Program Overview

Introduction to the D.O./Ph.D. Program

The Heritage College D.O./Ph.D. program is specifically designed for those who want to become physician-scientists. Graduates of the Heritage College D.O./Ph.D. program go on to become faculty members at medical schools, universities, and research institutes. Regardless of where they eventually work, the Heritage College D.O./Ph.D. candidates will develop the skills necessary to conduct or direct clinical, basic, or epidemiological research in addition to providing patient care.

Program Overview

The D.O./Ph.D. program typically requires seven years to complete. The first two years (OMS I-II) of the curriculum integrate biomedical and social-behavioral foundations of medicine with real patient clinical experiences. During this time, D.O./Ph.D. students begin to identify mentors and dissertation topics through laboratory rotations, supervised literature review, and by attending the Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBS) seminar series. Students in the program are expected to complete a mentored research project during the summer between their OMS I and OMS II years.

Program Structure

• The first two years (OMS I-II) focus on integrating biomedical and social-behavioral foundations of medicine with clinical experiences.
• The next three-to-four years (G1-G3/4) are spent pursuing doctoral studies in a biomedical or biobehavioral discipline through the Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBS) graduate program.
• The final two years (OMS III/IV) are dedicated to completing rotations in a statewide clinical training network, exploring the full range of medical specialties and gaining clinical skills.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must be accepted to the Heritage College before being considered for admission to the D.O./Ph.D. program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by January 15 prior to matriculation into the Heritage College. A short application specific to the dual-degree program is required.

Financial Support

Financial support includes a research fellowship for years three through seven. A tuition waiver is provided for the Ph.D. portion of the training program.

Research Areas

Students select research mentors engaged in health-related research from the Translational Biomedical Sciences Program. The program encompasses various research areas, including but not limited to:

• Diabetes Institute
• Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute
• Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging
• Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute

Graduate Coursework

Graduate coursework includes core requirements of the TBS program and, as appropriate for the dissertation topic, taking advantage of a diverse array of classes across multiple colleges and departments at OHIO.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program are equipped to become faculty members at medical schools, universities, and research institutes, or to pursue careers in clinical, basic, or epidemiological research, alongside providing patient care.