Phase One: Basic Science - Preclinical

Incoming MD/PhD students will matriculate with the entering class of medical students and take the first two years of the medical school curriculum which are described in the College of Medicine Program Guide.

MD/PhD students are also required to take the NIH Seminar Series Elective Course during their first two years of Medical School. This course will fulfill one credit of the basic science elective requirements for Medical students, and will facilitate the transition from Medical School to Graduate School.

The summer between the MSI and MSII years will be spent in a laboratory of the student's choosing to give the student the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the eventual choice of laboratory in which to complete his or her dissertation.

In addition, the students are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities at the Health Science Center during the summer before the MSI year to help them choose the laboratory for their dissertation work. The decision as to lab and mentor is made before the end of the MSII year to enable the student to begin his or her laboratory work after sitting for Part I of the Boards.