Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) – Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
Duration: 8 Year(s)
University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM), Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Course TypeIntegrated (Dual Degree)
Course Specialty
Health Sciences
Affiliation
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Overview
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.
Admission Intake
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Fee (INR):
-
Stipend (INR):
Financial support is provided along with tuition coverage and health insurance benefits as part of the MD/PhD training program.
Accomodation:
At Your Own
Scholarship:
-
Eligibility
- 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.
Minimum Education
Bachelor Degree
Admission Process:
- Submit AMCAS Application
- Apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
- Select the MD/PhD program option and complete the additional MD/PhD essays.
- Submit UI COM Supplemental Application
- After AMCAS verification, eligible applicants receive the UI College of Medicine Supplemental Application.
- Complete and submit the supplemental application before the deadline.
- MSTP Application Review
- The MSTP Admissions Committee reviews applications based on:
- Academic performance
- Research experience
- Research potential
- Commitment to physician-scientist career
- Interview Process
- Selected applicants are invited for an MSTP interview.
- Interviewed candidates are reviewed and ranked by the admissions committee.
- Final Selection & Admission Offer
- Admission offers are made based on applicant ranking and availability of seats.
- Accepted candidates join the combined MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program.
