The goal of the program is to prepare individuals as physician-scientists. Graduates of this program typically pursue careers in academic medicine and biomedical research. This program offers students an integrated curriculum in the scholarly setting of Southwestern Medical School and Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The MSTP curriculum is flexible and individualized to suit the background and interest of each medical scientist fellow. The program is designed to be completed in approximately seven to eight years.
Additional time is allotted if needed to meet requirements for the Ph.D. degree.
The baccalaureate degree is required, and significant experience in laboratory research is essential for admission. It is desirable, but not mandatory, that the minimum prerequisites for admission to Southwestern Medical School be supplemented by one year of college calculus and one year of physical chemistry. Potential applicants who have not had prior experience in a research laboratory should gain such experience before considering a career in academic medicine and medical research. It is possible to acquire the necessary research experience after entering Southwestern Medical School and to apply to the MSTP during the first or second year of medical school. The Medical Scientist Training Program is the recipient of a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.