Physician-Scientist Pathways
M.D./Ph.D. Program
Curriculum
Students in the UC Davis M.D./Ph.D. program complete the requirements for both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Graduate program applications are submitted during the first two years of medical school.
Program Timeline
Years 1–2: Pre-Clinical Medical Training
- Complete pre-clinical curriculum
- Participate in a summer research rotation (between Years 1 and 2)
- Apply to Ph.D. graduate programs
- Take USMLE Step 1
Years 3–6: Ph.D. Training
- Enter a graduate program of choice
- Complete Ph.D. coursework, research, and dissertation (typically 4 years)
- Apply for fellowships (e.g., F30)
- Funded students receive a $5,000 stipend bonus during the final two years of medical school
Years 7–8: Clinical Medical Training
- Transition back to medical school after Ph.D. completion
- Complete clinical clerkships (Years 3 and 4 of M.D. curriculum)
- Total time to completion: Most students finish in 8 years
Longitudinal Experiences
Throughout the program, students participate in:
- Journal clubs
- Professional development activities
- Annual M.D./Ph.D. retreat
- Annual colloquium with the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (D.V.M./Ph.D.)
- Ongoing clinical preceptorships during Ph.D. years
- Annual medical school Poster Day
Mentorship and Advising
- Each student is paired with a dedicated M.D./Ph.D. advisor
- Students create and update an Individual Development Plan (IDP) annually
- Advisors provide continuous guidance across all phases of training