the state of South Carolina following residency completion

Who Should Apply?

Candidates who have a demonstrated interest in primary care
Commitment to community health and wellbeing
Desire to serve the people of South Carolina
Commitment to Family Medicine
- For more information on AAFP resources

What does PCAT have in common with the four-year curriculum and what is different?
What is the same?	What is different?
EMT and all Biomedical Science modules Integrated Practice of Medicine longitudinal course Seven core clinical clerkships (Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry/Neurology, Surgery)	Supplemental clinical training and family medicine workshops during EMT weeks  Longitudinal Family Medicine clerkship begins in the first year of medical school (includes community preceptorship and experience with the residency programs) Pediatric and Surgery clerkship experiences begin during the summer between first and second year Condensed fourth year of medical school (no away rotations, no need for multiple residency applications and interviews, reduced electives with an intentional focus on preparation for primary care)

How do you apply?

Individuals should complete their AMCAS application and submit to USC School of Medicine Greenville
Indicate interest in the Primary Care Accelerated Track for Family Medicine by answering a few additional questions in the secondary application
After earning acceptance to the School of Medicine Greenville, PCAT applications will be evaluated by partnering Family Residency Programs, and applicants may be invited to interview for early acceptance into a 3-year Primary Care residency program in Family Medicine
Accepted PCAT applicants will be notified of their acceptance in the spring of their application year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The selection teams expect a commitment to family medicine as part of acceptance into the program. If one decides to pursue a different residency, they would be responsible for any repayment of the funds provided up to that point in time.

They should notify the Office of Admissions.

The Offices of Medical Education, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs will work with the individual to find an alternative or potentially delayed plan for entry into primary care family medicine.

School of Medicine Greenville