Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical & Health Professions Program (PB-PMHPP)

Faculty and Administration

John M. Kauffman, Jr., DO, FACOI, FACP, Professor of Medicine, Founding Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine

Amber Fedin, DO, Associate Professor, Family Medicine, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs

M. Renee Prater, DVM, Ph.D., Professor, Biomedical Sciences, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs

Jason Wells, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy, Associate Dean, Biomedical Affairs

Michael Rice, MBA, Ed.D., Director, Admissions

Delbert Abi-Abdallah, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Microbiology

Mark Andrews, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Physiology

Kassim Traore, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Biochemistry

Amanda Troy, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Anatomy

Yanfei Qi, M.D., Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Pharmacology

Mission

The mission of the Duquesne University College of Medicine is to provide excellence in medical education. The College will train physicians who will serve God, in the Spiritan tradition, by caring for all people in all communities, including in underserved urban and rural communities of Western Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world, addressing healthcare disparities among these communities. The College will graduate physician leaders in all medical specialties with a focus on primary care.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must possess the academic background and capacity to adapt to a rigorous academic environment and to successfully complete the curriculum. Additionally, the COM uses a mission-driven admissions process; therefore, the applicants should demonstrate a history of compassion, empathy, dedication, and an interest in care for rural or urban underserved populations as evidenced by community service, outreach-oriented clinical activities, or research to promote the advancement of biomedical science.

Applicants for admission to the Master's in Biomedical Sciences must meet the following requirements to be considered for an interview:

Must have completed a baccalaureate degree before matriculation.
- Courses must have been taken at an accredited institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants are encouraged to contact the COM Office of Admissions if there are any questions.
- Applicants who have taken coursework and/or earned a degree from a foreign institution must submit an evaluation of their transcripts by a transcript evaluation company which is approved by AACOMAS. Please see the AACOMAS website for a list of approved companies.
- Courses with equivalent content may be considered. The COM follows the AACOMAS definition of science courses to determine science GPA and science hours. See the AACOMAS website for more information.
Must achieve a minimum of a 2.75 science GPA and 2.75 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale. Higher GPAs are generally required to be competitive. Please note, it is not required for applicants to submit an MCAT score to be considered for acceptance into the program.
Must be proficient in data entry to complete time-specific assignments and assessments.
For those students intending to pursue additional health professions education following completion of the MBS program, or those who intend to participate in patient care, community service or outreach activities while enrolled in the MBS program, please refer to the DUQCOM Medical Student Handbook for information on course prerequisites and the COM Health and Technical Standards.

Academic Program

DUQCOM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and in pre-accreditation status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to award a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences degree, which is a ten-month education program based upon the first semester of the medical school curriculum. Students in the MBS program are educated in how the body’s structure and function are interrelated, and will gain important knowledge in the major biomedical science disciplines, which will prepare graduates well for improved performance on the Medical College Application Test (MCAT), for acceptance into and success in medical or other health professions programs, or for strong marketability to obtain employment in the research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industries. Students who complete the curriculum and requirements are recommended by the faculty of DUQCOM for conferral of the Master's in Biomedical Sciences degree by the Duquesne University Board of Trustees. Following graduation, students will typically enter a medical education or other health professions program, or pursue a career in biomedical research.

The MBS curriculum is intentionally designed to closely follow the first semester of medical school, spread out over ten months. During this time, students will have the opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge of biomedical science courses and explore anatomy system-by-system with the 3D mixed-reality system called HoloAnatomy. Additionally, students will hone critical thinking skills and prepare for the MCAT examination if appropriate and may have opportunities to integrate service opportunities into their program.

Biomedical foundations content will be presented in discipline-specific courses, as depicted below. Biomedical science courses will be delivered in a clinically integrated manner including case-based lectures, clinical cases, independent study modules, and small-group learning exercises in addition to traditional lectures and laboratories.

The Master's in Biomedical Sciences degree is a 32-credit degree completed over the course of two consecutive semesters in a ten-month period.

Fall Semester

MED 500 - Human Gross Anatomy 1 (3 credits)
MED 510 - Human Physiology 1 (3 credits)
MED 520 - Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
MED 525 - Foundations of Microbiology (2 credits)
MED 530 - Foundations of Immunology (2 credits)
MED 550- Medical Applications 1 (3 credits)

Spring Semester

MED 505 - Human Gross Anatomy 2 (3 credits)
MED 515 - Human Physiology 2 (3 credits)
MED 535 - Foundations of Pharmacology (3 credits)
MED 540 - Pathologic Basis of Disease (2 credits)
MED 545 - Evidence Based Medicine (2 credits)
MED 555 - Medical Applications 2 (3 credits)

Total credits required for MBS degree: 32

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, an MBS student must meet all of the following criteria:

Successfully complete (pass) the 32 required credits of coursework with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Meet all academic requirements and professional and ethical conduct expectations as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Complete all exit paperwork that is required by the COM and University.
Satisfy all financial obligations with the COM and University.

Academic Policies

Academic Standing

Academic Standing is defined as a student’s academic performance within the respective term. For students to remain in good academic standing, they must not have any un-remediated course failures.

Student Ethical Code of Conduct

Broadly speaking, a student at Duquesne University is expected to:

Read, understand, and accept the values contained in the Mission Statement.
Build upon the values they have received from their parents or guardians and strive to meet their expectations.
Be diligent and sincere in the pursuit of education, open to learning and change, and strive to achieve academic excellence.
Be honest and have integrity in all that they do.
Recognize the importance of service to others and the community.
Grow spiritually, preparing for life, not just a career.
Appreciate diversity and be open-minded.
Respect their bodies and avoid substances that have negative effects.
Develop a sense of self while defining their ethical and spiritual values.
Develop friendships by appreciating themselves and respecting others.
Be proud of Duquesne and show school spirit.
Be at peace with God and with themselves.

