Transition from PhD to MD

Returning to clinical training after completing the PhD is a major milestone in the MSTP journey. To ensure a smooth and successful transition, MD-PhD students must complete several key requirements:

• MD-PhD Clinical Refresher Course: Students must successfully complete the Clinical Refresher, a structured program designed to rebuild clinical skills, refresh medical knowledge, and prepare for re-entry into clerkships.

• MD-PhD Intent to Return to Clinical Phase: Students must submit the MD-PhD Intent to Return Form by the specified deadline to formally indicate their plan to resume the MD curriculum.

• MD-PhD Modification of Intent to Return to Clinical Phase. If a student decides not to return to medical school after completing the PhD, they must submit the Modification of Intent to Return Form.

Important: Students must successfully defend and deposit their dissertation before they are permitted to re-enter medical school (see Dissertation Defense). No student may begin clerkships or advanced clinical training until the PhD is formally deposited with the Graduate School.

Once students complete their PhD and return to medical school for the final clerkships and advanced clinical training (Phase 3), institutional MSTP funding resumes, covering tuition, stipend, and benefits. This coordinated support model allows trainees to focus fully on developing the clinical skills, scholarly output, and professional competencies essential for successful physician-scientist careers.

The MSTP leadership team provides ongoing guidance throughout this transition to ensure all requirements are met and students are well-supported as they move forward.

Transition timing:

This policy outlines the re-entry process for MD-PhD students based on their entry date into the program. Students are categorized into two cohorts: those who entered during the Legacy curriculum (all classes entering prior to 2024) and those who entered under the ASCEND curriculum (all classes entering 2024 and after). The ASCEND curriculum for clinical re-entry starts in February 2026.

Cohort Definitions

• Legacy Cohort: MD-PhD students who entered the program prior to 2024.

• ASCEND Cohort: MD-PhD students who entered the program in 2024 or later.

Re-Entry Process for Legacy Cohort

1. General Guidelines

   1. Students who entered prior to 2024 will follow the Legacy curriculum upon re-entry, provided they are re-entering before February 2026.

   2. Students re-entering in or after February 2026 will transition to the ASCEND curriculum for clinical phases.

2. Re-Entry Before February 2026

   1. Students will resume the Legacy curriculum.

   2. Academic progress will be evaluated based on the coursework completed prior to the LOA.

   3. Any incomplete coursework or clinical rotations must be completed as per the Legacy curriculum requirements.

3. Re-Entry In or After February 2026

   1. Students will transition to the ASCEND curriculum.

   2. Students must complete M1 and M2.

   3. Upon re-entry, students will join Phase 2 (12 months) of the ASCEND curriculum.

   4. Students must meet with an academic advisor to develop a personalized plan to integrate Legacy coursework with the ASCEND curriculum requirements.

Re-Entry Process for ASCEND Cohort

1. General Guidelines

   1. Students who entered the program in 2024 or later will follow the ASCEND curriculum upon re-entry, regardless of the re-entry date.

   2. Academic progress will be evaluated based on the coursework completed prior to the LOA.

2. Re-Entry Protocol

   1. Phase 1 (18 months): Students must complete Phase 1 if not already done. This includes foundational coursework and preclinical experiences.

   2. Phase 2 (1 year): After completing Phase 1, students proceed to Phase 2, which includes advanced clinical rotations and integrated coursework.

   3. Phase 3 (18 months): Students enter Phase 3 for clinical re-entry starting in February 2026, which includes final clinical rotations and preparation for residency.

3. Breaks and Delays

   1. If a student takes a break during any phase, they must resume from the point of interruption.

   2. Personalized re-entry plans will be developed with the academic advisor to ensure smooth transition and completion of required phases.

Academic Advising and Support

1. Advising Meetings

   1. Students re-entering the program must meet with their academic advisor within the first month of re-entry to assess their progress and develop a personalized academic plan.

2. Support Services

   1. Academic support services, including tutoring and counseling, will be available to assist students during their re-entry and transition periods.

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Progress Reviews

   1. Regular progress reviews will be conducted to ensure students are meeting the requirements of their respective curricula.

   2. Students must submit progress reports to their academic advisors every six months.

2. Feedback Mechanism

   1. Students are encouraged to provide feedback on their re-entry experience to help improve the process for future cohorts.