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 for students with a strong, demonstrated interest in psychiatry. The pathway enables students to complete all medical school graduation requirements within three years before applying to psychiatry residency programs through the national residency Match.
The curriculum retains the breadth of a comprehensive medical education while incorporating additional psychiatry-relevant experiences. To support completion of the curriculum in three years, some foundational and clinical experiences take place earlier than in the traditional four-year pathway. For example, ACE-Psych students begin their studies six weeks before traditional-pathway students and participate in earlier clinical experiences during their first two years, including in the emergency room and outpatient clinics.
Key Program Highlights
- Established in 2026, first cohort to matriculate in 2027
- Psychiatry-focused mentorship and career advising
- Structured opportunities to build relationships with psychiatry faculty, residents, and the broader department
- Guidance in preparing for the psychiatry residency application and Match process
Clinical Training
Early, longitudinal clinical training in both psychiatry and primary care.
Ideal Candidate
- Has a sustained and well-informed interest in psychiatry
- Is prepared for the pace and structure of an accelerated curriculum
- Demonstrates maturity, adaptability, self-direction, and effective time-management skills
- Values longitudinal mentorship and early engagement with the psychiatry department
- Is committed to caring for the communities and patient populations served by the program
Admissions
- Apply to the UC Davis School of Medicine through the traditional American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) process
- Complete the UC Davis School of Medicine secondary application, if invited
- If admitted to the School of Medicine, participate in an ACE-Psych panel interview to assess program fit, commitment to psychiatry, and readiness for the accelerated pathway
- Two students are admitted per year
Outcome
Enter psychiatry residency one year earlier than students in the traditional four-year M.D. pathway.
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.