UMass Chan Medical School Launches Accelerated MD Track

Worcester, MA, July 30, 2025

News Summary

UMass Chan Medical School has introduced an Accelerated MD Track, allowing students to complete their medical education in three years. This initiative is a response to a looming shortage of primary care physicians in the U.S. by 2036. The program not only reduces educational time but also offers significant financial savings, potentially saving students $250,000 over their lifetime. This strategy aims to increase the number of physicians serving underserved communities, addressing critical healthcare needs across the nation.

Worcester, MA – UMass Chan Medical School is addressing a growing concern in the healthcare sector by offering an Accelerated MD Track, a program that allows students to complete their medical education in three years instead of the traditional four. This initiative comes in response to a projected deficit of up to 40,000 primary care physicians in the United States by 2036, as highlighted by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The program is one of only 33 such offerings in the country designed for students who aspire to careers in general medicine. By reducing the time spent in medical school, UMass Chan aims to boost the physician workforce, especially in regions that are underserved.

Data shows that there is no significant difference in medical knowledge or performance between those who complete their degree in three years versus the traditional four-year timeline. Experts, including Dr. Joan Cangiarella from NYU Langone Health, have observed that accelerated medical programs can help produce qualified healthcare providers more quickly. They highlight the importance of realizing that medical education is an ongoing process; much of what physicians need to know will be learned through their practice.

Tuition fees at medical schools average around $60,000 per year. The accelerated program not only shortens the educational timeline but also provides considerable financial relief, saving students a year’s worth of tuition. Estimates suggest that this model could save students approximately $250,000 over their lifetime by expediting their entry into the workforce.

Notably, up to 70% of graduates of some accelerated programs often choose to practice in rural or underserved communities. For instance, Diego Marroquin, a student from Guatemala, plans to serve in Lawrence, Massachusetts, which is recognized as one of the state’s poorest communities. His fellow student, Jason Denoncourt, emphasized that starting residency a year earlier allows for an additional year of patient care, which can significantly improve health outcomes in those areas.

As fewer medical students are entering primary care, programs like UMass Chan’s Accelerated MD Track offer a promising solution to enhance care in regions desperately in need of physicians. The combination of expedited education and a commitment to underserved populations represents a vital step toward mitigating the healthcare gap in the United States.

FAQ Section

Key Features of the Accelerated MD Track

Feature	Details
Duration	3 Years
Projected Physician Shortage	40,000 by 2036
Tuition Savings	$60,000 saved for one year
Lifetime Savings	$250,000
Graduate Practice Locations	70% in rural or underserved communities

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