WAUSM and Goucher College Partner to Launch Strategic Pathways to Medical School for Aspiring MDS

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) and Goucher College are proud to announce a new partnership that will begin in Fall 2026 and creates a direct and strategic pathway to medical school for qualified Goucher students.

Through this collaboration, Goucher students who complete their bachelor's degree and the premedical prerequisites are eligible for direct admission into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) from WAUSM. Students who are exempt from studying abroad and begin their bachelor's in the summer of their first year may also qualify for an accelerated track, allowing them to earn both their bachelor’s and MD degrees in as few as six years.

This initiative reflects both institutions’ commitment to supporting future physicians with a clear, supportive, and academically rigorous route to medical school.

Dr. Paula Wales, WAUSM’s provost and chief operating officer, emphasized the alignment of values between the two institutions: “We’re excited to welcome qualified Goucher College students to the WAUSM family. Like WAUSM, Goucher College focuses on a holistic approach to student development and solutions that benefit society as a whole. We look forward to building on that foundation as we, in turn, train Goucher students to become outstanding, patient-centered MDs.”

WAUSM is committed to shaping the future of medicine through personalized education, a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and exceptional support. Students from Goucher College who choose this pathway will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities on a purpose-built campus near South Florida, along with hands-on clerkships at teaching hospitals across the United States, ensuring they receive top-tier clinical training that fully prepares them for residency.

WAUSM students consistently excel, with a 100% first-time pass rate on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam – clear evidence of the strength and effectiveness of WAUSM’s innovative medical education.

“WAUSM is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for diverse communities, fostering an environment that nurtures optimal learning and supports student success,” said Michael Marshall, vice president for enrollment and student success at Goucher College.  "We are delighted to offer our students a clear path to achieving their dreams of becoming MDs. Like Goucher College, WAUSM emphasizes small class sizes and a faculty dedicated to student success, significantly enhancing the educational experience."

Goucher has been known for advancing historically underrepresented groups in the sciences. Through a supportive environment and strong faculty, the college empowers diverse students to pursue and excel in scientific fields, fostering innovation and leadership. Furthering Goucher’s commitment to the sciences, the college is currently building the new 44,000-square-foot Lewent Science Center that will create an interdisciplinary learning environment for faculty and students' hands-on research. This state-of-the-art science facility is slated to open in Fall 2027.

Goucher College joins a growing list of US undergraduate institutions with articulation agreements with WAUSM. These agreements allow students from partner universities to automatically qualify for admission to WAUSM, provided they meet the established standards.

For more information about applying to Goucher College, visit goucher.edu/apply.

About Goucher College

Named one of the best national liberal arts colleges, most innovative colleges, and best colleges for study abroad by U.S. News & World Report, Goucher College inspires global changemakers and provides the academic and career experience that helps students become who they are meant to be. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Goucher believes in the power of global education and makes it possible for 100% of its students to study abroad as part of their undergraduate education. With a range of in-demand programs and small class sizes, the core curriculum equips students to collaboratively address complex problems, successfully navigate a global economy, and tackle humanity’s most pressing issues.  For more information, please visit goucher.edu and follow Goucher College on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok. 

About Western Atlantic University School of Medicine

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) provides opportunities for deserving US, Bahamian, Canadian, and candidates worldwide to become outstanding, patient-centered MDs. For more information, visit wausm.education.