Standards for Maintaining Satisfactory Progress

To maintain satisfactory progress in the MD-PhD Program, students must fulfill all of the following expectations:

MD Program Requirements

• Maintain Satisfactory Progress per the MD program standards (Note: modified progression policy for MSTP students is pending)

PhD Program Requirements

• per the PhD program standards

• Matriculate full-time and maintain continuous enrollment each term through degree completion

• Register on time each term and submit registration and documentation memos promptly

• Maintain a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 in PhD coursework, including:

  • Biomedical Sciences for MD-PhD

  • An approved biostatistics course

• Complete at least 14 letter-graded credits of coursework (see )

• Demonstrate potential for research via timely:

  • Lab selection

  • Dissertation advisor and training area designation

• Submit Laboratory Rotation Forms on time for each rotation:

  • Laboratory Rotation Agreement Form

• Form a full Advisory Committee within 3 months of starting in lab

  • Meet with this committee at least once per semester

  • Submit the after each meeting

• Complete the Thesis Proposal Exam:

  • By the end of the 4th semester (GSBS requirement)

  • By the end of the 6th semester (MD-PhD tracking milestone)

• Conduct research resulting in a thesis with new findings, presented and defended

• Generate data equivalent to a first-author manuscript in a high-quality, peer-reviewed journal

  • Submission or acceptance of the manuscript is not required

• Defend the dissertation and revise within:

  • 5 weeks (minor or no revisions)

  • 8 weeks (major revisions)

• Deposit the approved dissertation via ProQuest within the Program time limits:

  • By June 30 of the seventh year in the program (GSBS)

  • Within five years of the Thesis Proposal

• Enroll in journal clubs, seminars, and works-in-progress as required by the MTA

• Participate in required MSTP programming, including:

  • Annual MSTP Retreat (with abstract/presentation as applicable)

  • MSTP TREK

Milestone Management

• Reach and pass all required Program Milestones:

Transitioning Between MD and PhD Phases

• Complete USMLE Step 1 before beginning PhD research phase

• Submit the Intent to Return to MD Curriculum Form by February 1 prior to clinical re-entry

  • Submit the Modification Form if plans change

Program Duration

• Complete both MD and PhD degrees within 10 years

• No more than 5 years between Thesis Proposal and Defense (Time to Degree Policy)

If Academic Progress is in Jeopardy

If a dissertation advisor is dissatisfied with a student's academic progress:

1. Document concerns and discuss with the student, establishing a correction plan

2. If needed, engage in mediation with the MTA Director and Advisory Committee

3. If unresolved, escalate to the Dean or Senior Associate Dean