MD/PhD Admissions
Our Philosophy
The MD/PhD Combined Degree Program at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is structured to train medical-scientists for productive careers in the twenty-first century. Our philosophy views the clinical encounter between student and patient as central for creating a personal sense of responsibility for others that motivates curiosity and drives questions that can be best explored by cutting edge science. Therefore, we place a purposeful emphasis on both clinical and scientific training that encourages each student to find their passionate niche. Our highly-personalized environment creates medical-scientists with the capacity to ask a clinically-relevant question, explore it in their laboratory, and translate new knowledge into pragmatic clinical practice that benefits our underserved patients and advances scientific understanding.
Our Approach
We provide opportunities for integrated basic science and clinical training at each point in the MD/PhD Combined Degree Program. MD/PhD students in the pre-clinical basic sciences attend specially designed MD/PhD specific courses during the M1 and M2 years that are taught by faculty with extensive research experience, including the MD/PhD Co-Directors. These sessions challenge our students to design potential research aims based on actual clinical cases, foster a sense of community, and establish a close working relationship between our students and faculty. Students in their graduate years shadow attending, attend clinical reasoning seminars, are assigned to an individual resident mentor, and learn to integrate laboratory and clinical work with their unique research interests.
Our Goal
Physician-Scientists represent a vital link between cutting edge biomedical science and clinical practice. We strive to support, challenge and generate leaders to build an integrated community between cutting edge biomedical research and sound clinical practice.
Throughout this training experience, students in our program attend scientific and social events designed to identify ideal mentors that will foster their professional development and promote strong leadership skills.
Students with Disabilities
The Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine MD/PhD Program is committed to providing access and accommodations to all applicants, as needed. We strive to ensure that all applicants with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations throughout their application process. For more information, please refer to the Boston University Graduate Medical Sciences Disability and Access Services page.