LECOM introduced an innovative curricular pathway, the Primary Care Scholars Pathways (PCSP), as a response to the declining interest in primary care, and particularly family medicine. LECOM Primary Care Scholars will graduate in three years from the Erie, Pennsylvania Campus with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree that is equivalent to a four-year academic program.

About PCSP
LECOM’s PCSP is a first for U.S. medical education and brings LECOM to the forefront of competency-based education. PCSP accelerates the four-year medical school curriculum into three calendar years and greatly reduces the time and expense involved in earning a medical education geared toward primary care. Students will be trained in accredited graduate medical education programs in primary care and receive early clinical experiences coupled with primary care mentoring.

How PCSP Works
LECOM uses its experience with innovative teaching pathways to ensure that Primary Care Scholars receive the equivalent of four years of academic and clinical education to prepare for post-graduate training. Following unique courses and learning modules, students complete the first two years of basic science and preclinical education in under 20 months. They begin clinical training in March of the second year. Students must complete core competency-based clinical rotations that meet all the educational requirements necessary for primary care medicine. LECOM introduced new core rotations to continue OMM training and other essential medical skills. A sub-internship introduces students to the hospitals where they will continue their clinical training after graduation.

Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations at a number of local teaching hospitals provide added support for PCSP students.

These hospitals include:

• Millcreek Community Hospital
• St. Vincent Health Center
• Hamot Medical Center
• Meadville Medical Center
• UHHS – Richmond Heights