Financial Aid & Scholarships  

Financial Aid, in the form of loans or scholarships, is available to all full-time medical students who meet specified requirements set forth by the agency, organization or individual providing the aid. 

Loans are available through the Department of Education’s FAFSA website (recommended) and through private banks and lenders (not recommended). All students should first borrow a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan as it offers more protections and a lower interest rate than the typical private loan. To apply for this loan, a student must complete a FAFSA. Once these funds are expended, students may wish to consider a Grad PLUS loan to cover any remaining expenses as the same federal repayment and protection options also apply to this loan.  It is highly recommended that every student complete a FAFSA prior to the April 1st priority deadline set by the University of South Carolina regardless of their intention to accept loans or aid in any form. This is recommended to ensure that a student has prompt access to funds should an emergency arise. Private loans are associated with higher interest rates and should only be considered when all other options have been exhausted.  

Additional information on loan options and calculation tools is available on the USC Financial Aid website & the USC SOMG Financial Aid page. 

All students matriculating at the USC School of Medicine Greenville are considered automatically for scholarships; however, if extenuating financial circumstances exist, they are encouraged to complete the Optional Scholarship Application available on the Financial Aid website.  A Scholarship Committee evaluates the applications and makes decisions on scholarship awards.  For additional details, please contact the Office for Financial Aid.  

There are also a limited number of scholarships available to students in the M2-M4 year; however, they do not require a separate application. Criteria for these continuing student awards are listed on the Scholarship page of the Financial Aid website. Students are also encouraged to research and apply for scholarships from outside providers.  

Note that a scholarship award may decrease a previously posted loan allotment since total scholarship and loan awards cannot exceed the approved cost of attendance which can be found HERE. 

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Expenses 

Tuition is determined in June, and then posted online by July 1st of each year. Bills are posted to Self Service Carolina (SSC) around July 15th of each year. Tuition, fees and estimates for living expenses can be found on the financial aid website. Be mindful that fees and expenses will change as you progress through medical school (e.g. The Gross Anatomy fee is paid only in the Spring of the M1 year). 

Tuition Refund Policy 

The University will refund a part of academic fees in cases of drop/withdrawal from the USC School of Medicine Greenville in accordance with the Tuition Refund Policy. Please review the policy bulletin for details and direct any questions to the Financial Aid Office. 

Student Support Services 

Educational Testing Services 

Students who encounter academic difficulties that may be associated with a previously known or unknown disability may be referred for a consultative visit with a clinical psychologist and a learning strategist to be evaluated for potential learning disabilities, deficits in retention and recall, attention deficit disorder, auditory processing disorders, etc. The Office of Student Affairs is available to assist with the referral of any student recommended to undergo evaluation and diagnostic assessment. Any associated costs of SOMG recommended testing and follow‐up will be covered by the USC School of Medicine Greenville if completed at the school determined testing center or provider. 

Services for Students with Disabilities 

The USC School of Medicine Greenville is committed to supporting students who require accommodations in the attainment of their academic objectives. The USC Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) serves as a resource to help students with documented disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in testing and assessment.   

Students should review the SDRC website and application process in its entirety. If students have any questions, they are strongly encouraged to contact the Manager of Student Affairs.  

Please see the Curriculum Accommodations Policy for more details.   For additional information, medical students should contact: 

Student Disability Resource Center 
University of South Carolina 
803-777-6742 
SDRC Website 

Student Conduct & Behavior 

Honor Code 

The Honor Code is a set of principles established by the university to promote honesty and integrity in all aspects of a student’s academic career. It is the responsibility of every student at the University of South Carolina to adhere steadfastly to truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty in connection with any academic program. A student who violates, or assists another in violating the Honor Code, will be subject to university sanctions. 

Every student enrolled at USC School of Medicine Greenville is expected to abide by the Honor and Professionalism System at all times while on the campuses of USC School of Medicine Greenville, partner health system campus, as well as off campus and in the community. The Student Code of Conduct extends to incidents off campus which may adversely affect the USC School of Medicine Greenville community, or which may affect the school’s pursuit of its mission. 

