> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-2-1/md-phd-program/advising/phd-phase-advising.md). # PhD phase advising During the PhD phase of MD-PhD training, students transition from a structured clinical curriculum to an immersive, full-time research environment. This period provides a critical opportunity for deepening scientific expertise, developing independence, and expanding professional networks. At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MSTP advising during the PhD phase is designed to support not only research productivity and milestones but also long-term career development as future physician-scientists. Career and professional development advising during the PhD years is a **shared responsibility between MSTP leadership, PhD mentors, and the Thesis Advisory Committee**. MSTP students continue to benefit from structured guidance and mentorship as they refine their research identity and begin preparing for reintegration into clinical training and the residency application process. *** ### Advising Priorities During the PhD Phase #### **1. Scientific and Professional Identity Development** As students become embedded in their research environments, advising focuses on helping them articulate their evolving scientific interests and how these intersect with their clinical goals. **Key Supports:** * Regular check-ins with MSTP Directors to assess progress and goals * Mentorship from thesis advisors, TAC (Thesis Advisory Committee) members, and MSTP-affiliated faculty * Opportunities for grant writing (e.g., F30, F31), manuscript authorship, and conference presentations * Optional individualized development plans (IDPs) with a physician-scientist focus * Access to workshops on research leadership, publishing, and academic integrity *** #### **2. Long-Term Career Exploration and Mentoring** The PhD phase provides the space to explore a wide range of career options, from academia and industry to policy and innovation, with a focus on preparing for the unique path of a physician-scientist. **Key Supports:** * One-on-one career advising with MSTP leadership and GSBS Career Services * Panels featuring MD-PhD alumni and physician-scientist role models * Shadowing opportunities or part-time clinical refreshers to maintain clinical identity * Encouragement to attend specialty interest group meetings and research seminars in clinical departments * Networking events with alumni and PSTP directors from other institutions *** #### **3. Preparing for Reentry into Clinical Training** Advising in the later years of the PhD phase includes structured preparation for transitioning back into the clinical curriculum. This transition can be both exciting and challenging, and dedicated resources are in place to ensure readiness. **Key Supports:** * MSTP Reentry Planning Sessions (typically 6–12 months before return) * Advising on clinical reimmersion: review of clinical skills, timeline planning, and reentry clerkships * Guidance on aligning research accomplishments with career goals * Support in developing a residency application timeline and identifying research-friendly specialties * Early review of CVs, personal statements, and mentorship needs for the match process --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-2-1/md-phd-program/advising/phd-phase-advising.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.