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The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine MD/PhD program was established in 1985 to provide the combined MD/PhD degree education to a few academically talented and highly motivated students accepted to the College of Human Medicine (CHM). After a brief moratorium, the program has been revitalized for the 2008 entering class.
The CHM MD/PhD program is a well-integrated training program that combines medical training (MD) with outstanding graduate training, leading to PhDs in traditional areas of biomedical research. Our goal is to educate and train the next generation of leaders in both the field of medicine as well as biomedical research.
Program Overview
Our program is unique, offering a truly integrated curriculum. In their first and second years, MD/PhD students concurrently take both a selection of medical school and graduate school courses. This provides an opportunity for the students to start on their graduate courses, while also getting to know both their fellow MD and PhD classmates.
The training program begins during the summer prior to the first year of medical school with participation in a laboratory rotation. Students begin their research projects by Year 3, and on average these projects should be completed by the end of Year 5.
Unique to this MD/PhD program is the introduction of the Integrated Clinical Experience during graduate training (Years 3-5). MD/PhD students stay in touch with their medical colleagues and medical training as they participate in one continuity clinic. These clinic assignments are for one half-day per week in a clinic of interest as selected by the student.
MD/PhD students are expected to complete all graduation requirements for the PhD program and all preclinical requirements before proceeding to the final portion of their MD training, the clinical phase, that is expected to occur in Years 6-7 of the program.
MD/PhD students will find another unique feature of the program during their clinical training: the introduction of the Integrated Research Experience. MD/PhD students can take up to three months of research electives during these two years. These electives count as program credit for the Integrated Clinical Experience completed during the graduate training component. To assure successful completion of the program, the student’s progress is reviewed by the Research Mentor and the Thesis Committee, as well as annually by the MD/PhD Student Progress Review Committee.
Eligibility and Application
The applicant must apply for admission to CHM as a medical student through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Concurrently or upon acceptance to CHM, the applicant applies to the graduate program. If accepted to both CHM and the graduate program, the applicant will be reviewed by the MD/PhD Selection Committee for a final decision. If accepted by the MD/PhD Selection Committee, the applicant will be enrolled in the MD/PhD program.
Interested applicants should:
Apply to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
Have taken the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than September 18, 2007.
Complete and return the application for the MD/PhD program.
MD/PhD Program application
Click here for the MD/PhD Program application.
In addition to the application, you must also submit the following:
Your most current curriculum vitae;
A statement of your purpose and reasons for wishing to pursue a PhD degree through the College of Human Medicine. Include the type of research you wish to pursue, and why (1-2 pages in length);
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions from which you have been or will be awarded a degree(s).
All application materials listed above must be submitted together in one envelope.
Letters of Recommendation
You must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your qualifications for the MD/PhD Program, as well as your motivation and ability to conduct research.
Interviews
Interviews with MD/PhD Program faculty for the MD/PhD program will be scheduled to coincide with interviews for admission to the CHM MD program whenever possible.
Applicants are interviewed separately for each program by members of the respective interview panels. Each candidate will be interviewed by two or more faculty members, tour the medical school and the research facilities, and given the opportunity to meet with appropriate faculty and current MD/PhD students during her/his visit.
Fees
There is no additional fee for application to this program.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of the decision as soon as possible. Admission to the College of Human Medicine MD Program will not be affected by the decision of the MD/PhD Program faculty.
Financial Support
During preclinical, graduate, and clinical years, MD/PhD students will receive a financial package to cover health insurance, tuition, and stipend.
Additional Information
Please visit the CHM Graduate Programs website for more information.
Prospective students may also direct inquiries to the department of major interest. Click here for a complete list of graduate programs.
Specific questions regarding the MD/PhD program may be directed to:
Elahé Crockett, PhD
Director
MD/PhD Program
Email: ecrocket@msu.edu
Phone:(517) 355-6475, ext. 1104
Q: I just discovered this program. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, the MD/PhD program is still accepting applications.
Q: I applied only to MD/PhD programs and was unaware that CHM offered this program. Can I still apply to CHM since the application deadline has passed?
A: Applicants to the MD/PhD program may email our office to request an extension of the CHM AMCAS application deadline.
Q: I have not yet heard from CHM about a medical school interview. Should I contact someone?
A: Please send CHM a brief email discussing your concerns. The Assistant Dean for Admissions will review your message, and while your application to CHM will not be evaluated any differently, it may be processed using a timeline compatible with application to the MD/PhD program. CHM conducts interviews through March, and our admissions process is structured so that seats remain available for those applicants who interview later in the year.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE to be eligible for the MD/PhD program?
A: No, but some graduate programs may require the GRE. Please review the requirements for your program of interest on the Graduate School website.
Q: How long does it take to complete both degrees?
A: Seven to eight years is the average to complete the entire program.
Q: How many students are accepted to the program?
A: Up to four to five students are accepted to the program each year.
Q: I am an international student; may I apply to the MD/PhD program?
A: Any student who is eligible for MD program is also eligible to apply to MD/PhD program. However, international students are not eligible to receive the financial support.
At this time CHM will accept applications only from US citizens, Canadian citizens, and those who hold a US permanent resident visa.
Q: I am an international student. Do I receive the same financial aid package as US citizens?
A: No, international students are not eligible for financial aid. You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident to be eligible for financial assistance.
Q: How can I get more information? Can I take a tour of campus and the medical/research facility?
A: Please contact the MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Elahé Crockett, by email or at or (517) 355-6475, ext. 1104.
Q: If I not accepted to the MD/PhD program, will I lose my acceptance to the medical school?
A: No! Admission to the CHM MD program is separate from admission to the MD/PhD program. You will not lose your seat in the medical school class.
Q: Will applying to the MD/PhD program or being accepted by the Graduate School increase my likelihood of being accepted to CHM as a medical student?
A: No, medical school admission decisions and MD/PhD admission decisions are made by two separate committees using two different processes. Your academic successes and research accomplishments will be taken into consideration by the CHM Committee on Admissions, but many other factors are also considered in making the decision to accept applicant into the CHM class.
For more information about qualities of a competitive CHM applicant, please visit our CHM General Information web page.
Q: Do I need research experience?
A: Yes. Research experience is an important factor in the evaluation of your application to the MD/PhD program.
Q: Do I have to apply to a specific graduate program?
A: No. Qualified students who are unsure about which graduate program will best fit their interests should contact the MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Elahé Crockett, for guidance. She can be reached by email or at (517) 355-6475, ext. 110.
Q: Do I need to fill out a separate application to the Graduate School?
A: No. If you are accepted to the MD/PhD program, we will process your application to the Graduate School through our office.
Q: My application, statement of purpose, and curriculum vitae are ready for submission, but I am having some difficulty securing my official transcripts. Must I wait until I have received all official transcripts before submitting my application and supporting documents?
A: It is strongly preferred that all application materials be sent together. However, if you are having difficulty obtaining your transcripts or any other supporting documents, please email Dr. Crockett.
Q: How can I find out more about MD/PhD programs in general?
A: Additional information for MD/PhD applicants can be found on the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.