New agreement creates pathways for Lipscomb's Biomolecular Science students to Belmont's Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, emphasizing diversity and shared missions
Belmont University and Lipscomb University today announced a new partnership that will create new opportunities for aspiring medical professionals. This collaboration between the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University and Lipscomb University's Biomolecular Science (BMS) master's program aims to enhance the pathway of diverse, well-prepared students entering medical education, with a focus on underserved populations and advancing health care in areas of need.
The partnership offers several key benefits to students and the broader community. Students who complete Lipscomb's one-year BMS master's program and meet specific academic benchmarks, including a 3.5 GPA and a minimum MCAT score of 505, will be guaranteed an interview for admission to Belmont's College of Medicine. This opportunity is particularly valuable given the highly competitive nature of medical school admissions.
Designed to attract a diverse applicant pool, including career changers and those aiming to enhance their academic credentials, the program partnership offers two entry points: a non-gap year option for direct entry into medical school and a gap year option for additional experience, accommodating different student needs and pathways to medical education.
Dr. Karen Lewis, associate dean for student affairs & diversity for the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, emphasized the partnership's focus on diversity: "We're committed to creating opportunities for a truly diverse group of future physicians who are likely to return and serve in their communities." The program's diversity focus has evolved to emphasize low socioeconomic status, first-generation college students, and those from rural backgrounds.
Lipscomb's Biomolecular Science program, with its strong track record of preparing students for medical careers, complements Belmont's mission perfectly. The program boasts impressive outcomes, with 77% of pre-med graduates accepted to medical school and 90% acceptance to Ph.D. programs.
Dr. Bonny Millimaki, professor of biology and director of the Lipscomb University Biomolecular Science program, emphasized the alignment of missions: "At Lipscomb, we're dedicated to preparing our students for lives of purpose, equipped with both knowledge and a commitment to service. This partnership with the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine not only provides our students with an incredible opportunity to further their education, but also allows them to apply our shared values of service to Belmont's mission to address healthcare disparities."
The BMS curriculum emphasizes the application of experimental research to medicine, offering advanced courses in fields such as Cancer Biology, Clinical Research, Immunology, Cellular Molecular Physiology, and Stem Cell Biology. Students can choose concentrations in Human Disease or Laboratory Research, gaining valuable experience and skills that set them apart in the competitive medical school application process.
Dr. Caleb Marsh, Director of Pathway Programs & Recruitment in the Office of Student Affairs and Diversity at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, highlighted the partnership's origins: "This collaboration grew from our shared commitment to service and institutional missions. Connecting Lipscomb's excellent BMS program with our medical school was a natural fit, creating a powerful pathway for aspiring physicians."
The pathway program is set to begin in the current academic year, with the first cohort of eligible Lipscomb students interviewing for admission to Belmont's medical school in 2026.
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