FMAT | FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About FMAT
Q: Who is eligible for the FMAT program?
A. At most times of the year, the Texas Tech School of Medicine is recruiting for two FMAT Classes. Students who have already been accepted and enrolled as first-year students in the Texas Tech School of Medicine are eligible to apply for FMAT during the fall of their first year in medical school. Students who are applying to begin their first-year of medical school during the Admissions cycle (May through October) may also apply for FMAT. For example, during 2024-2025, students applying for medical school may apply to enter the FMAT Class of 2028, while students who entered the TTUHSC School of Medicine in the fall of 2024 (current MS1s) may apply for the FMAT Class of 2027.
Q. How many students will be accepted into FMAT
A. Previous classes have ranged from 6 to 20 students. A small class size ensures that each student receives close mentoring and support. In addition, because these students will enter the Texas Tech Family Medicine residency programs in Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa, it is necessary to restrict the FMAT classes to no more than about one-half of the size of each residency class.
Q. What are the criteria for acceptance into FMAT?
A. Students who are good candidates for FMAT are those with a definite preference for a career in primary care and family medicine and who have performed well academically at the time of application. Students should also be mature and have excellent study skills and preparation for a challenging year-round program.
Q. What are the application process and timeline for FMAT applications?
A. The online application for first-year students interested FMAT is available November 1 through February 1. The TTUHSC School of Medicine Secondary Application is available during the regular admissions cycle, which opens on May 1. In both cases, students who apply for FMAT are asked to answer the following questions:
- What motivates you to participate in the FMAT program?
- What experience have you had that would prepare you for this intensive program?
- What, in your opinion, distinguishes Family Medicine from other medical specialties?
For those who are applying as first-year medical students, interviews with the FMAT selection committee take place in early February, with every effort made to extend program acceptance by mid- to late-February.
Those who are applying during the TMDSAS Admissions process may indicate their interest on the TTUSOM secondary application. For those invited to interview for medical school at TTUHSC, an FMAT interview will be arranged.
Q If I am accepted into FMAT, when will I graduate from medical school?
A Students selected for FMAT will participate in commencement from medical school in May of their third year, although they will not complete all of their coursework requirements until the end of June. FMAT students begin three years of residency training the following July. For example, students selected for the FMAT Class of 2026 will "walk" in graduation in May 2026, finish coursework in June 2026, begin residency training in July 2026, and complete residency training in June 2029.
Q If I change my mind about a career in Family Medicine, or if I decide that I do not want to accelerate my medical training, can I opt-out of the program?
A Yes, you may opt out of the FMAT program during your MS2 or MS3 year and return to the regular 4-year curriculum. If you do not choose to complete the program, the scholarship that you received during your MS3 year will revert to a loan and will be subject to repayment.
Q What happens if I receive failing grades in FMAT coursework or other courses and clerkships?
A You will return to the regular 4-year curriculum and be expected to complete it with passing grades.
Q What happens if I don’t pass Step 1?
A You will return to the regular 4-year curriculum, and delay further training until you pass Step 1.
Q Will I be expected to take Step 2?
A You will be expected to take and pass Step 2CK prior to graduation, which is a Texas Tech School of Medicine requirement.
Q Will I need to enter the National Resident Matching Program (NMRP, or “The Match”)?
A Yes, you will still need to register with and participate in The Match, with the expectation that you will rank as your first choice the Family Medicine program where you complete the FMAT3 course. FMAT students may also choose to participate in the NRMP Match to apply to programs outside of TTUHSC. The School of Medicine will provide counseling about options during the fall of students' third year.
Q Can I also complete the MD/MBA or MD/PhD program?
A No, this intensive program will not allow time to complete these or other joint degree programs.
Q How will my residency training be different?
A Your 3-year Family Medicine residency training will not differ from that of non-FMAT students.
Q Will I be able to complete fellowship training following residency?
A Yes, in fact, pursuing additional training in geriatrics, palliative care, women’s health, adolescent medicine or sports medicine may be especially appealing, since you will complete your training one year earlier than had you not completed the FMAT program.
Q. When will campus assignments be made for the FMAT3 and residency years?
A Campus assignments are made for all students at the TTUHSC School of Medicine prior to matriculation. As with all TTUSOM students, FMAT students have the opportunity to request a campus reassignment, and opportunities are available for FMAT students to visit other campuses, if they choose to do so (some travel funds are available) and to rank their campus preferences. Every effort will be made to link students with their campus preferences for both MS3 and residency training years.
