Transition from MD to PhD

At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MSTP students formally transition to the PhD phase after completing several key milestones. Students must pass USMLE Step 1, complete all Phase 1 requirements of the MD curriculum, declare a dissertation mentor and Multidisciplinary Training Area (MTA), and submit required forms documenting their research commitment. Students who meet these milestones enter Phase 2 and complete up to three core clinical clerkships before beginning full-time PhD research, allowing for greater flexibility and continuity when they return to clinical training after the PhD. During the first two years of medical school (M1–M2), MSTP students are fully supported by institutional funds. Upon entry into the PhD phase, students transition to mentor-based funding, consistent with the MSTP Mentor-Mentee Compact, which ensures that all students are financially supported throughout their dissertation research.