> 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/curriculum/md-phd-program-activities/transition-from-md-to-phd.md). # 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](https://mountsinai.formstack.com/workflows/mstp_student_mentor_mentee_compact), which ensures that all students are financially supported throughout their dissertation research. --- # 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/curriculum/md-phd-program-activities/transition-from-md-to-phd.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.