In response to the need for accomplished academic medical scientists, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine offers a combined training program that leads to both the MD and the PhD degrees. The objective of the Program is to train students for careers in academic medicine and research. The Program integrates the medical curriculum with graduate studies in the basic medical sciences. Students pursue original research projects in the laboratories of the University’s graduate faculty along with medical studies in the College of Medicine. Students begin the Program without affiliation to a basic science department in order to be exposed to the widest possible opportunities for graduate study. Under the guidance of senior faculty, students are offered choices in developing their programs of study. During this time, they explore research opportunities in any academic department of the College of Medicine, including Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Neurosciences, Pharmacology, and Physiology & Biophysics, or in the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Bioengineering, the School of Public Health, the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutical Sciences.
Timetable
The MD/PhD Training Program requires seven to eight years of study. Typically, the first two years of the Program are used to complete years 1 and 2 of the medical curriculum. During this time students explore research opportunities in various academic departments under the guidance of the appointed faculty advisors. They are required to complete three research rotations of 6 to 8 weeks each.
Selection of a permanent thesis advisor and commitment to a graduate department take place by the end of the second year of study. MD/PhD students then enter into their chosen graduate department and for their coursework choose from a set of introductory GEMS courses as well as more advanced courses in their specialties. Under the guidance of a member of the research faculty, students spend three to four years engaged in an extensive period of original doctoral research. They are required to complete all of the departmental requirements for the PhD degree before returning to the medical school. During the PhD phase, the students keep their clinical skills sharp by participating in the Program’s required Clinical Connections. They may also volunteer at the weekly student-run free clinic.
In the final 1.5 to 2 years of the Program, MD/PhD candidates rejoin the medical school class to complete the remaining medical school requirements. Individual modifications of the above timetable to meet specific needs and interests can be developed.
Seminar Series
A series of lunch seminars, especially designed for new MD/PhD students, provides an overview of the opportunities for research. Also, an ongoing series of dinner seminars is presented to MD/PhD students in all stages of the program by physician-scientists from UIC as well as other medical schools. These seminars expand students' scientific background, help to develop new approaches in biomedical research, and expose students to research areas of special interest to physician-scientists. The seminar series is one of several means used to bring together trainees and preceptors from the various programs.
Financial Aid
MD/PhD students receive a tuition waiver and stipend throughout all years of the Program. For the 2006-07 academic year, the annual stipend is $24,000 for each year of medical studies and graduate studies. In addition to external and internal grants and loans, the College of Medicine Office of Financial Aid participates in most state and Federal financial aid programs. Eligible students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which automatically allows them to apply for most federal financial aid programs.
Advising
Advising at UIC occurs at both formal and informal levels. MD/PhD students at UIC have two advisors, plus a thesis advisor. The thesis advisor (the student's "Principle Investigator") oversees the student's particular research project. The student also has a medical school advisor who oversees the student's progress through the medical school phase of the program and provides guidance and advice about medical-practice issues related to the student's career. The MD/PhD advisor guides the student through the research aspects of the program and career issues unique to future physician-scientists. All advisors are selected by the student and may be changed at anytime, although, for best continuity, it is recommended that students avoid changing advisors. Networking among MD/PhD students is encouraged. This is facilitated by the seminar series, other MD/PhD events, and an annual retreat for fun, relaxation and, of course, to update one another about their respective research. The Program office is located in a large suite dedicated to the College of Medicine's graduate programs which contains a seminar room, a kitchen and a huge library-lounge where students may gather informally to study together or just chat and relax.
Further Information
For further information about the UIC MSTP contact:
Roberta Bernstein Medical Scientist Training Program Coordinator
By mail: COM Deans' Office 131 CMW, MC 784 1853 W. Polk St. Chicago, Il 60612
In person: 308 Clinical Sciences North 820 South Wood Street In Suite 300 next to the yellow elevator
Phone: (312) 996-7473 FAX Number: (312) 413-8221 Email: roberta@uic.edu
