The University of Georgia Athletic Association, The Georgia Way, and the University of Georgia School of Medicine have partnered to form a one-year pathway program for Bulldog student-athletes who are pursuing careers in medicine. 

"Dawgs to Docs creates another exceptional opportunity that highlights the university's commitment to our student-athletes and their professional development." J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. "We are thrilled about this partnership with the University of Georgia School of Medicine and continue to be proud of our student-athletes as they pursue excellence in competition and beyond." 

Following sophomore year, student-athletes can enroll in the new program, which will provide a guided pre-med pathway and the opportunity to be a competitive applicant for admission to the University of Georgia School of Medicine upon successful completion of program requirements. 

The program offers structured mentorship, clinical exposure and academic support tailored to athletic schedules as well as professional development. 

"With Dawgs to Docs, we are creating opportunities for these student-athletes to explore careers in medicine, receive meaningful mentorship, and ultimately serve patients and communities across Georgia," said Dr. Shelley Nuss, dean of the School of Medicine. "We are proud to help transform the leadership skills they have demonstrated in their sport into a lifelong commitment to improving the health of others."

In addition to a minimum sophomore standing, student-athletes must complete one full academic year of college-level biology and chemistry, have a college GPA of 3.5 or higher, a premedical GPA of 3.3 or higher at the time of application, an ACT/SAT composite score of 24 or higher or a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, a demonstrated intention to practice medicine in Georgia, and demonstrated evidence of UGA School of Medicine values. 

The program recognizes that student-athletes bring distinctive strengths, discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork that translates into success in medical school and clinical practice. 
The university announced in February 2024 that the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia authorized the establishment of a School of Medicine at UGA. Since that announcement, teams across the university worked tirelessly to prepare the new school to serve the state's healthcare needs.

Just two years later, in February 2026, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education granted preliminary accreditation, allowing the university to recruit and admit its inaugural class. By April, the School of Medicine had extended admission offers to prospective students amid incredible demand. More than 2,000 applications were submitted during a condensed two-week admissions cycle, and school officials interviewed 235 prospective students.

The UGA School of Medicine is now the second public medical school in the state. The 93,000-square-foot medical education and research building is scheduled to be completed this December, due in large part to the continued strong support of the Governor and the General Assembly.

For more information on this program and University of Georgia School of Medicine, follow this link: https://medicine.uga.edu.