Overview

The University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program was established in 1979 to facilitate the combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree education of outstanding, dedicated students. With 97 graduates and 86 participants in the 2003-2004 academic year, the program continues to enjoy the positive support of the faculty and administration of the graduate and medical schools. These commitments have been rewarded by the excellence of the MSTP fellows.

The fellows must meet the rigorous requirements of the graduate and medical schools and of the program itself. They also must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The modal time to complete the integrated curriculum is seven and one half years. Fellows receive full tuition, stipend support and health insurance. The current annual stipend is $20,000 for fellows in the first two years of medical school, $21,500 for fellows in the graduate phase, and $23,000 for fellows in the last two years of medical school.

The MSTP receives financial support from many sources including base funding from the University of Michigan Medical School. The largest single source is that provided through a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. All fellows are encouraged to apply for institutional or outside fellowship awards for which they may be eminently qualified and competitive.

Assistance and academic support are provided through the MSTP Director, staff, and faculty advisory groups: a Research Rotation Advisory Committee provides advice regarding the selection of summer research rotations, a thesis committee provides oversight and guidance during the Ph.D. dissertation research, and the Career Advisory Panel provides input regarding post-graduation career planning. The Director and Associate Directors are advised by the MSTP Operating Committee, composed of at least 1 representative from each degree-granting graduate program participating in the MSTP, as well as 2 MSTP fellows. The Operating Committee also serves as the Admissions Committee. The Policy Committee maintains a general oversight function. A Program Activities Committee composed of fellows plans the annual program events and activities including a seminar series and the scientific retreat.

Inquiries are welcomed. The application deadline is October 15 for fellowship consideration the following July. The MSTP typically awards ten to twelve new fellowships each year.