Pre-Medicine and Allied Areas

Health Professions Advising Program

Office: 203 Jewett Hall

(716) 673-3282

Ted Lee, Coordinator

Email: pre-medicine@fredonia.edu

Website: http://www.fredonia.edu/hpap

Fredonia graduates have enjoyed considerable success in gaining entry to medical, veterinary, osteopathic, optometry, dental and other professional health programs. The Health Professions Advising Committee closely advises and assists each pre-medical student and prepares a committee letter on his/her behalf. The complete credentials file is assembled by the Biology Department and submitted in a timely manner on behalf of each applicant.

While medical schools do not stipulate a particular major program of undergraduate study, they do require that students have minimum preparation in a number of areas including Biology, Chemistry, English, and Physics. The Fredonia Biology major meets the requirements for American medical schools and many students choose it as the most appropriate undergraduate pre-med program. Pre-Health students may select any major at SUNY Fredonia. Students interested in careers in the health professions should register with the Health Professions Advising Program as freshmen to ensure appropriate advice and assistance (register at the Department of Biology Office in Jewett Hall).

The Health Professions Advising Committee at SUNY Fredonia advises students on course selection and extracurricular activities. The committee interviews sophomores to provide advice early in the academic program and when the students are preparing to apply to health professional schools. It is highly recommended that all pre-health students use the advising services of the Health Professions Advising Committee.

Students who are seriously considering a medical, veterinary or dental career should seek appropriate summer employment/internship opportunities early in their undergraduate experience. SUNY Fredonia students regularly intern at local practices and clinics.

The book, Medical School Admissions Requirements (AAMC, Washington, D.C.) is essential reading for any undergraduate who is seriously considering medical school. Students may borrow the copy of this book from the Health Professions Advising Office. The office has other books and DVDs on careers in medicine and the health professions that students can borrow as well.

Early Acceptance program with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

SUNY Fredonia has an affiliation agreement with LECOM that allows students to earn a baccalaureate degree from SUNY Fredonia and a doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine. There are 2 tracks to the program; a 4+4 track where students complete their undergraduate degree at SUNY Fredonia before matriculating to LECOM and a 3+4 track where students complete 3 years at SUNY Fredonia and 4 years at LECOM. Students in the 3+4 track earn the baccalaureate degree from SUNY Fredonia upon completion of 30 credit hours at LECOM. Admission to the program is competitive and dependent on a number of factors in addition to the usual admission policies at SUNY Fredonia. Students may apply as high school seniors or as SUNY Fredonia undergraduates. Students interested in this program should contact either the Department of Biology or the Admissions Office for further details.

Combined Degree Program with University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

The Combined Degree Program is a seven-year dentistry program developed between the State University of New York at Fredonia and the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. This program allows participating students the opportunity to receive a baccalaureate degree in either Biology or Chemistry and a doctoral degree in dentistry. The first three years of the program are completed at SUNY Fredonia and the last four years are completed at SUNY at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. Admission into the program is competitive and dependent on a number of factors in addition to the usual admission policies at Fredonia. Students interested in this program should contact either the Department of Biology or the Admissions Office for further details.

Combined Degree Program with SUNY College of Optometry

This Combined Degree (3/4) Program is a seven-year program developed between the State University of New York at Fredonia and the State University of New York State College of Optometry. This program allows participating students the opportunity to receive a baccalaureate (B.S.) degree in Biology and a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in optometry. The first three years of the program are completed at SUNY Fredonia and the last four years are completed at SUNY College of Optometry. Admission is competitive and requirements are in addition to the usual admission policies at SUNY Fredonia. Accepted students are admitted into Fredonia's Biology major and simultaneously admitted to candidacy to the SUNY College of Optometry's professional program of study. Students interested in this program should contact either the Department of Biology or the Admissions Office for further details.