Temple University: A Haven For Aspiring Doctors

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University is located on the Health Science Campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school offers a Doctor of Medicine degree, as well as PhD and M.S. degrees in biomedical science, and a Narrative Medicine program. The school has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 1.3%. The curriculum takes five years to complete and includes a foundation in basic and clinical science, with the first two years taught in an integrated approach. The school has a strong focus on humanitarianism and providing quality education to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It also offers various resources and support services to help students with their applications and career development.

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

LKSOM has a strong reputation for training humanistic and dedicated clinicians, founded on the principle that quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means. This ethos is reflected in the school's emphasis on humanitarianism, as encapsulated by Sir William Osler's quote: "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease."

The school underwent significant revitalization under the leadership of Dean John Daly, M.D., an alumnus of the class of 1973. During this period, LKSOM hired 262 new professors in just four years, added clinical and basic science departments, and revamped its medical curriculum to align with evolving educational paradigms.

In November 2007, construction began on a new home for the school: the Medical Education Research Building (MERB). This $160 million project, which was completed in May 2009, represented the largest capital improvement initiative in Temple University's history at the time. The MERB boasts impressive features such as a modern anatomy lab, a fully interactive patient simulation centre, and a 24-hour library with individual study rooms equipped with multimedia capabilities.

The educational programs at LKSOM include:

• PhD/MS in Biomedical Sciences
• MA in Urban Bioethics
• MD/MA in Urban Bioethics
• Narrative Medicine Program
• Physician Assistant Program
• Postbaccalaureate Program

The curriculum at LKSOM is comprehensive and hands-on. The first two years focus on foundational knowledge, closely integrating basic science concepts with clinical medicine, professionalism, and medical ethics. Students in their third year rotate through core clerkships, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, while the fourth year offers a range of electives and sub-internships.

The school's curriculum and courses

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for a career in medicine. The medical student education program consists of a Phase 1 (pre-clerkship) curriculum, followed by a Phase 2 (core and advanced clerkship) curriculum.

Phase 1 is based on a single-pass organ systems model, integrating normal structure and function with disease states, diagnostic strategies, and patient management. During this phase, students are introduced to patient interviewing skills, physical exam maneuvers, and point-of-care ultrasound. They also explore socially relevant topics such as social determinants of health, patient safety, and biases in medicine. The Phase 1 curriculum allows students to take electives in the humanities, clinical disciplines, or research.

In Phase 2, students undergo core clinical clerkships in various specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. This phase also offers opportunities for independent study, scholarly projects, and a capstone course. Transition Courses are introduced at key points to facilitate the transition to different phases of the program.

Phase 3, the final year of the curriculum, focuses on advanced patient care responsibilities. Students take on roles in the emergency room, critical care units, and active participation in the work-up and management of patients. They also explore areas of interest through electives and complete a sub-internship in medicine, surgery, family medicine, obstetric and gynecology, or pediatrics.

In addition to the MD program, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine also offers a Physician Assistant Program. This program provides a solid foundation in basic and clinical science, with an emphasis on physical diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, and medical therapeutics. The didactic session is 14 months long and is followed by a second clinical year, where students gain hands-on experience through required and elective clerkships.

The school also offers a range of graduate-level courses in various medical fields, such as biochemistry, physiology, immunology, human anatomy, and medical pharmacology. These courses provide a strong foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine.

Application process and requirements

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) offers a Doctor of Medicine degree, as well as PhD and M.S. degrees in biomedical science. The school also offers a Narrative Medicine program.

The application deadline for the School of Medicine at Temple University is December 15, with an application fee of $100. The school conducts an individualized holistic review of each application, considering factors such as extracurricular activities, medical-related experience, community service activities, and research activities.

Candidates must apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and can only be considered if they are US citizens or have permanent resident or refugee/asylee status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After submitting a verified application through AMCAS, candidates will receive an email with details on how to access the Katz online supplemental application. The application is considered complete when the verified AMCAS application, supplemental application, application fee, Casper results, and required letters of recommendation are received.

Supplemental Application:

The supplemental application fee is $100 and is non-refundable. It is used to help the school identify the applicant's unique interest in Katz. Applicants can also use the supplemental application site to upload USCIS documentation, send updates to Temple, and monitor the receipt of checklist items.

Letters of Reference:

Katz considers letters of reference from a premedical committee, a packet from a school letter compilation service, or between three and six individual letters. If submitting individual letters, Katz prefers two letters from professors in the areas of biology, chemistry, or physics, and one additional letter from a non-science professor, work experience, or service activity. Letters from research experiences are also welcomed.

