MD-PhD Dual Degree Program

The first two years of training mirrors the syllabus of the medical student. Students are also required to attend a research seminar program to augment their education and reinforce their basic scientific knowledge. During the summer between the first and second year, students are required to obtain research experience in two to three laboratories in order to acquaint themselves with different programs and departments related to their research interests. This is an important and indispensable exercise for MD-PhD students; however, our goal is for the student to make a commitment to a Department or a thesis adviser at the beginning of the second year.

After the completion of the second year, students will focus on the PhD department of their choice. Students must qualify in the PhD department of their choice and undergo an admission procedure as that of any other student applying to that program.

The last year and a half of the MD-PhD is designed to provide students with the required medical rotations to broaden and strengthen their basic knowledge and skills in clinical medicine. During this period of time, students are also required to attend the MD-PhD seminars. The required advanced clinical courses include Advanced Medicine, Surgical Specialties and Neurology. Once all the requirements have been met, students can adjust the remaining time in the program to conform to their individual needs. All elective courses must be approved by the OME.

MD-PhD students are expected to remain in good standing both as graduate students and medical students. Performance in the first two years will be evaluated based on graduate school standards. Students are required to maintain a grade of High Satisfactory or better in all medical school courses.

Learn more about the MD/PhD program

Curriculum

Summer Prior To Year 1

  • Optional work in laboratories

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester (M1)

  • Clinical Practice of Medicine 1
  • Medicine and Society
  • Fundamentals 1: Molecules, Cells and Molecular Genetics
  • Fundamentals 2: Metabolism, Human Genetics and Pharmacology
  • Gross Human Anatomy

Spring Semester (M1)

  • Clinical Practice of Medicine 1
  • Host Defenses and Hematology
  • Integrated Study of the Gastrointestinal System
  • Integrated Study of the Urinary Tract and Renal System
  • Integrated Study of the Musculoskeletal System and Integument

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester (M2)

  • Clinical Practice of Medicine 2
  • Human Cardiovascular System
  • Lung and Respiration
  • Neuroscience and Behavior 1
  • Required participation in two (M2 and M3 year) Interprofessional Education (IPE) forums. Grade for Core Topics (M3) is dependent upon successful completion of all IPE requirements.

Spring Semester (M2)

  • Clinical Practice of Medicine 2
  • Neuroscience and Behavior 2
  • Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
  • USMLE Step 1 Dedicated Study
  • Limited Laboratory Work
  • Research Seminar

Summer Semester

  • PhD Thesis Research

YEARS 3-5 (PhD)

  • PhD Thesis Research

FIRST HALF OF FIFTH YEAR

Fall and Spring Semester

  • Ph.D. Thesis Research *
  • Weekly Grand Rounds in Clinical Program of Choice
  • MD-PhD Research Seminar

*Sixth year if necessary

SECOND HALF OF FIFTH YEAR & SIXTH YEAR

Fall & Spring (M3)

  • Medicine (12 weeks)
  • Surgery (12 weeks)
  • Pediatrics (6 weeks)
  • Family Medicine (6 weeks)
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology (6 weeks)
  • Psychiatry (6 weeks)
  • Electives (2) (8 weeks)
  • Electives are taken during MED and SUR blocks
  • Core Topics in Medicine
  • Research Seminar

Fall & Spring (M4)

  • Basic Neurology*
  • Advanced Clerkship in Medicine Surgical Specialties
  • Transition to Residency
  • 5 MD Electives**
  • Research Seminar

*If taken as elective during third year, additional elective must be taken.

**Electives will be individualized to meet student’s schedule & interests; approval by MD-PhD Steering Committee and OME required.