Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) – Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is one of the longest-established NIH-funded MD/PhD programs in the United States, having trained physician-scientists since 1964. The program is designed to seamlessly integrate medical education with advanced scientific research, preparing graduates for careers that combine patient care, biomedical discovery, and academic leadership. Students begin with foundational medical training at Feinberg School of Medicine before transitioning into intensive PhD research under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors. PhD studies may be pursued through programs such as the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and other approved graduate departments. Throughout training, students participate in MSTP Colleges Curriculum, Grand Rounds, seminars, research presentations, and professional development activities. The curriculum emphasises scientific rigour, clinical excellence, leadership, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are required to complete original dissertation research, pass qualifying examinations, publish scholarly work, and successfully defend a doctoral thesis. The program benefits from Northwestern's extensive research infrastructure, affiliated hospitals, and world-class faculty. Graduates commonly pursue careers as academic physicians, physician-scientists, biomedical researchers, healthcare innovators, biotechnology leaders, and leaders within government and research institutions worldwide.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Advanced coursework in science, mathematics, or engineering
• Minimum of one academic year (or approximately three summers) of significant research experience
• Strong academic achievement
• Commitment to a career combining medicine and biomedical research
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement
• Volunteer or community service experience
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official academic transcripts
• AMCAS application submission
• Demonstrated potential for physician-scientist training