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Programs

MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program

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Through the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program, you’ll gain the tools and training you need to become a successful physician-scientist.

A faculty leader and two students talk with a poster in the background during a retreat

Program Overview

In the MD/PhD program at Penn State College of Medicine, you'll experience the breadth of clinical science while designing experiments and conducting biomedical research with modern technology. The program, typically completed in eight years, will prepare you for a successful career in medical research, academic medicine or a related field. The MD/PhD program integrates medical and graduate education, providing flexibility for students to design a tailor-made educational experience.

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A graduate student, seated in a white coat and wearing gloves, works at a lab bench while a faculty member stands and watches

Curriculum

The program integrates medical and graduate education, allowing students to design a tailor-made experience. Students take several graduate courses during the first two years of medical school and participate in patient experiences in the research portion of their training. Throughout, students are exposed to topics in clinical, basic and translational research.

A student in the MD/PhD Program works with faculty member Xuemei Huang to investigate pictures of brain scans

Why Choose Penn State?

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is supported by a highly competitive T32 MSTP Training Award from the National Institutes of Health in recognition of our outstanding MD/PhD training program. In support of our MSTP, we provide additional funding including full tuition, a competitive stipend and health benefits for matriculating students (and eligible dependents) for their entire MD/PhD training career.

In addition, the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute is a multidisciplinary academic engine to develop, implement and make available new ways to predict, prevent and treat human disease.

Recruitment Events

What's New in the MD/PhD Program

Dr. Inginia Genao, vice dean of diversity, equity and belonging, talks with a student on a bench outside the college.

Student Support

Dedicated offices support your health and well-being, while services such as a health sciences library assist in your learning journey. We are committed to enhancing students' experience and development.