“The MPHS program gave me the opportunity to explore my interest in Infectious Disease and clinical research, both through direct research activities and through developing mentorships. During the year I was also able to publish several articles which made me a more competitive candidate for residency programs. Most importantly, though, I developed a skillset through didactic courses that I will be able to continue to build on throughout my career.”
– Ryan Kronen, MD/MPHS 2018
The MD/MPHS program provides medical students with an opportunity to add clinical research methods training to their medical school experience. Medical students in the program work on a research project and use that project to complete MPHS coursework in 10 months, creating the ideal combination of didactic training and hands-on experience. MPHS program leadership can help you find a research project or lab to work in that would provide a good fit for your goals and interests.
Benefits
Whether you know what field of medicine you’ll go into, or you’re still deciding, the MPHS program will prepare you to be a strong residency applicant and future physician-researcher. Program benefits for medical students include:
- Develop core skills in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics, which can be applied to research in any field or subspecialty
- Learn among a diverse study body, which is primarily composed of physician-researchers at different stages in their careers (residents, fellows and attendings)
- Establish a broad network of renowned mentors and collaborators
- Course homework projects are often used for future publication and research award submissions
- Designated work space in Taylor Avenue Building while obtaining your MPHS degree
Timeline
In the Gateway curriculum, students have the opportunity to participate in the Yearlong Research Program (YRP) after third year. They typically receive credit, and can apply for some stipend from the Office of Medical Student Research or receive some funding from their PI for the YRP. The research methods and analytic skills learned will prove invaluable during your clinical rotations, particularly during evidence-based medicine presentations.
Applying
The MPHS program is not limited to Washington University medical students. Students from other medical schools are encouraged to apply (PDF). Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are due no later than June 19, 2024; please contact our Program Coordinator (MPHS@wustl.edu) to make arrangements.
Tuition & scholarships
Medical students at Washington University School of Medicine receive full-tuition scholarships as part of their medical degree. MPHS tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $1,485 per credit hour; at least 33 credit hours are required for graduation.
Curriculum
Medical students will take the 7 required MPHS core courses in clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, R programming, and research ethics. Medical students will also be required to take Current Topics in Public Health for Clinicians. Students work with Allison King, MD, MPH, PhD, the MPHS Associate Director for Medical Students, to identify appropriate electives and concentrations that complement their interests. Electives may be selected from MPHS courses, other medical school graduate courses, and courses offered by other WUSTL schools, such as the Brown School, Arts & Sciences, and the Olin School of Business.