Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) is a 4 -year pathway matriculating approximately 25 students per year.
Application Process
We welcome applicants from all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, and backgrounds.
Application to the Baystate Track|PURCH Pathway is made through UMass Chan Medical School's secondary application process. All applicants to UMass Chan must select whether or not they wish to apply to PURCH.
If you are interested in applying:
- First apply to UMass Chan through AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service).
- You will receive detailed information about PURCH with your secondary application materials.
- Complete the PURCH application on the UMass Chan secondary application website.
Interview Process
Those applying to PURCH will be reviewed for both PURCH and the traditional MD program. MD/PhD applicants may also apply to PURCH.
All Interviews are Virtual
UMass Chan Medical School uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process.
If you are invited to interview, you will participate in two separate interviews—one with raters at the main campus in Worcester and another to interview with raters at the Baystate campus in Springfield. MD/PhD applicants interviewing for PURCH will also have a third interview.
With interviews are being conducted virtually, touring the Baystate campus and meeting our students and faculty is virtual as well.
Take a video tour of Baystate Medical Center.
Email our PURCH Student Ambassador.
Visit Brightwood House @umassbrightwood.
Selection Process
Acceptance to PURCH is a joint acceptance between your degree program (MD or MD/PhD) and the PURCH Pathway, and is determined by an Admissions Committee of faculty representing both UMass Chan and PURCH.
UMass Chan uses a rolling admissions process. Acceptances begin to be offered on or after October 15 and can continue into June.
If you are not accepted into PURCH, you may still be considered for the traditional MD or MD/PhD program at the Worcester campus.
Opting Into or Out of the PURCH Pathway
Get complete information about the UMass Chan PURCH application process and Opt-In or Opt-Out policies on their How to Apply to PURCH webpage.
Any questions about policies around opting into or out of the PURCH Pathway should be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@umassmed.edu or 508-856-2323.