Thanks to Virginia Wesleyan’s Joint Program in Medicine with EVMS, premed students like Travis DeGraphenried ’12 are locked into a medical program as early as their sophomore year.
By Megan Z. Shearin | October 4, 2010
Junior Travis DeGraphenried from King George, Va., learned his sophomore year of college that he had been accepted into Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) following graduation from Virginia Wesleyan.
Through the College’s Joint Program in Medicine with EVMS premed students, like DeGraphenried, have the exclusive opportunity to apply for early admission to EVMS during the fall semester of their sophomore year. He is the College’s first premed student to be accepted into the program.
Not only does DeGraphenried not have to worry about applying for medical schools, but he is also exempted from taking the Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT), a standardized test that most medical schools require students to submit. Students accepted into EVMS are expected to complete a rigorous academic program while at Virginia Wesleyan and obtain substantive exposure in the medical field as an undergraduate.
“I was attracted to the program by the opportunity to get into medical school early and have one less thing to stress over,” said DeGraphenried, who is majoring in biology. “It’s exciting to be the first student accepted, and it’s a big honor. I really hope that because of me more students will try out for this great program.”“I chose Virginia Wesleyan College because of the family atmosphere and the ability to be a name on campus, instead of just a number.” – Travis DeGraphenried
Finalized in 2003, the joint program is highly competitive and selective. Only a limited number of students (one or two) can be chosen each year from Virginia Wesleyan. In order to apply, students must meet certain academic criteria, including an SAT score of at least 1250, an overall GPA from Virginia Wesleyan of 3.25 at the time of application, and the completion of at least 24 credit hours during their freshmen year.
Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, who oversees the joint program and serves as the pre-professional adviser, says the partnership gives students the opportunity to further their career in the health care profession.
“The program is great for motivated students who want to remain in the Tidewater area and have decided that medical school is the field they want to pursue,” she said. “Students can be locked into a medical program as early as their sophomore year.”
While DeGraphenried’s focus may be on pursuing a career as a pediatrician, he is active outside of the classroom in several of the College’s clubs and organizations. He is the President of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership society; Scholarship Chair and Alumni Relations Officer for Sigma Nu fraternity; a Resident Assistant and Wesleyan Ambassador; and a member of the Beta Beta Beta national biology society and the Philosophical Society.
“My favorite thing about Virginia Wesleyan is the ability to get to know so many of the people on campus, from the students to faculty and staff,” he said.
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