Any conduct within the USC School of Medicine Greenville community that undermines the spirit of the Honor and Professionalism System is a violation. Specific incidents will be considered with regard to the context in which they occur, the alleged infraction, and the magnitude of the alleged offense. Violations of the Honor Code, Professionalism or Student Code of Conduct standards include, but are not limited to: 

Academic Integrity 

• Lying - including any form of dishonesty or misrepresentation, omission, fabrication or falsification of documents or clinical reports 

• Cheating - using or attempting to use any unauthorized materials, devices or study aids in or prior to an examination, OSCE or any other academic work. Giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance in the completion of any examination, OSCE or other academic work as well as preventing or attempting to prevent others from using authorized materials 

• Plagiarism - Use of work or ideas without proper acknowledgment of source. 

Student Conduct 

• Stealing  

• Bullying, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination based on immutable characteristics/chosen identities  

• Intentional unsolicited physical contact (shoving, kicking, unwanted touching, etc.)  

• Verbal threats of physical harm    

• Retaliation by an accused student in response to an accusation is considered a breach of professionalism. Retaliation is any conduct causing interference, coercion, restraint, or reprisal against a person making a complaint or against a person assisting in any way in an investigation and resolution of the complaint  

Professionalism 

• Repeated written communications, verbal, or nonverbal insensitivity or rudeness towards others including faculty, staff, visitors, and classmates, which may present as disruptive, demanding, aggressive (including passive aggressive), offensive, degrading and/or overly critical comments or behavior 

• Inappropriate communication (in-person, email or via social media) e.g., consistent unhelpful and off-topic contributions, sharing of sexually explicit language and/or images 

• Refusal to meaningfully participate and/or work collaboratively with others or to follow best practice    

• Violating expectations set forth in the Guidelines for Conduct in Medical Educator/Learner Relationship   

• Violating expectations set forth in the Professionalism in Student Research 

• Repeated tardiness, or violations of absence policies, or exam procedures based on the following policies: Exam Tardiness and Unscheduled Absence policy, M1 and M2 Student Attendance, M3 and M4 Student Attendance, IPM Attendance, Clinical Skills Examination, Proctored Environment for Multiple Choice Assessments  

• Inappropriate conduct on campus or in the community   

Course/Faculty Evaluation 

• Failure to complete Course/Faculty Evaluation as described in Course and Faculty/Resident Evaluation Completion policy. 

Advising 

Success Navigators 

Success Navigators are educational specialists who support the whole student with a focus on student wellbeing, including academics, personal wellness, engagement opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, and community engagement. Success Navigators meet with their assigned students throughout the year, review all students’ grades, reach out to students needing additional support, and ensure interventions and referrals to maximize students’ growth and achievement.   

Career Counselors 

Career Counselors are physicians holding clinical appointments at USC School of Medicine Greenville. Career Counselors provide general career and schedule guidance to students throughout their four years of medical school. Career Counselors are primarily responsible for advising, mentoring, and supporting students while assisting them in acquiring the skills, information, and resources necessary to choose a specialty. They ensure, along with the Career Advising Team, that students are adequately prepared to successfully select and apply to the specialty of their choosing. Medical students and their respective Career Counselor have two required meetings per year. If you have any questions about Career Counseling, please contact the Career Services Coordinator.  

Specialty Advisors 

At the end of 3rd year students are provided a list of specialty advisors. Specialty advisors are selected by the department with the expectation they are up to date on all the requirements, competitiveness, and expectations of students applying into that specialty. Specialty advisors work closely with the Career Advising Team on both group meetings for students and coordinating individual specialty advising during the M4 year. More detailed information on this process is provided during mandatory class meetings.  

Career Advising Programming 

There are several annual events throughout the academic year dedicated to career exploration and residency preparation. The Career Advising Lunch and Learn Series features a Q&A panel of physicians from diverse specialties discussing their training, specialty choice, daily routines, and work-life balance. Every spring, the Office of Student Affairs organizes a Residency Showcase where all Prisma Health Upstate residency programs are presented, allowing students to connect with contacts in their desired specialty or explore various specialties offered by Prisma Health. Additionally, the Specialty Mixer is an annual event where recently matched fourth-year students provide guidance and insights to underclassmen interested in their specialties. Please note that we are continually adding new events and opportunities throughout the year—this list is not exhaustive. For event dates and details, please refer to the Med Student Greenville Canvas page and the student events calendar.  

Residency Application Advising 

Class meetings are held by the Office of Student Affairs, in partnership with the Office for Medical Education to provide students with a step-by-step overview and advising for away rotation applications and residency applications. These meetings are communicated and scheduled via school email at the beginning of each academic year. Throughout the application season, students will work with the Office of Student Affairs Career Advising Team on personal statements, experience write-ups, CVs, and mock interview resources. The OSA Career Advising Team will also ensure you are engaged with your intended specialty and are appropriately researching and identifying appropriate programs to apply for residency.  

