Because our program combines a traditional medical curriculum with a doctorate in the biomedical sciences, you can earn your MD/PhD in the same time it takes to earn a PhD: On average, our MSTP students graduate in seven years.

Basic medical science courses can satisfy some requirements for your PhD; conversely, your PhD research can fulfill electives for your MD.

You will train in both tracks concurrently throughout your MD/PhD program, cross-applying your insights into research and patient care. During your medical curriculum, you will participate in laboratory research and seminars. During your PhD years, you will have opportunities to continue clinical training.

Our highly selective program selects fewer than 30 MD/PhD candidates, so our students share a close, supportive camaraderie. Our size ensures that you will receive individual guidance and attention from faculty, and that you will have a wide choice of thesis mentors.

We sponsor biweekly seminars where scientists from a variety of disciplines share their expertise and experiences. In addition to giving you the chance to meet these professionals, many of whom are physician-scientists, our MSTP seminars help you identify prospective lab mentors.

Diverse research opportunities form the heart of our program. You can earn a PhD in the basic sciences; in chemical, biological or mechanical engineering; or in cancer research at the world-renowned Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Our program immerses you in rigorous clinical and research environments, equipping you with the skills to pursue translational bench-to-bedside research in private and academic settings.

Our graduates conduct leading translational research at medical schools and teaching hospitals, and in other biomedical settings. Your intensive training will prepare you to join them in advancing health care nationally and internationally.

Our program Director Paul R. Knight, MD, PhD, and Associate Director Suzanne G. Laychock, PhD, combine distinguished research careers with extensive administrative experience. Each has received continuous funding from the NIH and other agencies for over thirty years and held multiple department- and university-level leadership positions before coming to the MSTP. Both demonstrate their commitment to medical and graduate student education through active, engaged work as mentors and advisors.