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Undergraduate Programs

For information on medical technology or speech pathology and audiology, refer to the respective sections of the Catalog.

MD Program

The MD program follows a problem-based curriculum, which was implemented in fall 1989. It includes the following key features: knowledge is acquired in problem-based modules; self-directed learning is fostered in small group tutorials; students are actively involved in the learning process; faculty members function as both facilitators of learning and resource experts; basic sciences are learned in the context of solving clinical problems; no discipline-specific courses are required; and interdisciplinary basic science lectures are integrated around cases. In addition, students are trained to think critically and to evaluate new information and research data. Evaluation is based on competence in a variety of problem-solving exercises. Early clinical and community experiences are also unique features of the curriculum. The curriculum courses are listed under biomedical sciences (BIOM).

Admission Requirements/Application Process
Candidates for MD training must have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours of college-level course work. A baccalaureate degree is strongly recommended.

• Biology (with lab) (8)
• Molecular and Cell Biology (with lab) (4)
• General Chemistry (with lab) (4)
• Biochemistry (4)
• General Physics (with lab) (8)

The science courses should be of the type acceptable for students majoring in the above areas (not survey-level) AND, where indicated, include laboratory experience. Additional enrichment in the biological and social sciences (e.g., immunology, genetics, microbiology, human anatomy, physiology, embryology, psychology, and sociology) are encouraged. Applicants also must be fully competent in reading, speaking, and writing the English language.

Applicants must apply through the American Medical Colleges Application Service (AMCAS). The service permits an applicant to file a single application, which is forwarded to as many participating medical schools as designated. Application request forms may be obtained from a pre-med adviser, any participating medical school, or the Office of Student Affairs after April of each year.

Applicants also must take the nationally administered Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which deals with knowledge of the physical and biological sciences and skills in verbal reasoning and writing, within three years of expected date of matriculation.

Each entering class of MD candidates is limited to 62 students. Correspondence regarding admissions should be directed to Admissions Office, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822 or via e-mail nishikim@jabsom.biomed.hawaii.edu. Further information may be obtained on the Web at hawaiimed.hawaii.edu. Applications are accepted from June 1 through December 1 for entry the following year.

Graduate Programs

The School of Medicine offers the master's and/or PhD degrees with concentrations in biostatistics-epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, public health, speech pathology and audiology, and tropical medicine. 

Refer to the specific departments for further information. Inquiries should be addressed to the chair of the specific concentration.

Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate medical education programs in Honolulu hospitals in family practice, geriatric medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pathology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, orthopedic surgery, and a transitional year are conducted by faculty and accredited as University of Hawai'i School of Medicine residency programs. Approximately 240 physicians are involved in training, which lasts one to seven years. These physicians serve as members of the house staff in the hospitals while studying their chosen specialty.

The school conducts a postgraduate medical education program at Chubu Hospital in Okinawa for graduates of Japanese medical schools.

Certificate Programs

Students majoring in other areas can earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Aging or an Advanced Certificate in Gerontology through the Center on Aging at the School of Medicine.

Undergraduate Certificate in Aging

The undergraduate certificate requires 15 credits of approved gerontology courses in three different departments, three courses at the 300 level and two courses at or above the 400 level.

Advanced Certificate in Gerontology

The Advanced Certificate in Gerontology may be earned by taking 15 credits of course work in gerontology, at least 9 of which are at or above the 600 level. Courses must be in three different fields (e.g. public health, law, social work, sociology, etc.) and must include an interdisciplinary seminar in aging and a field study experience with a related paper. With permission, classified graduate students may double-count 6 credits with their major area of study.

Admission requirements include classified graduate status at UHM or, for unclassified graduate students, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and aging related work experience.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate for Clinical Training

For students in medical technology, clinical training at affiliated clinical facilities follows graduation. A certificate is awarded at the completion of this training.

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