Standardized Test Scores:

All applicants must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three years of matriculation and no later than September of the year of application. The MCAT consists of four sections, with each section scored between 118 and 132, and a total score range of 472 to 528.

Applicants are also required to complete Casper, an online open-response situational judgement test (SJT) that assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics.

Institutional Action:

Applications from candidates with institutional action are not considered complete until a school statement describing the incident and sanctions is received.

Coursework Requirements and Recommendations:

Katz prefers a minimum of 90 semester hours from a US or Canadian university, and applicants should demonstrate preparation for the rigors of medical school and achievement in the sciences. While there are no absolute course requirements, Katz recommends that students complete coursework in biology, chemistry (general and organic), biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. In addition, students should have strong writing skills and a broad humanities education.

A bachelor's degree is required, and students must demonstrate capacity for excellence in the sciences, preferably with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

History and achievements

Temple University, also known as TU, is a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by the Baptist minister Russell Conwell and his congregation at the Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia, then called Baptist Temple. Today, Temple is the second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment, with about 30,005 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. It has a worldwide alumni base of 378,012, with 352,175 alumni residing in the United States.

Temple University was founded with the vision of providing superior educational opportunities for academically talented and highly motivated students, regardless of their backgrounds or means. The university has since expanded to include 17 schools and colleges, offering over 640 academic programs and over 160 undergraduate majors.

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine, founded in 1901, is one of the oldest schools at Temple University. It was Pennsylvania's first co-educational medical school and is one of seven medical schools in the state that confers the Doctor of Medicine degree. The school has achieved several notable milestones, including:

• In 1940, Temple opened the first child psychiatry clinic in the nation.
• In 1974, the world’s first university-based sports medicine center opened at Temple.
• In 1984, Philadelphia’s first heart transplant was performed at Temple University Hospital.
• In 2012, Temple became the first hospital in the world to treat patients suffering from esophageal disease with cryotherapy.
• In July 2014, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine were the first to remove HIV from human cells.

In addition to its medical school, Temple University has made significant contributions in various other fields. The university has six campuses and sites across Pennsylvania and international campuses in Rome and Japan. It consists of five professional schools: dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and podiatric medicine. Temple has a rich history and continues to be a leading educational institution, known for its research and innovation.

Student life and support

Student life at Temple University is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of activities and support services available to cater to students' holistic development and well-being.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Temple University boasts hundreds of on-campus clubs and organizations catering to a variety of interests. Students can explore and join various groups, including student-run clubs, community service projects, athletic events, and musical performances. These clubs provide opportunities for students to pursue their passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop their leadership skills.

Student Support Services

The university offers comprehensive support services to ensure students' academic and personal success. The Office of the Dean of Students provides holistic support, advocacy, and education, assisting students with any concerns and promoting their overall collegiate success. The university also has a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The Disability Resources and Services (DRS) office facilitates access and accommodations for students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive learning community.

Health and Wellness

Temple University prioritizes the health and wellness of its students. Student Health Services offers medical care, immunizations, sexual health services, and nutritional consultations. The university also addresses mental health through Tuttleman Counseling Services, which provides individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, and specialized programs like the Campus Alcohol and Substance Awareness (CASA) program.

Career Development

The Temple University Career Center empowers students and alumni to explore career options and develop professionally. Career coaches help students with career exploration, building their professional brand, and gaining relevant experience. The center also hosts career fairs, professional development workshops, and networking events, connecting students with potential employers and industry experts.

Athletics and Recreation

With a variety of recreational sports programs, Temple University encourages an active lifestyle for its students. The Independence Blue Cross Student Center (IBC) offers fitness conditioning, group fitness classes, and racquetball. Additionally, students can utilize facilities like Pearson and McGonigle Halls for basketball, volleyball, and swimming. The university also has intramural sports teams and sports clubs, allowing students to participate in competitive and recreational athletic activities.

Housing and Dining

The university provides resources to assist students in finding roommates, choosing meal plans, and navigating dining options on and off-campus.

Transportation

Temple University offers parking and transportation services, including shuttle services, car-sharing options, and information on public transportation in the area.

Technology

The university ensures that students have access to the necessary technology for their academic pursuits, providing information on email, Wi-Fi spots, and software.

Safety

Temple University prioritizes the safety of its students and offers emergency alerts and important safety information to keep the campus community informed and prepared.

Frequently asked questions