The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine is a prestigious MD/PhD program designed to train future physician-scientists who excel in both clinical practice and biomedical research. Established in 1956, it was the first program of its kind in the United States, offering a rigorous curriculum that integrates medical education with advanced research training. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the course requirements for the CWRU MSTP, detailing the academic prerequisites, curriculum structure, and key milestones to help prospective students understand what it takes to succeed in this dual-degree program.
Case Western MSTP Course Requirements
The CWRU MSTP is a combined MD/PhD program that typically takes seven to eight years to complete, depending on the time required for PhD dissertation research. The program is structured to meet the academic and research requirements of both the School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Studies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in academic medicine, clinical investigation, or translational research. Below, we outline the prerequisites, curriculum structure, and milestones that define the MSTP journey.
Academic Prerequisites for Admission
To be eligible for the CWRU MSTP, applicants must meet the academic criteria for the University Program of the CWRU School of Medicine and additional MSTP-specific requirements. These prerequisites ensure candidates have a strong foundation in the sciences and mathematics necessary for the program’s rigorous demands.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university before matriculation. For those with degrees from outside the U.S. or Canada, at least one year of advanced science-based coursework at an accredited U.S. institution is required, such as a master’s degree, post-baccalaureate program, or upper-level science courses.
- College Calculus: One year of college-level calculus is mandatory. Alternatively, a combination of one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics, or two semesters of either calculus or statistics, is acceptable.
- Biochemistry (Recommended): While not mandatory, a course in biochemistry is strongly recommended to prepare for the medical curriculum and MCAT.
- Biology: One semester of college-level biology is required. AP Biology credits alone do not satisfy this requirement, but they can be used to place out of introductory courses if followed by a semester of advanced biology coursework.
- MCAT: Applicants must complete the MCAT and achieve a minimum score of 495 to receive a secondary application. The average MCAT score for MSTP students over the past decade is in the 92nd percentile, with an average GPA of 3.8.
- Substantive Research Experience: A critical requirement for MSTP applicants is extensive research experience, typically gained during undergraduate summers, school years, or post-baccalaureate research programs. Applicants must articulate their motivation for pursuing both an MD and a PhD.
Curriculum Overview
The MSTP curriculum is designed to integrate medical and graduate education seamlessly, with three distinct phases: the preclinical phase (first two years), the PhD phase (three to four years), and the clinical phase (final two years). The program begins in early July, aligning with the medical school’s academic calendar, and follows a pass/fail grading system for medical courses, with letter grades for graduate courses that count toward the PhD.
Phase 1: Preclinical Phase (Years 1–2)
The first two years focus on the University Program’s preclinical medical curriculum, which is nearly identical to that of traditional MD students. Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., covering lectures, laboratories, clinical correlations, and small group discussions. Afternoons are reserved for graduate courses, research rotations, or clinical training to foster integration between medical and research training.
- Medical Curriculum: Includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology, with early clinical experiences to develop patient interaction skills.
- MSTP 401: Introduction to MSTP: A zero-credit course taken in the first summer, focusing on strategies for navigating the dual-degree program, mentor selection, time management, and critical thinking through journal clubs and discussions. Grading is pass/fail, requiring attendance and meaningful participation.
- Research Rotations: Students must complete at least three research rotations (MSTP 400, 0–9 credits) in different MSTP-approved laboratories before the third year. These rotations, typically 4–5 weeks each, help students select a thesis lab and mentor. Reports and evaluations are required for each rotation.
- Graduate Courses: Students take 3–4 credits of graduate courses per semester or a research rotation during the fall and spring of year one and fall of year two. A total of 9–10 graduate credits are required, approved by the MSTP advisor.
- Summer Between Years 1 and 2: Students complete one or two research rotations (4–5 weeks each or one 8–10-week rotation) to explore potential thesis labs.
By the end of the second year, students typically choose a PhD thesis mentor and graduate program, though additional rotations are possible if needed.
Phase 2: PhD Phase (Years 3–5 or 6)
After completing the preclinical phase, students transition to the PhD phase, focusing on graduate coursework and dissertation research. This phase typically lasts three to four years, depending on the research project and PhD program requirements.
- Graduate Coursework: Students complete the remaining graduate courses required by their chosen PhD program (e.g., Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, or Physiology and Biophysics). Most students finish coursework and pass their qualifying exams by the end of the third year, earning formal PhD candidacy.
- Dissertation Research: Students conduct full-time research in their chosen lab, working toward a thesis defense. The thesis committee must include at least one MD and one MSTP Steering Committee member (distinct from the thesis advisor if the advisor is an MD). The first committee meeting must occur by September of the PhD phase.
- MSTP Clinical Tutorial: During the PhD phase, students participate in a one-year (mandatory) clinical tutorial, working one afternoon per week with a clinical mentor in a specialty of their choice. This program bridges research and clinical interests, providing two weeks of elective credit in the final year of medical school. A second year of the tutorial is optional.
