M.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree Program
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Charles E. Schmidt Colleges of Medicine and Science and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) have created a M.D./Ph.D. dual degree program that provides talented 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with cutting-edge training to become physician-scientists. The program allows 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to complete their Ph.D. research in one of MPFI's state of the art research groups while simultaneously earning their medical degree from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's College of Medicine and doctoral degree from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Integrative Biology Ph.D. program. This collaborative M.D./Ph.D. program combines the rigorous academic curriculum and top-tier clinical training offered by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with the cutting-edge neuroscience research in laboratories at MPFI, which is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society.
Program Details
Students in the M.D./Ph.D. program follow a novel sequence of study at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and MPFI that promotes the distinct career path and integrated training in medicine and neuroscience research. In the first year of the program, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø complete the standard medical school pre-clinical curriculum during the Fall and Spring semesters at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College of Medicine earning credits toward both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Beginning in Summer of the first year, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø begin their Ph.D. research at MPFI and enter the doctoral program full-time and typically complete the required coursework and thesis dissertation in the laboratory of a MPFI faculty member in 4-5 years.
Students in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-MPFI M.D./Ph.D. program are enrolled in the Integrative Biology Ph.D. program, with either a concentration in Biomedical Sciences (IBBS) or Neuroscience (IBNS), depending on which program the student selected during the application process. After successful completion of the IBBS/IBNS Ph.D. program, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø re-enter medical school and complete the last three years of their M.D. curriculum, clinical training, and required United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). This innovative program structure allows 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to complete their medical education and clinical training, in three consecutive years, so that knowledge and skills are current for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, clinical rotations, and preparing for medical residency.