If you’re a student in Delaware with dreams of donning a white coat, you might be surprised to learn that the First State doesn’t actually have any medical schools of its own. Fortunately, there are great opportunities nearby if you’re willing to travel across state lines for your medical education.
Most aspiring physicians from Delaware find their path to medical school through a specialized program, the Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research (DIMER), to one of two prominent institutions in Philadelphia: Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Essentially, these two schools function as the official medical schools for Delaware residents.
I’m here to help you navigate the unique opportunities and resources available to aspiring medical students in Delaware. Plus, I’ll cover what life in Delaware looks like for medical students who make the commute to medical school in Philadelphia.
This post is all about medical schools in Delaware.
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No Medical School in Delaware – How Residents Study Medicine
List of Medical Schools For Residents of Delaware
| Medical School | MD/DO | Location | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Accep-tance rate | Type | Tuition |
| Sidney Kimmel Medical College | MD | Philadelphia | 3.82 | 515 | 3.90% | Private | $63,366 |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | Philadelphia | 3.5 | 505 | 7.20% | Private | $64,248 |
How DIMER Connects Delaware Residents to Medical Education Opportunities
Even though Delaware is one of only four states without a medical school, it has a fantastic system in place to help locals gain admission to top programs. All Delaware residents automatically qualify for the Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research (DIMER) program. When you apply to medical schools and indicate your state residency, you’ll automatically receive a DIMER application.
Benefits of Applying Through DIMER
Although, as a Delaware graduate, you can choose to apply to any medical school of your choice, through DIMER, 20 spots are specifically reserved for Delaware residents at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, along with 10 exclusively reserved seats at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What does this mean for your future? As it turns out, your application gets a better chance, competing against only Delaware candidates rather than the full pool of over 10,000 applications for these schools. This unique setup actually boosts your odds significantly, with around 30 out of 90-100 Delaware applicants securing a spot. This results in an approx. acceptance rate of 30% for applicants through DIMER, compared to the general acceptance rates of around 7% for those medical schools.
Opportunities to Complete Your Medical Education and Residency in Delaware
DIMER works closely with various health systems and the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance (DHSA) to create strong partnerships. Medical students from Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) can complete their third and fourth-year rotations at the Delaware Branch Campus, including hands-on clinical training at top facilities such as ChristianaCare, Nemours, and the Wilmington VA Medical Center. PCOM also provides rotation opportunities at Bayhealth’s Kent and Sussex campuses and Beebe Healthcare.
Additionally, once you complete medical school, the residency landscape in Delaware is thriving! Programs are expanding at ChristianaCare, Nemours, Saint Francis, and Bayhealth. Plus, Beebe Healthcare just kicked off its Family Medicine residency program this summer.
Living in Delaware
A small state with only three counties, Delaware sits nestled between the Delaware River, which leads into the Delaware Bay, and the northeasternmost portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. As such, Delaware has a rich nautical history and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many state parks are situated along the coast, including the Delaware Seashore State Park, which is home to abundant wildlife and white sand beaches along its 26 miles of coastline bordering the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Commuting to Medical School in Philadelphia
You could reasonably commute to medical school in Philadelphia from Delaware. If you choose this option, Wilmington is a fantastic spot to call home. As Delaware’s largest city, it strikes a perfect balance between big-city vibes and small-town charm. Located just 30 minutes south of Philly along I-95, it’s also conveniently positioned between New York City and Washington, D.C. With its beautiful neighborhoods and affordable housing, Wilmington offers a great quality of life for those pursuing their medical education nearby.
Exploring Delaware
For a quick weekend getaway during one of your breaks, head south to the Delaware beaches, which offer phenomenal dining options, shopping, and attractions. From the historic seaside village of Lewes to the boardwalk attractions in Rehoboth Beach to biking across the Indian River Inlet Bridge to exploring the quaint seaside town of Bethany Beach, you’ll discover endless entertainment.
Fun Facts About Delaware
Here are a few interesting snippets that you may not know about Delaware.
- Delaware is often called the First State because it was the first state to ratify the Constitution.
- Delaware is one of a few states with no sales tax, so when you check out, you’ll pay the sticker price.
