Students may pursue dual-degree training through the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program via one of two academic tracks. Track 1 is for students who have completed the Bachelor’s degree and are applying to clinical degree schools. Upon acceptance, Track 1 Scholars begin their training by completing the first two years of clinical training at the home institution. Track 1 Scholars then take a leave of absence from the home institution to pursue doctoral training through the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. Upon completion of the doctoral degree requirements, the student returns to the home institution to complete the clinical degree.
Eligibility
- Candidate must be applying to U.S. medical schools and/or MSTPs at participating medical schools. Admission into the NIH MD/PhD Program is contingent upon acceptance to a partnering medical school, MSTP, or clinical degree program.
- Interest in the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program
- At this time, the only NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) that allows Track 1 students to defer their PhD training while completing the first one to three years of medical school is the NIH OxCam Program. Students accepted into the NIH MD/PhD Program will automatically be enrolled in the NIH OxCam Program. For more information, please visit the NIH OxCam website.
- If you are considering a different NIH GPP or Individual Partnership, please contact the program administrators or the main GPP office for more information.
- At this time, the only NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) that allows Track 1 students to defer their PhD training while completing the first one to three years of medical school is the NIH OxCam Program. Students accepted into the NIH MD/PhD Program will automatically be enrolled in the NIH OxCam Program. For more information, please visit the NIH OxCam website.
Please note the NIH Medical Scientist Partnership Program (MSPP) application process has changed. A general overview of the new application process is provided below.
- Submit the application for admission to a U.S. clinical degree program, medical school, or MD/PhD program.
- NIH MSPP Funding Application
- NIH MD/PhD Program application
MSPP FM1 Fellowship Application
- Interested students should review the MSPP FM1 funding announcement.
- Track 1 applicants should contact NIAID staff to receive specific instructions on how to apply at least 90 days before the submission deadline by sending an email to NIHMSPPQuestions@niaid.nih.gov
- Candidates must submit the FM1 fellowship application by the August 8th deadline for funding consideration.
NIH GPP Application and Partnership Selection
Candidates interested in admission to Track 1 of the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program must submit the NIH GPP application. To start an application:
- Create your account username and password, then select Apply Now
- Select the GPP APPLICATION (Long Form) option
- Indicate the desired GPP and/or training pathway under Partnership Selection. To apply for Track 1, select University of Oxford (England) / University of Cambridge (England) / Consortia of Universities - NIH - MD/PhD - Track-1
- Track 1 applications must be submitted by the NIH GPP application deadline. There is no fee for submitting applications through the GPP application portal. Partnering medical schools and universities may have an application fee.
- Students selected to interview will be notified by the end of January. Notifications of admission are provide by the end of February.
Timeline for Track 1 Scholars
- Track 1 MD/PhD Scholars must be admitted and enrolled in NIH MD/PhD Program as well as the partnering medical school or MSTP.
- Immediately following acceptance into both programs, scholars begin the dual-degree training by first completing the pre-clinical years of medical school (usually MS1 and MS2). This phase of your training will be supported by NIH MSTP funding.
- Following the completion of MS1 and MS2, Track 1 Scholars transition into the PhD phase of training, which is supported by NIH intramural research funds. The application to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge must be submitted in the fall of MS2.
- After completing the doctoral degree requirements, Track 1 Scholars return to the home institution to complete clinical years of medical school (usually MS3 and MS4), which will again be supported by NIH MSTP funding.
Questions
Interested candidates with questions about the Track 1 pathway may contact the NIH MD/PhD Program administrators at mdphd@od.nih.gov.
