SUNY ESF and Upstate Medical University Reintroduce Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program

10/14/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Oct. 14, 2026 – Students interested in pursuing careers in medicine will have renewed access to an accelerated pathway through a partnership between the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and Upstate Medical University. The Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program has been reintroduced to provide qualified ESF students with a direct admission opportunity to Upstate’s Doctor of Medicine program, creating a seamless connection between undergraduate study and medical education.

The Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program will offer up to 10 ESF students each year a structured path from undergraduate study to medical school. Beginning with students entering ESF in fall 2027, students selected for the program will be admitted to ESF and simultaneously receive conditional acceptance to Upstate Medical University's Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. By maintaining the program’s academic and program requirements throughout their undergraduate studies, students will retain their place in Upstate’s College of Medicine and transition directly into medical school upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.

Designed for high-achieving students pursuing select Bachelor of Science degrees at ESF, the program provides a clear pathway for students interested in careers in medicine. ESF and Upstate will actively recruit New York state students, particularly those with ties to Central New York and an interest in serving the region’s communities. In addition to completing rigorous coursework in the biological and physical sciences, participants will engage in mentorship, volunteer service, and healthcare-related experiences that prepare them for medical education and practice.

“Many of today’s most pressing health challenges are closely connected to environmental conditions and public health,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “We are grateful to Upstate Medical University for its partnership in reestablishing the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program and creating this exceptional opportunity for ESF students. Together, we are preparing future physicians with the scientific knowledge and interdisciplinary perspective needed to address complex challenges while helping develop healthcare leaders committed to serving Central New York.”

Students accepted into the program will benefit from coordinated advising, professional development opportunities, internships, and research experiences available through both ESF and Upstate Medical University. The partnership is designed to support students throughout their undergraduate journey while creating a seamless transition to medical school.

“We are grateful to Upstate Medical University for partnering with ESF to create this exciting opportunity for students interested in careers in medicine,” said Dr. Lee Newman, ESF’s pre-health coordinator, associate professor, and chair of the Department of Chemistry. “The Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program provides a direct pathway to medical school while giving students the support and experiences needed to succeed. We look forward to welcoming students who aspire to make a difference in communities throughout Central New York and beyond.”

“This collaboration brings together the strengths of two leading institutions to support the next generation of physicians,” said Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University. “Students will benefit from an outstanding undergraduate education at ESF and a clear pathway to continue their medical training at Upstate. We look forward to attracting talented students who are committed to improving the health of communities across Central New York and New York state.”

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, and strengthening New York’s future healthcare workforce. By combining ESF’s strengths in environmental and biological sciences with Upstate’s expertise in medical education, the partnership creates a distinctive pathway for students interested in advancing both human and environmental health. The program also supports regional workforce development efforts by encouraging talented students with ties to Central New York to pursue medical careers and ultimately serve the communities they call home.

Learn More and Apply

Students interested in the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program will apply to ESF and indicate their interest in the program as part of the admissions process. Through a coordinated review conducted by ESF and Upstate Medical University, selected students will be admitted to ESF and receive conditional acceptance to Upstate Medical University's Doctor of Medicine program.

To learn more about undergraduate admissions at ESF and begin the application process, visit www.esf.edu/admissions.

To learn more about admissions to Upstate Medical University and the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program, visit https://engage.upstate.edu/apply/.