Program Timeline

Upon matriculation, first-year students are assigned a MD/PHD faculty advisor who will closely follow, guide and monitor their progress throughout their years in the program. During the first two years, students complete the integrated School of Medicine curriculum with emphasis on problem solving and small group learning. In addition, students enroll in a research literature tutorial with GSBS faculty. This one-hour per week course facilitates integration between the medical and graduate school curricula and the selection of a thesis lab.

During the summer between the first and second year, students select a rotation laboratory and participate in an intensive research literature course taken from the GSBS curriculum. After the second year of medical school, students complete a second laboratory rotation, select a research lab for their thesis project and sit for the Step One Boards.

Typically the PhD degree is completed between the second and third years of medical school. Each semester in the PhD years, students enroll in a clinical skills tutorial. This course stresses the importance of clinical involvement throughout the graduate years. Additionally, all students in the program meet monthly for the MD/PhD Seminar which provides an opportunity to learn about the research of and reconnect with fellow MD/PhD colleagues.

Upon successful completion of all requirements for the PhD degree and defense of the PhD thesis, students join the third and fourth-year medical program for clinical training. Clinical rotations and electives are tailored to match students’ academic needs and career goals and to fulfill the requirements for the MD degree. Students typically complete the program in 7-8 years.