- Delaware Bay is home to the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world.
Options for Medical School in Delaware
As mentioned, while Delaware does not have a medical school within its state borders, through DIMER, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia, which provides an MD program, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, which offers a DO program, effectively act as the official medical schools for Delaware residents.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Located at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College is Delaware’s designated medical school for allopathic medical education. With a rather short commute north on I-95 from Delaware’s borders, it’s a practical choice for aspiring medical students from the First State.
Each year, SKMC sets aside up to 20 spots in their incoming class exclusively for Delaware residents. You must prove you are a legal resident and meet all the prerequisite requirements to qualify.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- US News Ranking: Tier 2 in Best Medical Schools: Research
- Average GPA: 3.82
- Average MCAT score: 515
- Admission Rate: 7.4% (in-state) / 2.03% (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- Tuition: $63,366
- Private
- Allopathic
Sidney Kimmel Medical College has a rich history dating to 1824. It has awarded over 31,000 medical degrees, making it the private medical school with the highest number of living graduates in the U.S. Continuing in its tradition of excellence, the college prides itself on preparing future physicians to lead healthcare delivery and research. The MD program has a strong focus on both innovation and quality patient care.
The Committee on Admissions considers various factors, including your academic record, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and experiences outside the classroom, such as community service and examples of your personal qualities.
To further increase your chances of securing an acceptance, consider the following tips.
- Highlight your academic achievements, volunteer work, and any relevant experiences in the medical field.
- Strong letters of recommendation can go a long way, so choose your references wisely!
- Prepare well for the MCAT, as the average score for admission is set at a highly competitive level.
- During the interview process, demonstrate your motivation for medicine, compassion, and strong communication skills. Being personable and genuine can make a significant impact.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is Delaware’s main medical school for earning your DO. The Philadelphia-based campus reserves up to 10 spots each year in its osteopathic medicine class just for Delaware students who qualify.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- US News Ranking: Unranked
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average MCAT score: 505
- Percentage of in-state students in first-year class: 43%
- Acceptance Rate: 7.2%
- Tuition: $64,248
- Private
- Osteopathic
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) takes a fresh, innovative approach to training doctors. It focuses on nurturing well-rounded professionals who are prepared for the challenges of modern medicine.
PCOM provides a unique learning experience – you won’t just be stuck in a classroom. Instead, you’ll have the chance to learn at various clinical sites, engage in exciting research projects, and take part in advanced electives as a senior.
Their OMM Clinical Scholars Program gives selected students unique clinical opportunities, along with mentorship from faculty, monthly stipends, and travel allowances. Students learn how to diagnose while tackling the issues facing patients and communities directly.
If you’re thinking about applying to PCOM, know that the admissions committee is looking for more than just solid grades. They’re interested in who you are as a person and the kind of professional you aspire to become.
Here are a few more tips to boost your application.
- Showcase your hands-on clinical experience, research projects, extracurricular activities, or relevant volunteer work. Use your essays to demonstrate your passion for medicine.
- Express your commitment to osteopathic medicine in your personal statement and during interviews. Share why this approach resonates with you.
- Communicate how your experiences have helped you develop strong interpersonal skills and a genuine desire to serve others. Compassionate care is at the heart of medicine.
- Share your ability to work well in teams and collaborate effectively in healthcare settings. Team-based care is essential in today’s medical environment.
- Keep up with current healthcare topics. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact patient care and the industry during your interviews.
Final Thoughts on Your Options for Medical School in Delaware
While Delaware may have scenic getaways to local beaches, stunning natural landscapes, such as the Delaware Seashore State Park, and no sales tax, you won’t find a medical school here. However, that doesn’t limit your possibilities for pursuing your medical education and career in Delaware in the least!
The DIMER program creates fantastic pathways for aspiring doctors. With access to esteemed institutions like the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Medical College, you’re in good hands as you embark on your medical journey.
Also, as you create your places to apply list, consider other nearby medical schools in Pennsylvania. Many of them have welcoming options for Delaware and New Jersey residents, so it’s worth taking a closer look at our post on medical schools in Pennsylvania to learn more!
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