Program Overview

The MD-PhD curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill follows a traditional MSTP-style timeline. Students usually graduate in 7 or 8 years, and selection of a graduate program can be delayed through the first two years in the program. In addition to academic curricula, the MD-PhD program includes an annual program retreat, Monday night dinner/seminar series, student presentations, and training in scientific ethics.

Year 1:

Students are strongly encouraged to perform a research rotation in the summer before their first year of medical school. All students matriculate into the first year of medical school (MS1) which is comprised four courses in the basic biomedical science. Presentation is through four interdisciplinary blocks that allow more small-group and case-based presentations. Introduction to the profession of medicine begins in the first week of the first year through Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) and Medicine and Society. During the summer after MS1, students perform their first (or second) research rotation.

Year 2:

The second year of medical school (MS2) consists of clinical science courses During the summer after MS2, students take Part 1 of the USMLE board exam and perform another research rotation if they have not yet selected a lab mentor.

Years 3,4,5 (6):

In the third year of the program, students enroll in a graduate program (GY1). During the graduate years (GY1-4), students will complete coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation project according to the requirements of their particular departments. Most students will enroll in the Biological and Biomedical Science Program (BBSP) before declaring a department affiliation.

Year 6 or 7:

Re-entry into medical school takes place during the summer or fall of MS3. Students will complete basic clinical clerkships (Internal Medicine, surgery, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and psychiatry.)

Year 7 or 8:

During MS4, students serve as acting interns and finish other elective courses. In the final year in medical school, most MD-PhD students have a flexible schedule due to courses transferred in from their PhD work allowing them the extra time to interview for residency positions.