Program Overview

Medical Science Training Program

The Medical Science Training Program (MSTP) is a dual degree program that combines the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and scientific research.

Program Overview

The MSTP program is a seven- to eight-year program that includes two to three years of medical school, followed by three to four years of graduate school. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both medicine and science.

Scientist Training Component

The scientist training component of the MSTP program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in scientific research. The program includes coursework and research in a variety of fields, including biomedical informatics, immunology, and stem cell biology.

• Basic scientific research forms the bedrock of the PhD training program.
• There are a number of PhD granting programs within the College of Medicine, three of which operate out of Cincinnati Children's Hospital (Biomedical Informatics, Immunology and Development, Stem Cells, & Regenerative Medicine).
• M1 and M2 basic science courses count toward the required 130+ credit hours for the PhD degree; these courses are roughly equivalent to and substitute for the core basic science curriculum required of all PhD students in their first year.

Research Rotations

Prior to selecting a PhD dissertation advisor, each student participates in research in a minimum of two, and up to four laboratories of MSTP faculty.

• Students have opportunities to meet faculty by taking part in research rotations and bi-weekly Faculty Mentor lunch meetings.
• These are two important components of our program that help assure students of a good match with an excellent advisor.

Transition from Graduate School to Medical School

The MSTP helps students to successfully navigate the transition back to medical school after completing the PhD through:

• Longitudinal Clerkships - Students are encouraged to participate in longitudinal clerkships while working on their PhD.
• College of Medicine Simulation Testing and Training - Allows students to take a refresher course on clinical skills.
• Senior Physician Scientist Advisors - SPS mentors are trained to advise students on transitioning back to clinical work.

Program Structure

The MSTP program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both medicine and science. The program includes:

• A strong foundation in clinical medicine.
• A strong foundation in scientific research.
• Opportunities for research rotations and faculty mentorship.
• Support for transitioning back to medical school after completing the PhD.

Academic Doctoral Programs

Candidates may pursue laboratory research in any of the 11 MSTP academic doctoral programs.

• Students first choose a designated MSTP faculty member as their mentor, and then join the appropriate graduate program.
• The MSTP and the various graduate programs display considerable flexibility in devising a program of study suited to each individual student’s interests.