Curriculum
What will you learn in the MD/PhD Physician Science Program offered through the KU School of Medicine? Here's what you can expect.
Enrollment in the MD/PhD Physician Science Program allows you access to curriculum specifically constructed for a career in research.
Year One
Matriculation begins with two years of a basic medical science curriculum as well as introductory laboratory research rotations in the summer before and the summer after your first year of medical courses.
Year Two
In this year or the year prior, you select a research mentor. With your mentor, you begin to develop ideas for the dissertation research problem. Students complete the second year by taking Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Years Three through Five
Depending on individual progress, you focus primarily on the research problem and selected graduate curriculum. Up to eight hours of research credits during this time can apply toward the required elective credits for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Following completion of your dissertation, you complete your third and fourth year of medical school.