MD-PhD Program Overview
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at UW–Madison provides a broad array of research opportunities spanning the frontiers of biomedical and health sciences.
General inquiries: mstp@med.wisc.edu
The rigor and caliber of both the MD and PhD components of the UW Medical Scientist Training Program are equivalent to those of single-degree candidates. We believe that such training optimizes the chance for a productive career as an independent physician-investigator.
We aim for a diversity of research interests among our students, similar to that found in an academic medical center, and we provide multiple opportunities and venues where students can interact.
To varying degrees, all of our graduates will do translational research. We prioritize the acquisition of research skills and development of knowledge that place students at the forefront of their research fields.
Integrated Curriculum
Our fully integrated curriculum incorporates both clinical and research elements throughout the entire program.
Explore our curriculum
Student Funding
MSTP students are guaranteed funding, including an annual stipend and tuition costs, throughout both their MD and PhD training.
Supportive Community
The UW Medical Scientist Training Program strives to create an environment where all students, faculty and staff can thrive and feel at home. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in our program and school, and throughout our campus. With every action, every time, we are building an inclusive, collegial and respectful community.
Program History
The integrated MD-PhD program at UW–Madison was established in 1986. One to four students entered the program each year through 1996, attracted by research opportunities at UW–Madison. They performed research with great dedication, wrote substantial dissertations and all graduated with dual degrees.
In 1997, we submitted a successful application for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Scientist Training Program funding. The NIH grant has been renewed continuously, with consistent increases in funding. Our program has achieved a steady acceptance and graduation of eight to 10 students per year and a current program size of approximately 80. The average time to graduation (for the last three graduating classes) is 8.0 years. We receive about 360 applications each year, allowing recruitment of classes with diverse skills and backgrounds.