Program Overview
The mission of the University at Buffalo MD-PhD Program is to educate and develop physician-scientists who become independent investigators, advance biomedical discovery, and address critical challenges at the intersection of scientific research and clinical medicine.
Through rigorous medical and graduate education, individualized mentorship, and sustained professional development, the program provides trainees with the scientific foundation, clinical perspective, and research experience necessary to pursue innovative and impactful careers in biomedical science and medicine. The program is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive training environment that promotes scientific integrity, scholarly excellence, professional growth, and trainee well-being.
The development of successful physician-scientists requires the integration of scientific inquiry, clinical experience, and professional development throughout training. The University at Buffalo MD-PhD Program emphasizes the complementary relationship between biomedical research and clinical medicine, preparing trainees to translate clinical observations into scientific questions and apply research discoveries to advance medical knowledge and patient care.
This philosophy is reflected in the program's integrated training structure, which introduces scientific inquiry and clinical experiences early in medical education and reinforces their connection throughout training. Early research opportunities allow trainees to explore their scientific interests and establish relationships with potential mentors, while longitudinal clinical experiences maintain engagement with patient care during graduate training. Individualized mentorship, structured advising, and professional development opportunities further support scientific independence and preparation for physician-scientist careers.
The University at Buffalo MD-PhD Program builds upon the longstanding tradition of medical education and scientific discovery at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, founded in 1846 as one of the nation's oldest medical schools.
The program benefits from extensive research and clinical partnerships across the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated hospitals. With more than 20 PhD programs spanning five UB schools, trainees have the flexibility to pursue diverse scientific interests, engage with faculty across disciplines, and develop research experiences aligned with their individual career goals.