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

• Meet all University of Illinois College of Medicine (UI COM) MD program admission requirements.
• Hold or complete a Bachelor’s degree (baccalaureate degree) or equivalent before enrollment.
• Demonstrate academic excellence and strong preparation in science coursework.
• Have prior research experience and potential for independent and creative scientific investigation.
• Show commitment to a career in academic medicine and biomedical research.
• Have coursework/background in areas such as:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biophysics
• Bioengineering
• Behavioral Sciences
• Submit MCAT scores (accepted in place of GRE).
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents for MSTP admission.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM), Chicago is an integrated MD/PhD dual degree program designed to train future physician-scientists who combine clinical medicine with advanced biomedical research. The program provides comprehensive medical education along with rigorous research training in biomedical sciences, allowing students to develop expertise in both patient care and scientific investigation. Students complete medical school coursework, graduate-level PhD training, original dissertation research, and clinical rotations under faculty mentorship. The program prepares graduates for careers in academic medicine, translational research, clinical investigation, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation by developing skills to translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

The MSTP typically takes 7–8 years to complete, integrating the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees into a single physician-scientist training pathway.