Resources 

Within the Med Students Greenville Canvas page there is a section dedicated to career services. This has excellent career guidance and resources such as SOMG graduate match history, specialty specific links and information, CV and personal statement resources, VSLO and away rotation information, and so much more. The Office of Student Affairs keeps this page updated with data and resources as they are released. 

Service Learning & Community Engagement 

Service Learning and Community Outreach 

Student Health Services 

The USC School of Medicine Greenville is committed to providing all students with appropriate healthcare and personal counseling in a compassionate, confidential, and professional manner.   

A clinician who has provided medical or psychological services for a medical student will not serve in an evaluative capacity for the student or supervise educational activities that result in evaluation or assessment. In addition, if an assigned assessor cannot provide an objective assessment of a student due to a personal or familial relationship, then they will not serve in an evaluative capacity for the student or supervise educational activities that result in evaluation or assessment. In addition, faculty members with a conflict of interest in assessing a student will recuse themselves from voting on Student Evaluation Promotion Committee (SEPC) decisions.  Please review the conflict of interest policy for more details. 

Primary Care  

For primary care, students can choose a practitioner from any Prisma Health Primary Care practice. By choosing one of these practices, a student is choosing their medical home during their time at the School of Medicine Greenville. Faculty members who see a particular student at their medical home must  recuse themselves from ever being involved in that student’s evaluation or advancement process. For a full listing of practices please see https://prismahealth.org/services/primary-care. Registration staff at the practice will obtain students' demographic and insurance information. Students will be required to pay the copay that is designated by their insurance company and their insurance will be billed.   

Any remaining primary care changes will be covered by the student health fee (included in tuition) and will not be the responsibility of the student. Students who elect to use out-of-network insurance with Prisma Health or any other facility must contact their insurance carrier and/or PCP to obtain authorization for services.  Only after a formal, written denial will SOMG be responsible for bills arising from care provided under these out-of-network plans.  If authorization is secured, the student will be responsible for any co-pay and/or co-insurance for services rendered. Students should be aware that a fee may apply when they do not show or cancel appointments within 24 hours at these practices. For acute yet non-emergent health needs students will have two options for care: the Team Member Care Center (TMCC) located at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Greer Memorial Hospital, or Oconee Memorial Hospital; or any Prisma Health Urgent Care practice. The Team Member Care Center is staffed by several experienced nurse practitioners with physician back-up and referral when clinically indicated. The hours of operation are from 8:00AM – 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. Same day appointments (455-2455) are available, or through the MyChart app. Visits to the TMCC are covered by the student health fee with no out of pocket payment required by the student. 

Women’s Health  

Women’s health services are available at many primary care locations for routine well woman exams, pap testing, and contraceptive counseling. If an OB/GYN appointment is desired, please visit https://prismahealth.org/services/womens-health  

Urgent Care  

Prisma Health Urgent Care is also available to students for nonemergent health needs. Services provided will include routine and sick care, radiology services, lab services, vaccinations, and basic care for minor injuries. Students will be required to pay the co-pay designated by their insurance company for visits with Urgent Care and the student's insurance will be billed for the visit. Any remaining primary care charges will be covered by the student health fee through USC reimbursement after the bill has been first paid by the student. Students should be aware that their co-pay at an urgent care facility will be higher than at a primary care office and plan accordingly. For a full listing of Urgent Care facilities please visit: https://prismahealth.org/locations/practices/urgent-care.   

Subspecialty Care  

When clinically indicated, students are referred to a Prisma Health subspecialist; the cost of visits to subspecialists will be the responsibility of the student and their insurance provider.  

Additional Information  

To search for a Prisma Health physician in any area, the following link is recommended: https://prismahealth.org/find-a-doctor 

Pharmacy Services  

Students may use Prisma Health Pharmacy at Greenville Memorial Hospital to have non-controlled prescriptions filled. Students who require controlled medication may fill that medication at Prisma Health Pharmacy – Cross Creek located in Cross Creek Medical Park at 111 Doctors Drive. Students may also contact the Student Health Center at the University of South Carolina and request that a 3-month supply of any non-controlled medication be shipped to their homes. Additional pharmacy locations can be found by visiting: https://prismahealth.org/services/other-services/pharmacy-services.   

