About the University of Washington MSTP
Overview
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), the MD/PhD program at the University of Washington, was established in 1971. The program's goal is to train scientists with both a broad knowledge in medicine and the ability to productively investigate detailed mechanisms associated with human diseases.
The program emphasizes continuity between the curricula of clinical and basic scie
nces and is designed for
students with a strong interest in research who plan a career in academic medicine.
The summers prior to the first and second years in medical school are spent in a research laboratory. Students are strongly supported as they explore exciting ideas and develop unique insights regarding problems in medical research.
During the first two years of medical school, MSTP students are encouraged to use elective time to fulfill graduate department course requirements and to select a laboratory and advisor for their research programs. A list of participating faculty is available here, though you are not limited to these choices. MSTP students do not need to be admitted to a graduate department until after their second year; a list of participating departments is available here. After obtaining a PhD, trainees return to medical school for their clinical clerkships. Upon completion of the program, generally after eight years, trainees commence their careers in biomedical or clinical research. Most choose either a residency or a postdoctoral fellowship program; some trainees do both. The current positions of our graduates are available in our alumni directory.
The MSTP is supported primarily by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Each trainee is provided with a stipend, tuition, and health benefits for the length of the program, contingent upon continued federal support and satisfactory performance in the program.