Pre-Med Pathways & Partnerships
Pacific Northwest Opportunities with Morehouse School of Medicine
Pacific Lutheran University is proud to partner with the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and the More in Common Alliance (MiCA). This national partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health / Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) addresses regional provider shortages and advances health equity by creating direct pathways for Pacific Northwest students to train and practice medicine in the communities they call home.
Partnership
The More in Common Alliance (MiCA)
Knowing that patients consistently fare better when treated by clinicians who share lived experiences and cultural backgrounds, the More in Common Alliance is a 10-year, $100-million initiative between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health.
The MSM MiCA MD Journey: Train in Atlanta, Return to the PNW
Morehouse School of Medicine actively recruits PLU pre-medical students for this unique regional training pathway. Students complete foundational medical education in Atlanta before returning to Washington State for clinical rotations and residency:
YEARS 1 & 2
Foundational MD Studies
Complete pre-clinical classroom and laboratory training at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
YEARS 3 & 4
PNW Clinical Rotations
Return to Washington to complete core clinical clerkships at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) regional medical sites.
RESIDENCY & BEYOND
PNW Practice & Service
Enter expanded residency programs across CommonSpirit Health/VMFH networks and practice medicine locally as a compassionate physician leader.
Featured Summer Pathway Program
Health Careers Academy Program PNW (HCAP-PNW)
PLU pre-med scholars actively participate in HCAP-PNW, a FREE transformative 6-week summer enrichment program offered by Morehouse School of Medicine and supported by a Pfizer Pharmaceuticals workforce grant in partnership with CommonSpirit Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and UW Tacoma.
What Scholars Experience During HCAP-PNW:
- Formal MCAT Prep & Exam Fee Coverage: Includes a structured MCAT prep course, three full-length practice exams, and full coverage of the official MCAT exam fee.
- In-Person Immersion: Two-week residential stay on campus in Tacoma with housing and meals fully provided.
- Clinical & Professional Development: Clinical shadowing at VMFH facilities, physician mentoring, White Coat ceremony, personal statement workshops, and mock interview prep.
- Virtual Prep Phase: Four weeks of intensive virtual MCAT strategy sessions and weekly academic assessments.
“Our scholars did not just attend a summer program, they became part of the Morehouse School of Medicine family. Hearing students say ‘I love Morehouse’ and ‘I can finally see myself becoming a physician’ reminds us why HCAP-PNW exists. We are helping students discover what is possible and empowering the next generation of compassionate physician leaders.” – Gloria Richard-Davis, Regional Dean, Seattle/Puget Sound, Morehouse School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Admissions & Contacts
Interested in exploring Morehouse School of Medicine or preparing your application for the MiCA PNW regional pathway? Connect directly with the MSM recruitment team:
MSM Recruitment Contact:
Aaren Hurd
Email: ahurd@msm.edu
PLU Pre-Health Advising Support:
Work with PLU Pre-Health Sciences Advising to align your prerequisite coursework and timeline for MSM admissions.
Explore Your Morehouse Pathway Options
Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with PLU Pre-Health Advising to learn more about HCAP-PNW and the More in Common Alliance.