Counseling & Behavioral Health Services  

Julian "Jules" Green is a licensed therapist who loves to teach individuals how to heal from stress, trauma, and disruptive patterns which keep them stuck. Jules facilitates therapy from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive perspective which incorporates an eclectic approach including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), somatic experiencing (body-based interventions) and EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing).   

Prisma Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) powered by LifeWorks also offers various resources and counseling delivery options to allow for flexibility 24/7/365. The structure of the EAP is to provide short-term and solution focused counseling, legal consultation, financial consultation, and access to resources. Counseling uses a solution-focused model. This short-term solution focused counseling model supports a maximum of six (6) EAP visits per participant per issue per year. The EAP counselor will refer students to community resources or private practitioners for longer-term and/or specialized services.  Legal support provides a one-time consultation, per issue, up to an hour in length, with a lawyer that has experience in the specific area of law required and the applicable state. Legal support is designed to be general in nature, meaning that, should an individual need to engage the services of a lawyer, they would not be covered under the EAP. Financial support services provide a onetime consultation, per issue, to connect individuals to financial professionals to support issues such as debt and credit management, budgeting, tax & estate planning, and retirement planning, to name a few. We do not provide investment advice through this EAP service.  

1.Face-to-Face Counseling is an in-person appointment at the counselor’s office. Note: Prisma Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on-site counselors are located at 1020 Grove Road, however services are not limited to only our on-site EAP counselors. Our EAP is staffed by licensed counselors who have no role in medical education.  

2. For a Telephone Counseling appointment, the counselor will call the client at a designated time at a number provided by the client. Telephone Counseling can occur anywhere the client is able to speak on the phone.  

3. Text-based resources are provided through our Health & Wellness resource kits. These are clinical resources – usually a self-help book, a workbook, and community resources – that the client can use to work through an issue at their own pace. Our Health & Wellness Resource Kits topics include parenting children, parenting teens, relationships, nutrition, managing stress, career development and job loss and transition.  

4. Video Counseling offers a real-time “face-to-face” feeling by utilizing a computer. Video counseling can even be used to have a couple or family counseling session with participants in different locations.  

 Contact 866-656-9984 to schedule short term solution focused counseling, legal consultation and/or financial counseling. Visit http:// www.prismahealth.lifeworks.com/  

Prisma Health Psychiatry   

Outpatient services provide confidential psychiatric services to USC School of Medicine Greenville students. Students will be evaluated by Vina Jain, MD, a psychiatrist who is not involved in the teaching of medical students. Appointments are available on the first or third Tuesday afternoon of each month at her office (702 Grove Road). No referral is needed. To make an appointment, students should call 864-455-6968 and leave a message. In the message, they should state that they are a student. A call will be returned to make an appointment and verify demographic/insurance information. Students will be required to pay the co-pay that is designated by their insurance company and their insurance will be billed. Any remaining charges will be covered by the student health fee and will not be the responsibility of the student. The required co-pay can be paid over the phone or by stopping by the Psychiatry Outpatient Services main office at 725 Grove Road (Marshall Pickens Hospital). Students should be aware that a fee may apply when they do not show or cancel appointments within 24  hours at this practice. 

From Dr. Jain:   

The most common reasons I see students:  

• Transfer of Psychiatric care from an out of state provider  
• Difficulty with adjusting to being a new medical student and or life changes such as a  
move or changes in relationships.  
• Depression  
• Anxiety and/or panic attacks  
• Emotional trauma  
• Mood Swings and/or bipolar disorder  
• Difficulty with focusing/attentional issues (ADHD)  
• Academic difficulty  
• Burn out  
• Substance use concerns  
• Psychotic disorders  

Services offered:  

• Psychiatric evaluations  
• Psychiatric medication management  
• Recommendations for psychological testing. (Available outside our practice)  
• Emotional support  
• Therapy recommendations  

During fourth year, students may apply to serve on the Admissions Evaluation Committee (AEC), and those selected will become members for AEC for that upcoming admissions cycle. Student members interview applicants, review application materials, and provide a non-binding recommendation. 

The expectation of the committee members is to conduct a comprehensive, structured review of applicants using mission-aligned criteria to identify individuals who embody the mission and vision of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. 

Following each interview, committee members submit a detailed written evaluation and a non-binding vote to the Admissions Committee. 

