Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), PhD/Medicine, MD
Program Overview
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Case Western Reserve University is a combined MD/PhD program designed for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine and research. The program is highly competitive and provides students with a comprehensive education in both medicine and a chosen field of research.
Program Overview
The MSTP is a seven- to eight-year program that combines the University Program medical school curriculum with graduate school coursework and research training. The program is designed to integrate medicine and science, providing students with a strong foundation in both areas.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for the MSTP, students must meet the established prerequisites for admission to both the School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Studies. Criteria include demonstrated capabilities in research and superior undergraduate academic credentials. Applicants must have either U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status to be considered for admission to the MSTP.
MSTP Program by Year
The program is divided into three phases:
- Years 1-2: University Program medical school curriculum, including early clinical experiences, completion of at least three research rotations, and graduate coursework.
- Years 3-5: PhD program, including completion of graduate coursework, thesis research, and participation in the MSTP Clinical Tutorial.
- Years 6-8: Completion of the MD curriculum, including clinical clerkships and research electives.
PhD Phase
During the PhD phase, students complete all requirements for their PhD program, including coursework, thesis research, and participation in the MSTP Clinical Tutorial. The following training programs are affiliated with the MSTP:
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical & Health Informatics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Biology (Pathology)
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Translational Science
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Immunology (Pathology)
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology
- Molecular Virology
- Neurosciences
- Nutrition
- Pathology (Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease)
- Pharmacology
- Physiology and Biophysics
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
Clinical Tutorial and Refresher Course
During the PhD thesis phase, MSTP students participate in the MSTP Clinical Tutorial, a year-long course that enhances clinical skills and allows students to explore the connections between medicine and science. An optional MSTP Clinical Refresher course may be taken before the start of year three.
Advising System
The program director provides advising to students in all phases of the program. The MSTP has a team of associate directors who advise students in the first two years on research rotations and coursework. Students may also meet with an MSTP Steering Committee member representing an area of research interest or with the MSTP director.
Assessment of MSTP Students
Students in the MSTP are assessed for the medical school component of the program in the same manner as students in the University Program, with the exception that grades are awarded for those courses in the MD curriculum in years one and two that receive graduate school credit and are used to satisfy requirements for the PhD degree. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for both the MD and the PhD.
MSTP Activities
The MSTP supports several activities that enhance the scientific and professional development of students, including:
- Monthly dinner meetings
- Communications and webpage committee
- Summer retreat committee
- M1 bonding events
- Community service committee
- Social committee
- Student representation on faculty council and other university committees
- Scientific meetings and research symposia
- Works in Progress Seminar Series
These activities foster a vibrant and collegial MSTP community with a strong sense of mission in the training of physician-scientists.