ACSOM MD Direct Program Online
Command your Future. Begin Your Legacy.
MD Direct Program Online
The MD Direct Program is an intensive, online premedical preparatory program designed to strengthen foundational biomedical knowledge, develop early clinical reasoning skills, and prepare students for the academic rigor of medical school–level coursework and NBME-style assessments.
Program Goals:
The MD Direct Program aims to:
- Bridge gaps in foundational biomedical sciences for premedical students
- Promote strong concept-based understandingrather than rote memorization
- Introduce clinical reasoning and medical terminology early in training
- Prepare students for NBME-style examinations and medical school expectations
- Foster independent learning, accountability, and effective study strategies
Application Entry Points:
- Apply directly to the program using the ACSOM Application and choose MD Direct Program under Program of Interest. Upon acceptance and submission of seat deposit, the Student Support Services Team will assist you with matriculating to campus.
- Admissions Committee referral to the MD Direct Program post interview for the 4-Year MD Program.
Upon acceptance and seat deposit is submitted, the Student Support Services Team will assist you with matriculating to campus.
MD Direct Program Admissions Criteria:
Bachelor’s
Degree Transcripts
Bachelor’s degree is required. No requirement for a major as long as the required courses listed below have been taken.
Pre-Requisite Courses
One year of biology consisting of general biology or higher;
two semesters of general chemistry;
one semester of organic chemistry;
one semester of algebra or biostatistics;
one semester of physics. Waivers and substitutions are available on a case by case basis.
MCAT not required
We DO NOT require the MCAT for the MD Direct Program.
Fluency
In English
Fluency in English is fundamental to thriving in our academic community. Prospective students are expected to demonstrate a strong command of the English language, ensuring they can actively participate in discussions, comprehend complex texts, and articulate ideas effectively.
Record of Good Conduct
At our university, we prioritize fostering a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. To ensure the well-being and academic integrity of our community, a Record of Good Conduct is a prerequisite for admission. This helps us ensure that all incoming students align with our values and standards, promoting a harmonious campus culture.
Resume, Personal Statement, and LOR’s
We require a history of academic achievement and commitment to succeed in medical school and as a medical doctor.
Program Structure
The MD Direct Program consists of two sequential academic modules delivered under a single program structure.
Program Structure
- Module Name Duration Assessment
- Module 1: Decelerated Foundations of Medicine (dFOM) Weeks 1-10 dFOM Final Exam
- Module 2: pre-Attack & Defense (preAAD) Weeks 11-15 preAAD Final Exam
Each module is graded independently. Participation in both modules is required to complete the MD Direct Program.
Instructional Model
The MD Direct Program follows a medical school–aligned instructional rhythm that combines:
- Daily live morning instruction
- Once-weekly guided afternoon sessions
- Protected independent study and pre-work time
This model is intentionally designed to promote self-directed learning, long-term retention, and professional study habits consistent with medical education.
Daily Schedule Overview
Morning Sessions (Monday–Friday)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PST)
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EST)
Morning sessions include:
- Live online lectures
- Integrated clinical case discussions
- NBME-style concept application
- Guided review of high-yield mechanisms
Daily sessions assume prior student preparation and focus on conceptual integration rather than first-exposure memorization.
Afternoon Structure
Outside of scheduled live instructional sessions, the MD Direct Program requires full-time independent study comparable to medical school expectations.
Scheduled Afternoon Sessions
Each week includes one required structured afternoon session, typically held between:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (PST)
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EST)
These sessions may include:
- Clinical case–solving skills
- Medical terminology and clinical language
- Histology
- Introductory physiology integration
- Review or remediation activities
Scheduled afternoon sessions are clearly identified in the weekly calendar.
Independent Study (All Other Non-Instructional Time)
All time outside live instructional sessions—including afternoons, evenings, and weekends—is designated for independent academic work. Students are expected to use this time to:
- Complete assigned pre-work for upcoming sessions
- Review and consolidate lecture material
- Complete practice questions and assessments
- Address identified knowledge gaps
Independent study in the MD Direct Program is not limited to a specific time block and reflects the expectations of medical school training, where learning continues well beyond formal instruction hours.
Module 1: Decelerated Foundations of Medicine (dFOM)
Duration: Weeks 1–10
The Decelerated Foundations of Medicine (dFOM) module introduces core biomedical sciences at a medical school–preparatory level. Emphasis is placed on understanding mechanisms of disease, integrating concepts across disciplines, and applying foundational knowledge to clinical scenarios.
Content Areas
- Cell and molecular biology
- Biochemistry and metabolism
- Genetics
- Pathology and oncology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology and endocrinology
Weekly Content Overview
- Weeks 1–2: Cell biology, molecular biology, enzymes
- Weeks 3–4: Biochemistry and metabolism
- Weeks 5–6: Genetics
- Weeks 7–8: Cell injury, oncology, pharmacology
- Weeks 9–10: Physiology, endocrine systems, integrated review
Assessments
- Practice exams (formative)
- Four proctored module exams
- dFOM Final Exam (summative)
Module 2: pre-Attack & Defense (preAAD)
Duration: Weeks 11–15
The pre-Attack & Defense (preAAD) module builds upon the dFOM foundation and focuses on host defense mechanisms and microbial pathogenesis, integrating immunology and microbiology with clinical application.
Content Areas
- Innate and adaptive immunity
- Immune system disorders and hypersensitivity reactions
- Vaccines, transplantation, and immunosuppression
- Bacteriology and virology
- Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance
Assessments
- Practice exams
- preAAD Final Exam (summative)
Student Workload Expectations
Students should anticipate:
- Daily pre-work prior to live instruction
- Active participation in all scheduled sessions
- Regular self-assessment using exam-style questions
- Full-time engagement with course material outside scheduled instruction hours
The MD Direct Program is intentionally designed to mirror medical school pacing, where mastery depends on sustained, self-directed study beyond formal teaching sessions.
Conclusion of:
MD Direct Program
Upon successful completion of the MD Direct Program, students may be offered scholarships based on performance in the MD Direct Program, their New Student Welcome Packet, and be connected with the Financial Aid Office and Student Support Services.
Start Dates
- Option 1: March 23-July 1, 2026 – May 2026 Successful completion of the program to begin in the July 2026 cohort.
- Option 2: Aug 2026 – Nov 2026 Successful completion of the program to begin in the January 2027 cohort.
Location: The MD Direct program is held online. The MD program is 2-years in Dominica and 2-years in U.S. teaching hospitals.
Tuition and Fees:
- Tuition & Fees
$3,000 USD - Technology Fee
$1,250 USD
Estimated total cost of attendance: $4,250.00
Student Visa
ACSOM will work directly with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to facilitate your student visa.