MSTP Progression Requirements
This policy supplements the institutional MD Program Progression Policy by outlining requirements specific to students in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). It governs progression through the triphasic MD curriculum and the integrated PhD phase. Key distinctions include MSTP-specific milestones, earlier timing of USMLE Step 1, and structured reviews at each phase transition.
Progression decisions are made through coordinated review by the Promotions Committee, MSTP leadership, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, based on academic performance, research progress, professionalism, and adherence to program expectations. Students in good standing who meet defined benchmarks will be approved for advancement.
Progression from Phase 1 (Pre-Clerkship) to Phase 2 (Clerkships)
To progress to Phase 2, MSTP students must meet all requirements of the institutional MD Program Progression Policy (link) and fulfill the following MSTP-specific criteria:
Mentor/MTA Declaration Form Students must identify and be approved for a thesis mentor after completing MSTP-approved lab rotations. The Mentor/MTA Declaration Form must be submitted by December 1 of M2 year. Approval requires review by MSTP leadership and the Graduate School. Failure to meet this deadline may delay Phase 2 entry.
USMLE Step 1 (Accelerated MSTP Timeline) MSTP students must take Step 1 before beginning clerkships and must pass Step 1 before starting the PhD phase.
Final deadline to pass Step 1 is July 1 of the year in which the PhD phase begins.
Students are required to complete a NBME practice exam by January 1 of M2 year.
Remediation Protocol:
Students who have not taken Step 1 by the first clerkship block will:
Be placed in a structured remediation period
Enroll in the Exam Preparation elective
Submit a formal study plan
Receive regular oversight from MSTP leadership and Student Affairs
Students unable to pass Step 1 by the end of that period:
May transition to the second clerkship rotation block and enter the PhD phase, but may not use research time for Step 1 preparation
Must submit a formal Step 1 completion plan
May be referred to the Promotions Committee, which may recommend remediation resources, timeline adjustments, leave of absence, academic probation, or dismissal
Progression from Phase 2 (Clerkships) to PhD Phase
MSTP students must complete three clerkship blocks in the ASCEND Phase 2 curriculum before beginning the PhD phase.
The final block concludes after six weeks of Rotation 3, followed by a two-week vacation
Students begin full-time research on August 1
Reentry to clerkships occurs during CAMP, prior to Rotation 4 in the year of return, aligning students with the ASCEND MD curriculum.
Deviations from this timeline (e.g., incomplete clerkships) require review by the Promotions Committee and may result in deferral to the following year’s Phase 2 cycle. Exceptions are granted only under formally approved academic or personal circumstances.
Return from PhD to Phase 2 (Clerkships)
MSTP students returning from the PhD phase must:
Fulfill all Graduate School requirements, including successful defense and dissertation deposit (see Thesis/Dissertation requirements)
Submit the Intent to Return to MD Curriculum Form by February 1 of the prior academic year; modifications must be submitted via the Modification of Intent to Return Form.
Receive clearance from the Graduate School, MSTP leadership, and the Promotions Committee.
Address any outstanding MD curriculum requirements, such as Step 1 or incomplete clerkships, with a formal remediation plan developed in coordination with Student Affairs and MSTP leadership.
Failure to submit forms or meet return deadlines may result in removal from the MD roster for the upcoming academic year.
Progression from Phase 2 to Phase 3 (Integration and Transitions Phase)
To progress to Phase 3, MSTP students must meet all institutional requirements:
Successful completion of all required clerkships
Completion of THINQ and Phase 2 PEAKS assessment
Adherence to MD Program Technical Standards
There are no additional MSTP-specific criteria for advancement to Phase 3.
Progression from Phase 3 to Graduation
To graduate, MSTP students must:
Complete all MD requirements, including:
Required clerkships and electives
Transition to Residency curriculum
Phase 3 PEAKS
Compliance with MD Program Technical Standards
Provide documentation of PhD completion, including:
Successful defense
Formal dissertation deposit
Confirmation of conferral by the Graduate School per the MSTP Graduation Policy
Progress Monitoring and Records Management
The Office of Curricular Affairs (OCA) tracks MD curriculum completion and submits academic records to the Office of Assessment and Evaluation (OAE)
MSTP leadership monitors laboratory rotations, mentor selection, dissertation progress, and timeline planning
The Graduate School confirms fulfillment of PhD requirements
All official academic records are maintained by the Office of the Registrar
Assessment, Remediation, and Review
If a student fails to meet MD, PhD, or MSTP requirements:
A structured remediation plan will be developed in collaboration with MSTP advising
Interventions may include:
Additional lab rotations
Academic support services
Adjustments to research or clinical timelines
Institutional MD and PhD remediation policies will apply, with MSTP-specific considerations incorporated through joint review by the Promotions Committee, Student Affairs, MSTP leadership, and the Graduate School
Institutional remediation policies for the MD or PhD curriculum will apply, and MSTP-specific considerations will be addressed through a joint review process involving the:
Promotions Committee
Office of Student Affairs
MSTP Leadership
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Committee on Academic Review (CAR)
Phase Transition Review and Clearance
MSTP leadership prepares rosters of eligible students for:
Advancement to Phase 2
Exit to the PhD phase
Reentry from the PhD to MD curriculum
Academic standing, professionalism, and technical standards are reviewed jointly by Student Affairs and MSTP leadership
The Promotions Committee meets annually and as needed to approve progression
Students will be formally notified if not approved for progression; in the absence of notification, students may assume they are in good standing
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