As future leaders, MBS students are expected to closely follow an appropriate level of conduct and professionalism, respect the rights of others and follow the expectations outlined in the Student Professionalism and Conduct Policy. All COM students are further expected to uphold the American Osteopathic Association’s Code of Ethics and to comply with the University’s Student Handbook and The Academic Policies (TAPs). DUQCOM students should be aware that they may be subject to sanctions for off-campus conduct as further described in these rules, regulations, and policies. No Policy or Handbook referenced is intended to be a contract and is subject to change. Students are expected to be knowledgeable about all published rules, regulations, and policies of the COM and the University. Students responsible for misconduct may be disciplined, following a hearing by the Professional and Ethical Conduct Committee (PECC), as appropriate, or by the adjudicating body outlined in the University’s Student Handbook and/or applicable TAP. Additionally, COM students are also expected to comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

At DUQCOM, students are challenged to think about the professional they will become, in keeping with the mission of the COM and the University. The goal is to help students model the characteristics that will best serve themselves and the community throughout their professional careers. This begins with being a successful and responsible member of the COM community.

Students are expected to uphold University standards of academic and personal integrity and promote responsible behaviors. The COM addresses alleged violations of the Student Handbook through a conduct process that emphasizes student learning and holds individuals accountable for their actions by providing opportunities for personal growth and respect for others.

During orientation, COM students will sign a statement that they have read and accept the terms outlined in the Student Handbook, and will abide by the COM Student Professional and Ethical Conduct expectations throughout their education; online students will receive this document via email and will electronically sign as an attestation of agreement to the terms. While students may encounter professionalism or ethical situations that are not specifically referenced in the agreement, the listed items are representative of the expectations for professional and ethical conduct.

Professional and Ethical Conduct Committee (PECC)

If a student has a professionalism concern that is brought before the PECC, the committee may enact one of the following consequences:

Verbal Warning (This does not become a part of the permanent record unless further professionalism concerns arise that warrant permanent record documentation).
Written Warning (This does not become a part of the permanent record unless further professionalism concerns arise that warrant permanent record documentation).
Formal Performance Improvement Plan (This does become part of the permanent record documentation).
Probation with criteria for removal from Probation. Students who have displayed repeated or serious unprofessional or unethical behavior may be placed on probation, suspension, or considered for dismissal (see below for suspension, and dismissal). (This does become part of the permanent record documentation).
Suspension with criteria for removal from Suspension. The committee has the option to suspend a student who has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, pending disposition of the charge. Students convicted of a felony and some misdemeanors will most likely be dismissed. In addition, this recommendation may be utilized for a student who has displayed behavior warranting medical or mental health assessment while pending evaluation. (This does become part of the permanent record documentation).
Dismissal - The committee has the option to dismiss a student who has had multiple concerns despite warnings and intervention, another concern arises after a student has already been placed on probation or suspension during their time at the COM, the student is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, or if the infraction is to a level where the committee cannot confidently recommend the student as competent in the professionalism competency moving forward. (This does become part of the permanent record documentation).

In addition to the consequences above, the committee may:

Specify a timeline or manner for resolution steps to occur.
Require further assessment, including but not limited to psychological evaluations, drug or alcohol screening/testing, or other evaluations that allow them to make appropriate recommendations. Such testing, if recommended, will be at the student's expense. The PECC will require a written evaluation from the party of the referral to determine if the student is at risk or presents a risk to the institution, students, or patient care.
Limit extracurricular activities.
Require service activities.
Make other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the PECC.
Require the student to sign a consent agreement requiring further evaluation/testing.

The student may appeal the PECC’s decision for consequences including probation, suspension, or dismissal. The appeal must be submitted by the student to the Dean in writing within 5 business days of the PECC’s notification to the student of the decision. The Dean will review the concerns and recommendations including all previous professionalism or conduct violations and render a decision. The Dean’s decision is final.

Student Academic Progress and Promotion (SAPP) Committee

The Student Academic Progress and Promotion Committee (the “SAPP Committee” or the “Committee”) oversees student academic progress, as more fully discussed below, including the process for student academic promotion and graduation. The Committee also meets regularly to review individual student progress and address concerns related to student academic performance.

The COM’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs serves as the chair of the SAPP Committee and the Associate Deans for Clinical Affairs and Biomedical Affairs serve on the Committee with duties as outlined below. Other Committee members include the COM’s Medical Registrar, the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Assessment, the Director of Medical Education, the Director of Clinical Rotations, and representatives from the clinical and biomedical faculty as determined by the COM Faculty Association. Additional members of the SAPP Committee may be appointed by the COM Dean.

The proceedings and deliberations of the SAPP Committee are confidential, and members are not permitted to discuss the proceedings outside the SAPP Committee other than with the Associate Deans, Dean, and other appropriate University administrators with a need to know.

In the event of an F course grade, the SAPP Committee will make one of the following decisions:

Require the student to remediate the failed course. Students who fail a remediated course will be required to meet again with the SAPP Committee with the likelihood of being dismissed.
Dismiss the student from their current curricular year and recommend the student be permitted to repeat the academic year with a learning contract. If a student fails a course during a repeat year, dismissal should be expected.
Dismiss the student from the program. The SAPP Committee will recommend dismissal if the student’s overall performance shows a failure to make academic progress, as evidenced by factors including but not limited multiple course failures since matriculation, or concerns related to progress in a previously assigned performance improvement plan. It should be noted that students who fail more than two courses in the academic year will generally be dismissed.