Amid a growing healthcare provider shortage in Polk County, Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine have announced a new six-year accelerated medical degree program designed to fast-track the next generation of doctors. The initiative, set to begin this year, marks a significant step toward addressing the critical need for physicians in a region that has half as many doctors, dentists, and pediatricians per 00,000 residents as the state average.
The shortage has been linked to the county’s rapid population growth, with reports indicating a surge in emergency room visits for non-emergent care and chronic disease management. This has created strain on the healthcare system, particularly in primary care access. The program, which will accept only 20 high-achieving students annually, is designed to produce more doctors faster, more affordably, and in greater alignment with the region’s healthcare demands.
Students will complete both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in six years, significantly shortening the traditional eight-year path (four years for undergrad, four for medical school), excluding residency. The accelerated curriculum will emphasize STEM-medicine integration, cost-effective education, and innovative academic partnerships to ensure the program remains both efficient and impactful.
Dr. Kiran C. Patel, founder of OCOM, and Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, announced the partnership in July. The program’s eligibility criteria include a minimum SAT score of 1390, an ACT score of 31, and a GPA of 3.5, with the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) not required. “This is a transformative opportunity for students who want to become physicians and are eager to begin serving their communities,” Stephenson said. “By combining rigorous STEM education with a clear, accelerated track to medical school, we are reimagining what’s possible in health education and responding to a critical need for more doctors across Florida and beyond. This agreement also reflects Florida Poly’s 25|30 Strategic Plan’s commitment to build capacity through enhanced partnership development, strengthening our role as a driver of innovation and impact.”