High school to med school

FAU says program is first of its kind in U.S.

Florida Atlantic University is admitting a new type of medical student: one who has just graduated from high school.

The university has created a program that allows graduating seniors from FAU High, a campus school where they earn high school and college credit simulta- neously, o receive a four-year full scholarship into the medical school.

Officials say they think it’s the first program of its kind in the country.

Four graduates received deferred admittance into the medical school. They’ll be able to start training as doctors as soon as the fall of 2018. They’ll be eligible to work as paid medical residents when they’re 22 or 23, which makes them significantly younger than the average FAU medical graduate, who starts a residency around age 30.

The four students signed their acceptance letters Friday at the medical school. The scholarship will save them $31,000 a year in medical school tuition.

“I’m overwhelmed with excitement. This is the most incredible opportunity I’ve ever been offered,” said Cara Busheme, 18, of Boynton Beach.

Busheme has earned about three years of college credit through her high school experience at FAU. She plans to finish her bachelor’s degree and work on research at FAU, with plans to enter med school as soon as the fall of 2019.

Max Rabil, 18, of Boca Raton, already has his bachelor’s degree from FAU, after tak-

ing a heavy load and summer classes during high school.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Rabil said. “It’s unique to be 18 and be accepted into medical school.”

The other students are Sarah Palumbo, 18, of Boca Raton, and Nadia Sial, 17, of Boca Raton.

To be accepted into the medical school pipeline program, students must earn their Bachelor of Science degree within one year of high school graduation. They also must complete a graduate program at FAU or an approved research program prior to entering medical school. They also must receive a passing score on the Medical College Admissions Test.

“We have an incredible group of gifted and talented students at FAU High School with an interest in medicine,” said Phillip Boiselle, dean of FAU’s medical school. “We are delighted for these exceptional students to continue their educational journeys at FAU.”

“I’m overwhelmed with excitement. This is the most incredible opportunity I’ve ever been offered.” Cara Busheme ,18