- Funding Opportunities: Students are encouraged to apply for external grants or fellowships, such as the Harrington-MSTP Scholar Award, which supports innovative research with potential for medical translation. The MSTP provides up to $300 annually for travel to present research at national or international meetings.
All PhD requirements, including the dissertation defense and publications, must be completed before starting the third-year medical curriculum.
Phase 3: Clinical Phase (Years 6–8)
The final two years focus on the clinical curriculum, including core clinical clerkships and electives, to complete the MD degree.
- Core Clinical Clerkships: Students complete rotations in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry, building on skills developed during the preclinical phase and clinical tutorial.
- Electives and Research: The fourth year includes clinical and research electives, allowing students to explore subspecialties and continue research if desired. The two weeks of elective credit from the MSTP Clinical Tutorial can be applied here.
- Integration with Research: The program encourages students to present research at national or international meetings, with financial support provided by the MSTP and research mentors. Two students annually receive fully funded opportunities to attend the MD/PhD National Student Conference or the American Physician Scientist Association meeting.
Key Milestones
The MSTP is structured around specific milestones to ensure students progress efficiently through both degrees. Below is a table summarizing these milestones:
| Phase | Year | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Preclinical | Year 1 | Complete MSTP 401, medical curriculum, 1–2 research rotations, 3–4 graduate credits per semester. |
| Preclinical | Year 2 | Complete medical curriculum, 1–2 research rotations, 3–4 graduate credits, choose PhD mentor and program. |
| PhD | Years 3–5/6 | Complete graduate coursework, pass qualifying exam, conduct dissertation research, participate in MSTP Clinical Tutorial, hold first thesis committee meeting by September, defend thesis. |
| Clinical | Years 6–8 | Complete core clinical clerkships, clinical and research electives, present research at conferences. |
Additional Requirements and Support
- Registration: The School of Medicine Registrar handles medical course registration, but students must register for graduate courses and research rotations (MSTP 400, MSTP 401) through the Student Information System (SIS), ensuring a total of 9 graduate credits per semester. Courses left in the SIS Shopping Cart are not registered.
- Planned Program of Study (PPOS): Second-year students must complete a PPOS in SIS to outline their PhD coursework, or a hold will prevent spring registration.
- Research Presentations: Students must present a talk at the annual MSTP Retreat once during the PhD phase and posters starting in their second graduate year (G2+).
- Funding and Support: The MSTP provides full tuition support, a stipend, and health benefits for the program’s duration. Students are encouraged to apply for external funding and use MSTP travel funds for conferences.
Application Considerations
Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record (average GPA 3.8, MCAT 92nd percentile) and substantive research experience. The admissions committee values a commitment to both research and patient care, particularly for those with gap-year research experience. The application process involves completing the AMCAS application by November 1, 2024, and the secondary application by November 15, 2024, for MSTP consideration.
The MSTP interview process spans two days, including interviews with the MSTP Steering Committee, faculty mentors aligned with the applicant’s research interests, a School of Medicine Admissions Committee member, and a current MSTP student.
Why Choose CWRU MSTP?
The CWRU MSTP stands out for its collaborative community, integration with top-ranked hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic, and opportunities for cutting-edge research through partnerships like the Biomedical Engineering Alliance. The program’s flexibility allows students to tailor their PhD research to their interests, while the Clinical Tutorial ensures continued clinical exposure during the PhD phase. With a small class size of 12–15 students annually, the MSTP fosters a tight-knit community focused on mentorship and innovation.
FAQ: Common Questions About CWRU MSTP Course Requirements
1. What are the prerequisite courses for the CWRU MSTP?
Applicants must complete one year of college calculus (or a combination of calculus and statistics), one semester of college biology (AP credits alone are insufficient unless followed by advanced coursework), and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution. Biochemistry is strongly recommended but not required. A minimum MCAT score of 495 is needed to receive a secondary application.
2. How long does the CWRU MSTP take to complete?
The program typically takes seven to eight years, depending on the time required for PhD dissertation research. The first two years cover the preclinical medical curriculum, the next three to four years focus on PhD coursework and research, and the final two years complete the clinical curriculum.
3. Is research experience required for the CWRU MSTP?
Yes, substantive research experience is a critical requirement, typically gained during undergraduate summers, school years, or post-baccalaureate programs. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to research and explain their motivation for pursuing both an MD and a PhD.
Conclusion
The CWRU MSTP offers a robust pathway for aspiring physician-scientists, combining a rigorous medical curriculum with advanced research training. By meeting the prerequisite requirements, navigating the three-phase curriculum, and achieving key milestones, students can excel in this competitive program. With its emphasis on integration, mentorship, and innovation, the CWRU MSTP prepares graduates to lead in clinical and translational research, making significant contributions to medicine and science.