Program Overview
MD-PhD Program
The MD-PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai prepares students for a thriving career as a physician-scientist. In this highly personalized, National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), students select their own multidisciplinary training area in Biomedical Sciences or Neuroscience, corresponding curriculum, and thesis research preceptor.
Program Structure
Since 1977, the MSTP at Mount Sinai has been supported by a T32 training grant from the NIH. The training starts the summer before the first year of medical school, with a laboratory rotation of the student's choice. At the end of summer, students officially begin the MD-PhD curriculum with the Biomedical Science for MD-PhDs class. This course builds on the medical school curriculum, where clinical experiences are a critical part of the program from the very beginning. During graduate school years, students choose to carry out their thesis research within any of the eight different multidisciplinary training areas offered. Finally, after defending their thesis, students return to medical school for the last two years of clinical rotations, thereby completing both degrees.
Admissions
The program seeks scientifically-inspired and patient-focused students. The admissions process involves a holistic approach to application review, including information regarding application requirements and deadlines, successful applicant attributes, and PhD training areas.
Curriculum and Program Structure
The program offers flexibility and choice throughout the preclinical, PhD, and clinical years of the MD-PhD program. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both medicine and research.
Advising Approach
The program views advising as a foundational factor in the success of students as they navigate the journey of a dual-degree program. The approach encompasses resources and services designed to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Students
The program has a diverse group of students who are on their way to changing the future of healthcare through research and patient care.
Alumni
The program has an exceptional and diverse group of physician-scientists who have made powerful contributions to medical research and patient care.
Student Life and Resources
The program provides opportunities for students to discover their passions and develop professional relationships while pursuing their MD-PhD degree.
Programs and Events
The program offers special MD-PhD course offerings, as well as an annual Medical Science Training Program retreat.
Research
The program provides students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and publish their findings.
Physician-Scientists at Mount Sinai
The program is part of a dedicated community of physician-scientist mentors who guide and inspire MD-PhD trainees at Mount Sinai.
Message From the Director
The director's vision is to cultivate an outstanding research environment within the nationally acclaimed medical education program.
Research Areas
The program offers research opportunities in various areas, including:
- Artificial Intelligence & Human Health
- Cardiology
- Child Health & Development
- Diabetes, Obesity, & Metabolism
- Genetics & Genomics
- Immunology
- Neurosciences
- Oncology
- Women's Health
MD-PhD Program Details
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both medicine and research. The program includes:
- A laboratory rotation in the summer before the first year of medical school
- A Biomedical Science for MD-PhDs class that builds on the medical school curriculum
- The opportunity to carry out thesis research within any of the eight different multidisciplinary training areas offered
- Clinical rotations in the last two years of the program
Program Benefits
The program provides students with:
- A comprehensive education in both medicine and research
- The opportunity to work with a dedicated community of physician-scientist mentors
- The chance to engage in cutting-edge research and publish their findings
- A holistic approach to application review and advising
- Opportunities to develop professional relationships and discover their passions
Program Requirements
The program requires students to:
- Complete a laboratory rotation in the summer before the first year of medical school
- Complete the Biomedical Science for MD-PhDs class
- Carry out thesis research within one of the eight different multidisciplinary training areas offered
- Complete clinical rotations in the last two years of the program
- Defend their thesis to complete the PhD portion of the degree
Program Outcomes
The program is designed to prepare students for a thriving career as a physician-scientist. Graduates of the program have gone on to make powerful contributions to medical research and patient care.