In the new millennium, collaborative efforts between basic and clinical investigators is crucial to realize the wealth of knowledge derived from the human genome project and other important discoveries in biomedical research. These collaborative relationships will result in significant improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.
The Millenium MD/PhD Program (MMPP) ensures that physicians are equipped with the tools necessary to allow patients to benefit from the remarkable advances in knowledge derived from the basic biomedical research.
The MMPP grants PhD degrees to people who previously earned an MD. The students are given substantial credit for medical school classes, so that only a minimum number of additional didactic courses (as few as one) are required before the student can take a qualifying exam. The student’s thesis advisor is responsible for paying the current graduate student stipend, but then the medical school provides the additional money to bring the stipend up to the current PGY level for medical graduates.
Typical MMPP candidates are physicians in subspecialty fellowship programs who are doing research and contemplating KO8 applications. Other typical candidates are medical residents enrolled in the research track.
Requirements for MMPP
During the MMPP training years the student is required to devote a minimum of 80% time to graduate studies and research. Up to 20% can be spent doing other activities such as clinical rotations. There is a typical qualifying exam and thesis defense requirement. The student and mentor can chose members of the Research Advisory Committee from any faculty in an existing GSBS program.
To obtain a PhD degree from MMPP, a candidate will:
- have received an MD or its equivalent degree, is in the process of completing, or has completed, clinical residency and/or fellowship training.
- pass required course work.
- pass the qualifying exam.
- write a PhD dissertation on candidate's original research.
- pass the final PhD exam.
The PhD Degree issued will be in Biomedical Sciences.
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