Research Experience

Research experience prior to applying

What is "substantial independent research experience"?

MD/PhD training is a significant investment of time, energy, and money for both the student and the program. Physician scientists spend most of their time doing research and most often go on to become faculty members at medical schools, universities and research institutes. MSTP applicants must be certain that biomedical research is a singular passion and career objective.

Successful applicants to our MSTP have spent significant time conducting independent, hypothesis-driven research. Such research experiences can include:

  • Sustained independent research during the academic year as an undergraduate
  • Multiple summer research experiences
  • One or more years of full-time research experience following completion of undergraduate studies

Exceptional letters of recommendation from research mentors is an important component of a successful application, as they provide evidence of the rigor and quality of the research experience, and an applicant’s familiarity with the idea of testing a hypothesis.

Interested in summer research?