Medical Scientist Training
General Information
Degree offered:
M.D.-Ph.D.
Faculty working with students:
Varies; students must choose mentors from among the many basic science departments in the School of Medicine and from graduate science departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students:
69
Students receiving Financial Aid:
100%
Deadline for Fall 2008 Application: November 1
Spring Application:
no
Part time study available:
no
Program Description
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is a dual-degree program designed for highly qualified students interested in careers in medical science and/or academic medicine. Students earn both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The program takes advantage of the Duke University School of Medicine's unique third-year research program in which the third year of medical school serves as the first year of graduate school, shortening the total time to the dual degree by one year. Completion of the Ph.D. generally takes four to five years, after which the student returns for the fourth year of Medical School. The dissertation research is conducted in one of the Medical School's basic science departments or in the College of Arts and Sciences or in the School of Engineering. Departments typically chosen by MSTP students for their dissertation research include Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Neurobiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. Graduates of the program have a wide range of career opportunities in clinical medicine, academic medicine, biological sciences, and other biomedical research settings. Financial support for students comes from a variety of sources including the Medical School, the Graduate School, Ph.D. mentors, endowed fellowships, and an NIH Medical Scientist Training Program training grant.
Other Requirements
Admission into the Duke University School of Medicine is prerequisite to admission to the Medical Scientist Training Program. Prospective students should submit applications simultaneously to both the medical school and MSTP. A few students are admitted to the MSTP from the second- and third-year School of Medicine classes. Students should contact the MSTP office for information about application procedures for this mid-level entry into the program.