The University of North Texas College of Science is proud to partner with Midland College on the Primary Care Pathway Program, where students spend time at both Midland College and UNT to receive an accelerated degree in three years with a clear path to medical school ahead, essentially allowing students to complete eight years of school in seven. Diana Garcia Garcia is one of the first students to participate in this program, receiving her BA in Biology from the UNT College of Science.

"As a first generation student, I had no idea what enrolling for college entailed. This program guided me through many applications, setting up my schedules, research, and the medical school process," said Diana, who heard of the program through a college advisor. "There were many things that appealed to me, including the fast track and no MCAT. And it was beneficial because it was an affordable program."

Students must score no lower than a B in their courses to continue the program. During the first two years at Midland College, students obtain experience, shadow, apply, and interview for medical school. They also get connected to internship programs at Midland Memorial Hospital and the Health Science Center in Fort Worth before completing their final year of undergraduate studies at UNT.

Though it was a challenging transition from a small college in West Texas to the University of North Texas, Diana found the staff and faculty at UNT were committed to helping her succeed.

"Dr. Beck was extremely helpful during my time a UNT," she said. "She helped me set up my schedule so it met all the requirements for a bachelors. She guided me through my final year and always made time for me if I had any concerns."

The goal of the Primary Care Pathway Program is to help bring physicians to rural areas and provide health care to those who are underserved. Diana's next step after graduation is to finish medical school and return to Midland.

"I would like to go back and help the community that helped achieve my dream of becoming a physician. My goal is to open a practice like the one I participated in at the UNTHSC in Fort Worth," she said, "A clinic where people from underserved areas who can't obtain proper health care elsewhere can come and get treated. A clinic where students can come and practice their skills under a supervisor."

Diana says she would recommend this program to other students who want to become physicians. "The program has been a great blessing because the people truly invest in your success. They really become part of your family," she said. "The Primary Care Pathway Program is not easy, but it is worth it. I would do it again if I were to go back in time."

To learn more about the Primary Care Pathway Program, visit https://www.midland.edu/academics/university-partnerships/unt.php