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University of Pittsburgh    
2019-2020 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2019-2020 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Medical Scientist Training Program, MD/PhD


The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) offers exceptionally talented individuals the opportunity to undertake a physician-scientist training program tailored to their specific research interests. Our primary directive is to create future biomedical investigators by providing the highest quality graduate medical training. This program offers a range of special services and opportunities to facilitate the completion of a dual degree (MD/PhD). In addition to efficiency, the close integration of clinical and basic science training better reflects the future careers of biomedical scientists. Information regarding the application process can be found on the MSTP web site.

Admissions Process: Prospective students must apply individually to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and complete the MSTP online application. The criteria for acceptance to the MSTP include an outstanding academic record and letters of recommendation, positive personal interviews, and significant prior research experience. Admission to the MSTP is competitive, as is admission to graduate school, with students applying to the PhD programs of their choice after the first year of medical school.

Every year the program receives approximately 400 applications for a maximum of 15 available positions. The application review committee screens each completed application and well-qualified applicants are invited for an interview in Pittsburgh. Students currently enrolled in the MSTP have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.82 and an average Medical College Admission Test score of 515.8. (These scores are for general assessment purposes only; applications are considered holistically.) We also review the letters of recommendation that are submitted to the medical school as part of candidates’ School of Medicine application. Please be sure to include two letters of recommendation from faculty and/or scientists who are conversant with your research training. Previous research experience and commitment to a career as a physician-scientist are crucial in the evaluation of applications. Please convey your anticipated research interests and plans as well as past work. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent must be completed prior to matriculating.

  1. MSTP Application Deadline: Applicants must submit an initial application through AMCAS by October 1, 2018. In order to be considered for the MSTP, your MD application along with the supplemental application for Pitt-CMU MSTP and all supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, are due no later than 11:59 PM on OCTOBER 15, 2019. We do not grant application deadline extensions. Early applications is strongly encouraged, as interview offers are made on a rolling basis. Our MSTP admits only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; international students are ineligible for the MSTP.
  2. Acceptances: We accept students on a rolling basis; therefore, it is very important to complete the application, including recommendation letters, as early as possible. Applicants must complete their MD secondary application as soon as possible. Starting October 17, those with completed applications will be informed of their acceptance to our program within roughly three weeks of their interview date. Applicants are ranked and notified of the following action:
    1. Acceptance into MSTP with full funding for all years of medical school and graduate school (including tuition and stipend)
    2. Wait-listed for acceptance into MSTP with funding
    3. Not accepted into MSTP

A second group of students is placed on the wait list. The University of Pittsburgh MSTP also accepts a small number of matriculated second-year medical students into the dual-degree program based upon their outstanding performance and developing interest in research pursuits during their medical school experience. Once admitted to the program, we do not accept any transfer credits from undergraduate or graduate courses to fulfill the MSTP course requirements.

The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University MSTP recognizes that our training environment is positively enriched by trainees with diverse backgrounds and needs. Our program gives full consideration to all eligible applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, veteran status, disability, national origin, creed, marital status, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Tuition and Fees:

MSTP students are fully supported through the entire program. Tuition, health insurance, and stipend are supported by a combination of funds from a National Institute of Health training grant, individual graduate programs, and School of Medicine funds.

Degree and Program Requirements


The MSTP program has many unique aspects of the curriculum, designed to integrate MSTP education through courses such as molecular medicine, the research basis of medical knowledge, professional development, ethics, and longitudinal clinical clerkships. MSTP students begin training to become physician-scientists from the very first week, and are well advised about possible courses and research opportunities. Descriptions of additional MSTP courses are listed below:

  • MSTP 5010 - MOLECULAR MEDICINE
  • MSTP 5973 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT II: METHODS AND ANALYSIS
  • MSTP 5290 - RESEARCH BASIS OF MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE
  • MSTP 5971 - MSTP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • MSTP 5983 - ETHICS FOR MEDICAL SCIENTISTS
  • MSTP 5990 - LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL COURSES 1 & 2
  • MSTP 5993 - LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL COURSE 3
  • MSTP 5955 - MSTP WORKSHOPS


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