Requirements for GSBS MD/PhD Students
Link to 2020 Milestones Agreement for MD/PhD Students
Exceptions granted due to the inevitable delays in student progress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic:
- All students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020 have been given a one-semester extension in which to meet their degree milestones, if needed by the student.
- All students who graduate before Fall 2021 will not be required to have an accepted first-authored scientific publication in order to graduate (i.e., submission of the paper is sufficient for graduation).
| Milestone | Expected Time of Achievement1 |
| Complete required tutorial rotations | Prior to beginning of GS1 |
| Identify a research advisor | Beginning of GS1 |
| Join a GSBS Graduate Program2 | Beginning of GS1 |
| Complete GSBS Ethical Dimensions course | End of Fall term of GS1 |
| Obtain approval from ASC for Advisory Committee | End of Fall term of GS1 |
| Hold first Advisory Committee meeting | Spring term of GS1 |
| Hold subsequent Advisory Committee meetings | Every 6 months |
| Complete Scientific Writing course3 | End of GS1 |
| Complete Ethics modules | End of GS1 |
| Complete a quantitative course | End of GS1 |
| Complete pre-candidacy course requirements of MD/PhD Program and PhD Program (e.g., Immunology Program, etc.) | End of GS1 |
| Petition for PhD candidacy | End of Fall term of GS2 |
| Take candidacy exam | End of Spring term of GS2 |
| Complete all PhD Program-specific requirements2 | Before return to MS4 |
| Submit a signed petition to defend dissertation | Before return to MS4 |
| Defend dissertation | Before return to MS4 |
| Submit a minimum of one 1st-authored scientific paper in a peer-reviewed journal4 | Before return to MS4 |
| Submit final signed dissertation & complete all appropriate exit paperwork | Before return to MS4 |
| Publish a minimum of one 1st-authored scientific paper in a peer-reviewed journal5 | Before graduation |
| Complete all MD/PhD Program-specific requirements | Before graduation |
| Complete all degree requirements and remaining exit paperwork | Within 8 years of admission |
Students are also required to:
- Meet annually with their assigned MD/PhD Program advisor and, prior to selection of the dissertation advisor, with Associate Dean Dr. Mattox
- Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) each year as required by GSBS
- Complete a Milestones Agreement each year as required by GSBS
1The expected timing is based on matriculation in the 2nd summer term of the academic year. Note that students may also enter GS1 after MS2 rather than MS3; if so, "expected time of achievement" of milestones would be adjusted accordingly, as appropriate
2Required of students who matriculated in Fall 2012 and thereafter
3Required of students who matriculated in Fall 2014 and thereafter
4Required of students who matriculated before Fall 2014
5Required of students who matriculated in Fall 2014 and thereafter