MSTP Curriculum
The program curriculum is tailored to the unique pathway of each physician-scientist trainee. The timing of transitions can vary depending on the graduate program and departmental requirements that the trainee selects.
All current students are required to attend the MD-PhD Summer Seminar Series. This series is designed to evaluate students' ability to critically examine, present, and understand scientific literature. In addition, this course is intended to help focus students on preparation for preliminary graduate exams.
All incoming MS1 students will give a 10-15-minute presentation on a trending science topic. This presentation should be based on a primary research article that has also generated mainstream media coverage and should explain if and/or how the research does or does not support the claims made in popular media articles.
All rising MS2 students will give an off-topic research presentation in a format similar to a PhD research proposal. The presentation should be based on a single primary paper, with some additional supporting literature. It will be accompanied by a written aims page.
Students in the PhD phase of training will be assigned as mentors for MS1 and MS2 presenters. Mentors are expected to meet with their mentees throughout the summer and provide feedback and guidance.
Two lab rotations will occur the summer before medical school and the summer after completing Phase 1 of the MD curriculum. As needed, additional rotations can take place after passing USMLE Step 1 & 2 and completing Phase 2 of the MD curriculum.
General guidelines for completing a lab rotation are outlined below:
- The primary goal of the rotation system is for the student to find a well-matched lab in which to pursue thesis research.
- A student may only rotate/join a lab belonging to a degree-granting department.
- Email the Program Office to advise them of each lab rotation.
- Students must submit a Rotation Report in the format of either a PowerPoint presentation and/or a written 1-page summary report to the Program Office as evidence of the completed rotation.
- Students must also submit a signed Rotation Verification Form at the conclusion of the rotation.
MSTP trainees are expected to fulfill all medical school obligations and successfully pass all curriculum requirements. During medical school training, students will attend all mandatory meetings and remain in good academic standing. Trainees must comply with the policies stated in the School of Medicine Student Handbook.
Students will transition from medical school to their thesis lab in the late fall to early spring semester after successfully finishing MD Phase 2 and taking the USMLE Step 1 & 2 exams. Dedicated study time will be available during the Fall semester, as well as time for an additional third lab rotation as needed.
Students will return to medical school after their PhD training and rejoin the MD Phase 3.
Please reference the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Curriculum site for a comprehensive overview.
Trainees should work with their graduate department and thesis committee to establish appropriate coursework. Medical school courses may count toward didactic PhD requirements. In addition to coursework requirements, departments typically hold regular Journal Clubs and Research in Progress meetings that trainees are required to attend. Preliminary exams are to be completed as determined by the trainee’s home department or program.
MSTP trainees are exempt from the teaching requirement in the graduate school.
The goal of the MSTP Capstone Course is to prepare trainees for their PhD preliminary/qualifying exam and F30 fellowship application. This course will be offered to GS1 and GS2 trainees and will be taught by the Director and the Associate Director. The optimal timing of this course will vary based on individual circumstances, but ideally, it should occur approximately 3-6 months prior to the preliminary/qualifying exam. Students may instead opt to take a comparable PhD department course if available (or required).
All MSTP trainees are required to apply for an NIH F30 fellowship by the April deadline during their GS2 year. The trainee should inform the Program Office and their PI of the submission deadline well in advance, allowing sufficient time to start the pre-award process. Trainees should consult the Director and PI regarding the most optimal deadline for their application, given their project.
Trainees are encouraged to participate in the Health Sciences Fellowship Workshop to help guide their application toward a specific submission deadline.
During PhD training, students will complete at least 4 hours per month of clinical shadowing in the Fall and Spring semesters to maintain clinical skills as part of the integrated MD-PhD curriculum. Students may opt out of this course for one semester while completing their thesis. Under the supervision of faculty, students will complete medical histories, perform integrated physical exams, and implement their care plans with the patients they see.
At the start of each semester, the Program Office will reach out to see whether assistance is needed in finding a preceptor. At the close of the semester, the Program Office will send out evaluation forms to both the student and preceptor to gather feedback.