Aspiring scientists who also want a solid grounding in medicine can develop research and clinical skills at the University of Washington Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). The program takes seven to eight years to complete and graduates are awarded the MD and PhD degrees. Candidates receive stipends, tuition remission and health insurance. The first two years of the program are devoted to medical school studies, followed by a science lab rotation. The next three years are spent completing the PhD degree, and then the student returns to medical school for two years, at the end of which the MD degree is awarded. The PhD degree can be completed in a number of departments, including biology, biochemistry and immunology.
MSTP Office
I-264 Health Sciences Center
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-7470
206-685-0762
mstp.washington.edu
Physician-scientists in training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine can conduct their PhD research in areas of environmental health, genetics and neuroscience. Students complete up to four research rotations that last about four weeks each. After finishing the research rotations, students select a PhD advisor and embark on the research that will culminate in defense of the dissertation. The university's website notes that most students in the program can finish the PhD in three years. Physician training consists of core course work in anatomy, biology, chemistry and pharmacology during the first two years. Students then transition to the PhD component of the program, and return to medical school to complete clinical rotations in pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and family medicine. The MD degree is awarded pending completion of two internships and a research project.
Physician Scientist Training Program
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Academic Health Center
231 Albert Sabin Way
PO Box 670548
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0548
513-558-2380
med.uc.edu
Students in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Johns Hopkins University can select from several timelines to complete the dual-degree program, but most finish both degrees in seven or eight years. The PhD can be earned in a number of science areas, such as biomedical engineering, history of science and molecular biophysics. They can also select from public health specialties, such as epidemiology and health communication. First-year students participate in small classes and research rotations. After the PhD is complete, students return to medical school. The medical school curriculum is systems-based, with modules focused on different organs and systems of the body, such as the endocrine system and renal system. Students work closely with selected faculty mentors throughout the program, who help them with class selection and career planning.
M.D. Ph.D Program
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
1830 E. Monument Street, Suite 2-300
Baltimore, MD 21205
hopkinsmedicine.org