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Graduate Student Handbook

V. Other Programs at the Health Center

A. Medical Scientist Training Program / Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health and is designed for highly qualified students interested in careers in medical research and academic medicine. The MSTP enables students to acquire competence in both the basic science and clinical aspects of the chosen fields of medicine. The Program combines the curricula of the Graduate School and School of Medicine in a way that meets the specific degree requirements of each, and yet allows the completion of both in a period less than that needed if the two curricula were taken in sequence. Students normally spend the first two years completing Phase 1 of the medical school portion of the MSTP; this includes mastering the basic sciences, the graduate seminar series, correlated medical problem solving, the foundations of clinical medicine and participation in the student continuity practice. Phase 1 culminates with Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). During the next three years (years three, four and five), students pursue their graduate studies and Ph.D. dissertation in one of seven areas of concentration of the biomedical sciences graduate program – cell biology, cellular and molecular pharmacology, developmental biology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry, neuroscience and skeletal, craniofacial and oral biology. The students then return to the medical school curriculum to complete Phases 2 and 3 their clinical training (years six and seven). Thus, both degrees requirements are usually completed in seven years.

All applicants accepted into the combined degree program (MSTP) are awarded financial support that includes full tuition, fees, and health insurance as well as a stipend (currently $20,000 per year). Financial support is provided by several sources including a training grant from the National Institutes of Health, funds from the University of Connecticut Health Center and individual faculty research grants.

A joint degree program leading to the Master of Public Health, in addition to the Doctor of Medicine, is offered in conjunction with the University of Connecticut. The dual program has been developed to better prepare future physician to deal effectively and creatively with the rapidly changing environment of medicine and health care. It is possible to complete the degree requirements for both programs during the four years of medical school.

Conducted by the Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, the public health program is one of six nationally accredited M.P.H. programs that is sponsored by a medical school. Its curriculum covers the basic public health disciplines (social and behavioral sciences, health care administration, health law and regulation, environmental health, epidemiology and biostatistics) and includes electives in health organization and policy, health research methods and a number of topical areas. Course instructors include full-time faculty from the School of Medicine, other University of Connecticut Faculty and public health practitioners.

The combined D.M.D./Ph.D. program is designed for students interested in careers in research and academic dentistry. It is designed to enable the student to acquire competence in both the basic science and clinical aspects of dental medicine. The program allows a student to combine the curricula of two schools in a way that meets the specific degree requirements of each and yet allows the completion of both in a period of less than that needed if the two curricula were taken in sequence. Entry into this program is limited to a small number of unusually well qualified students who are either currently enrolled in dental school or who have been accepted into the first year class.

During the first two years, students complete the basic medical sciences portion of the dental school curriculum. They then enter the University of Connecticut Graduate School to complete their graduate studies and doctoral dissertation in one of the areas of concentration at the Health Center. The student then returns to the dental school to complete the necessary clinical training after which both degrees are awarded concurrently. Further information may be obtained from Dr. Alan Lurie, School of Dental Medicine.

A degree program leading to the Master of Public Health in addition to the Doctor of Dental Medicine is offered in conjunction with the Graduate Program in Public Health, a part of the Graduate School of the University of Connecticut. The dual degree program has been developed to better prepare future dentists to deal effectively and creatively with the rapidly changing environment of dental medicine and health care. It is possible to complete the degree requirements for both programs during the four years of dental school.

The MPH curriculum covers the basic public health disciplines (social and behavioral sciences, health care administration, health law and regulation, environmental health, epidemiology and biostatistics) and includes electives in health services organization and policy, health research methods and a number of topical areas. Course instructors include full-time faculty from the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine, other University of Connecticut faculty, and public health practitioners.

Candidates must apply to both schools and meet the graduation requirements of both programs. Further information may be obtained from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the Graduate Program in Public Health.

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