Track 2: Current Medical Students

Students may pursue dual-degree training through the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program via one of three academic tracks. Track 2 is for students who are currently enrolled in medical school or a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Interested candidates typically apply at the start of the second year of medical school.

Most students in the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program earn their PhD through the NIH OxCam Program, a four-year PhD program partnered with the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Visit the NIH OxCam Program website for more information.
 

Track 2 Scholars are responsible for funding the pre-clinical years of medical school (usually MS1 and MS2) and will begin the PhD phase of training in a NIH GPP. Track 2 Scholars enrolled in a participating MSTP may receive funds through the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program to support the remaining years of medical school (usually MS3 and MS4). Although students enrolled in non-MSTP medical programs are unable to receive funds for their medical training, the PhD phase of training is fully-funded. 

Eligibility

• Candidate must be enrolled in a U.S. medical school or Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) 

• Candidate must obtain permission from the medical program or MSTP Director in order to participate in one of the NIH GPPs

Application and Partnership Selection

Candidates interested in admission to Track 2 of the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program must submit the NIH GPP application. To start an application:

1.  Create your account username and password, then select Apply Now
    
2.  Select the GPP APPLICATION (Long Form) option
    
3.  Indicate the desired GPP and/or training pathway under Partnership Selection. To apply for Track 2, select University of Oxford (England) / University of Cambridge (England) / Consortia of Universities - NIH - MD/PhD - Track-2
    
4.  Applications must be submitted by the NIH GPP application deadline. There is no fee for submitting applications through the GPP application portal.  Partnering universities may have an application fee.
    
5.  Students selected to interview will be notified by the end of January. Notifications of admission are provided by the end of February.

Timeline for Track 2 Scholars

• Following admission, Track 2 Scholars take a leave of absence from the home medical school to pursue doctoral training through the NIH OxCam Program.
   
• Upon completion of the PhD degree requirements, the student returns to the home institution to complete the clinical component of medical school.

Questions

Interested candidates with questions about the Track 2 pathway may contact the NIH MD/PhD Program administrators at mdphd@od.nih.gov.