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Program Overview

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the Medical University of South Carolina prepares future physician scientists through an integrated M.D. and Ph.D. curriculum that unites medical education with rigorous biomedical research. Students receive comprehensive clinical training while pursuing in-depth, hypothesis-driven research under expert mentorship. The program emphasizes discovery, translation, and professionalism, equipping graduates to advance human health and lead impactful careers in academic medicine and research.

Application Timeline

The application timeline is from July 1 to December 1.

Learning Experience

A fully integrated pathway that connects medical education and scientific discovery, preparing future physician-scientists to lead at the intersection of research and patient care.

Inside the Program

The program provides a collegial and nurturing environment in which each student's intellectual and personal potential is nurtured, encouraged, and challenged. This ensures that trainees achieve their full potential. Upon completion of their training, students go on to the highest quality internships, residency training programs, and post-doctoral research fellowships, followed by outstanding career positions.

Clinical Experience

MSTP students complete the full M.D. curriculum alongside their medical classmates, gaining broad and immersive clinical training across foundational and advanced experiences. Clinical exposure begins early and continues throughout the program to ensure strong continuity between patient care and research training.

Research Experience

Research training is the centerpiece of the MSTP experience. Students explore research areas early through rotations before committing to focused doctoral training guided by accomplished faculty mentors. The program supports deep laboratory immersion, rigorous graduate coursework, and exposure to translational research environments that connect science to human health.

Admission Requirements

• Possess a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation in the program
• Have obtained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have obtained a minimum MCAT score of 504 taken within three years from the date of matriculation (July 1)
• Supply record of advanced courses in the physical and/or biological sciences
• Demonstrate evidence of serious and enthusiastic commitment to the program
• Demonstrate evidence of a commitment to research through clinical shadowing experience and/or volunteer work
• Not be currently or have been previously enrolled in an M.D. or Ph.D. program outside of MUSC

Application Process

The application process includes submitting the AMCAS application and the MUSC Supplemental Application. Letters of recommendation and other required documents must be submitted through the AMCAS application.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary by year and include:

• In-state tuition: $7,475 per semester
• Out-of-state tuition: $9,948 per semester
• Basic Life Support Training Fee: $65
• Examination & Technology Support Fee: $1,157
• Gross Anatomy Lab Fee: $950
• Student Disability Insurance: $79

Funding

The MUSC MSTP is funded in part by a training grant from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences, the Colleges of Medicine and Graduate Studies, and numerous scholarships. Trainees receive a stipend of $37,000 a year, and tuition, fees, and health insurance are paid for.

Career Outlook

Earning an M.D./Ph.D. opens the door to impactful careers at the intersection of medicine and research. Graduates are equipped with the expertise to succeed in roles such as:

• Physician-Scientist: Combines patient care with research, leading studies that drive medical innovation.
• Academic Researcher: Conducts cutting-edge biomedical research, secures grant funding, and mentors the next generation of physician-scientists.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Oversees laboratory testing and diagnostics, ensuring accuracy in research and patient care.

Program Faculty

The program is led by:

• Nancy K. DeMore, M.D., FACS, Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
• Donald Menick, Ph.D., Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions

The program is distinct from other M.D./Ph.D. programs due to its integrated curriculum, strong mentorship, flexibility in research training, and sustained clinical engagement throughout the program.

Objectives

The MSTP program aims to prepare graduates to:

• Integrate rigorous biomedical research training with comprehensive medical education
• Design, conduct, and lead independent, hypothesis-driven research
• Translate scientific discoveries into clinical and population-level applications
• Assume leadership roles in academic medicine and research enterprises
• Practice medicine and conduct research with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity

Competencies

Upon completion of the MSTP program, graduates should be able to:

• Formulate significant research questions and hypotheses
• Design and implement rigorous experimental and analytical approaches
• Analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex scientific and clinical data
• Disseminate research findings effectively
• Apply foundational and advanced medical knowledge to deliver evidence-informed, patient-centered care
• Integrate clinical insight with scientific reasoning to inform translational research and improve health outcomes

Vision

To develop physician-scientists who integrate rigorous biomedical research with medical practice to advance discovery, translate science into improved health outcomes, and lead ethically within academic medicine.

Mission

To train the future generation of physician-scientists and leaders in academic medicine.

Values

The program is guided by a commitment to compassion, collaboration, innovation, integrity, and respect.