Medical Scientist Training Program, MD/PhD

Return to: School of Medicine

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 600 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 recently enrolled in the MSTP have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.78 (This is 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. 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. 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 who were chosen for interviews will be informed of their acceptance status 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 that is considered depending on spots available after admitted student decisions. 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 considers 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.