The Curriculum Committee 

The Curriculum Committee of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville is a deliberative body charged and empowered by the Dean and given institutional authority to review, advise and make policy for the successful design, implementation, and assessment of the curriculum for the undergraduate medical education program leading to the M.D. degree. Additionally, the Committee ensures that students develop the leadership, clinical and interpersonal skills essential to delivering the next generation of patient-centered healthcare with confidence and compassion.  One student is elected (in the winter of their M1 Year) and will serve through the M4 year, with voting in the M2 and M3 years. 

The Program Evaluation and Assessment Subcommittee  

Program Evaluation and Assessment Subcommittee (PEAS) includes faculty members and elected student representatives and is charged with compiling and monitoring data from a variety of outcomes measures, analyzing the information, and providing recommendations to the Curriculum Committee for improved methods of teaching and/or assessment.  One student will be elected to serve at the end of the M1 Year and will serve as a voting member in the M2 and  M3 years. 

Learning Environment Review Committee 

The Learning Environment Review Committee is charged with reviewing de-identified aggregated data of mistreatment and learning environment concerns in the classroom, the hospital and the clinics. This group collaborates to identify ways to promote professionalism and role-modeling of professionalism in the learning environment Two (2) students are elected by their peers, one representing the pre-clerkship phase and one representing the clerkship and post clerkship phase.  One (1) student appointed among the Student Advocates for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (SADIE) leadership. 

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee 

The Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee is charged with overseeing a systematic, data-driven process to evaluate the quality of the undergraduate medical education program. The Committee will analyze program data to identify strengths, gaps, and areas of risk, including compliance with accreditation standards, and make evidence-based recommendations to key stakeholders. The Committee monitors the implementation and outcomes of these recommendations to ensure a continuous, closed-loop improvement process.

Academic Honors And Awards 

Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) 

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, founded in 1902, is a professional medical organization that recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. AOA values include honesty, honorable conduct, morality, virtue, selflessness, ethical ideals, dedication to serving others, and leadership. Members have a compelling drive to do well and to advance the medical profession and exemplify the highest standards of professionalism. 

The top 25 percent of a medical school class is eligible for nomination to the society, and up to 16 percent may be elected based on leadership, character, community service, and professionalism. About 3000 students, alumni, house staff, and faculty are elected each year.  

Since its founding in 1902, more than 150,000 members have been elected to the society. 

For more information on the USC School of Medicine Greenville chapter of AOA, please visit our website. 

Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) 

The Gold Humanism Honor Society at USC School of Medicine Greenville was established to recognize medical students, residents and faculty that exemplify a commitment to excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. Our GHHS chapter is supported nationally by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine. 

During the spring of their third year, USC School of Medicine Greenville students are encouraged to nominate fellow third-year students that serve as outstanding examples of humanism and professionalism. Nominated students are then confirmed by members of the faculty and staff. Eligibility requires good academic standing.  

For more information about the USC School of Medicine Greenville chapter of GHHS please visit our website. 

Awards 

Student awards are given throughout the 4 years of medical school. Information on these awards and a list of past winners can be found here.   

Events 

White Coat Ceremony 

The USC School of Medicine Greenville White Coat Ceremony celebrates an important milestone in the lives of our first-year medical students. The purpose of the White Coat Ceremony is to remind students of the privileges, responsibilities and obligations of caring for patients and their families. Each class is tasked with writing their own unique oath, “A Pledge of Commitment”, which is recited at the ceremony. During the ceremony, students receive their white coats, a symbol of their entry into the medical profession and their responsibility to become a competent and compassionate physician. The White Coat Ceremony will be held in Fall. For more details on this event, please visit our website. 

Match Day Celebration 

Match Day occurs annually on the third Friday of March for every allopathic medical school in the United States. On Match Day, students are informed of their residency placements at noon. The USC School of Medicine Greenville faculty, staff and community celebrate this occasion with graduating students and their families at our annual reception. 

For more information about our Match Day Celebration, please visit our website. 

Convocation 

The USC School of Medicine Greenville's Convocation ceremony is a very personal opportunity for faculty, staff, friends, family and the Greenville community to come together and celebrate the many accomplishments of graduating fourth-year students. 

For more information about our Convocation Ceremony, please visit our website. 

Commencement 

The USC School of Medicine Greenville Commencement event is a combined ceremony for both the Greenville and Columbia medical schools with official conferral of degrees and recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. This ceremony takes place annually at the parent campus in Columbia, SC. 

For more information about our Commencement ceremony, please visit our website.