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

1. Must meet the admission requirements of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
2. Must hold a bachelor's degree or be on track to complete the required undergraduate education before enrollment.
3. Must have at least one year of basic science research experience.
4. Must have a valid Medical College Admission Test score; there is no fixed minimum score, and applications are reviewed holistically.
5. Must submit at least three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a research faculty mentor.
6. A letter from a clinical faculty member, practicing physician, or clinical supervisor is strongly recommended.
7. Must demonstrate a strong interest in biomedical research and a career as a physician-scientist.

UC San Diego School of Medicine is part of the University of California, San Diego, a research-intensive academic institution in California. The university combines medical education, scientific discovery, and advanced patient care. Its location in La Jolla provides access to leading biomedical research institutions and a strong biotechnology research community. The Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) is an integrated dual-degree program designed to prepare students for careers as physician-scientists by combining medical education with doctoral-level research training. Students complete classroom-based medical education, clinical rotations, graduate coursework, and original doctoral research in their chosen field. Research opportunities span biomedical sciences, neuroscience, bioengineering, and other interdisciplinary areas. The program generally takes approximately eight years to complete and awards both the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, preparing graduates for careers in academic medicine, clinical research, biomedical investigation, and medical education. Trainees receive stipend support, tuition coverage, and health insurance throughout the program.

1. Complete the American Medical College Application Service application for the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
2. Include details of research experience and motivation to pursue a physician-scientist career in the application.
3. Submit at least three letters of recommendation through the American Medical College Application Service Letters Service.
4. Submit the secondary application after receiving an invitation from the School of Medicine. Receiving this application is necessary to be considered for the Medical Scientist Training Program.
5. Attend virtual interviews if invited, including interviews with faculty members, a current program student, and the School of Medicine's multiple mini-interview process.
6. If accepted, complete the integrated medical and doctoral research training. A separate graduate program application is not required for admitted Medical Scientist Training Program students.