Preparing Tomorrow’s Physicians and Physician Scientists

The School of Biomedical Science is committed to preparing tomorrow’s academic physicians for careers in medical practice and has a special interest in preparing students for careers in biomedical research and teaching.

Biomedical Science faculty bring their research knowledge and expertise to medical students in the various two pre-clinical curricular tracks offered through the College of Medicine -- the Integrated Pathway and the Independent Study Program. These two innovative approaches give students their choice of curricular tracks, depending on their learning style preference and career objectives, during the first two years of basic science instruction in the medical school curriculum.

During pre-clinical study, medical students have an opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the world's most productive research scientists, a dynamic fusion of experts from many disciplines, ranging from genetics to molecular biology. Their research experience and understanding of human systems, which have generated important discoveries leading to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many of the world’s most devastating diseases, are crucial to helping students prepare for the challenges they will face as tomorrow’s leaders in patient care and medical practice.

The MD/PhD “Medical Scientist” Program engages the intellectual capital of more than 160 graduate faculty to prepare students interested in pursuing a dual MD/PhD. The program combines clinical training leading to the MD degree with research training leading to the PhD degree. Graduate courses in both the Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program core curriculum and a choice of two study “tracks” – an Independent Study Program and an Integrated Pathway -- provide rigorous, in-depth scientific training. Personal mentoring in both medical and research training, along with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, assure students a first-rate, rewarding educational experience culminating in the dual MD/PhD degree.