Accelerated Medical Education Programs
3-Year Accelerated Pathways
ACE-Psych
Program Name
Accelerated Competency-based Education in Psychiatry (ACE-Psych)
What It Is
A three-year M.D. pathway designed to fast-track students into psychiatry careers.
Key Program Highlights
- Focus on psychiatry care
- Established in 2026, first cohort to matriculate in 2027
Clinical Training
Early, longitudinal clinical training in behavioral health.
Ideal Candidate
- Strong interest and experience in psychiatry
- Commitment to serving diverse or underserved populations
Admissions
- Apply through traditional UC Davis School of Medicine process using American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
- Complete UC Davis School of Medicine secondary application, if invited
- Once admitted to the School of Medicine, ACE-Psych panel interview to assess fit, commitment and academic readiness
- Two students admitted per year
Outcome
Enter psychiatry residency one year earlier than traditional M.D. program students.
ACE-Psych FAQs
Accelerated Competency-based Education in Psychiatry (ACE-Psych) is a rigorous three-year accelerated M.D. pathway for students committed to careers in psychiatry.
Applicants should:
- Be committed to psychiatry
- Demonstrate a commitment to underserved populations
- Meet UC Davis School of Medicine admissions requirements
Learn more about UC Davis School of Medicine’s admissions requirements
Candidates interested in the accelerated psychiatry pathway are encouraged to apply in the 2026-2027 application cycle.
Applicants apply to the UC Davis School of Medicine through AMCAS by October 1. If invited to submit a secondary application, candidates can indicate their interest in an accelerated pathway.
Students may also be identified through the UC Davis Endorsed Applicant Program, which highlights candidates with strong community ties.
The program will accept two students in the first year, with a goal of 4 to 8 students per class in future cohorts.
Students complete the same M.D. curriculum in an accelerated format with:
- A three-year timeline instead of four
- Early and longitudinal clinical training in behavioral health settings
Tuition is the same as the traditional four-year M.D. program. The first year may be slightly higher due to the earlier start date.
Program leadership recognize the financial costs associated with pursuing a medical career. If accepted, the accelerated programs provide a scholarship to help offset these expenses.
Students train in community-based settings, including:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Hospital systems
- Behavioral health clinics
Clinical experiences span psychiatry, substance use treatment and community engagement.