About M.D./Ph.D.

South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program Curriculum 

• Preclinical Training (MS1 and MS2) for the Long School of Medicine 

• A minimum of three years of graduate training and dissertation defense within the curriculum of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 

• Clinical Training (MS3 and MS4) including clinical clerkship and elective rotations concluding in M.D. 

• Integrated Medical Scientist Training Program seminars, journal clubs, workshops, retreats, etc. consistent throughout program duration 

Program Timeline

Funding 

Financial support includes a stipend throughout all medical school years and tuition, fees, and fringe benefits provided through all years of enrollment. During the graduate school phase, supervising professors provide the stipend support as well as tuition and fees. There is an annual stipend of $30,000 provided for the duration of the program including the last two years of medical school. Upon re-entry into medical school, support is provided for two years.   

For more information on our program, please view our handbook.

FAQ

How many applicants do you interview and admit?

 The STX-MSTP interviews about 64-70 students each year. Beginning for the matriculating class off fall 2018, we are admitting seven students a year. Before that, we matriculated five students a year (prior to MSTP designation).

What if I am interested in both the M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs?
Applicants who are interested in both the M.D. and the MSTP at UT Health San Antonio need to fill out separate applications for each program. The MSTP utilizes the AMCAS system for primary application, and the MD program uses TMDSAS for their primary application. There are no secondary applications for either program at this time. It should be noted that the expectations for the MSTP acceptance are not only higher in terms of MCAT and GPA but are significantly different with added emphasis on the applicant's research experience. 

What if I am interested in both the Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D.?
The application deadline for the MSTP is on November 1st of the year preceding enrollment. Decisions are made known to applicants in late December or January. For most programs in the graduate school, the final application deadline is by April 15th for August enrollment. However, each program has small differences. Check out the Graduate School’s suggestions for prospective students for more information.

What if I am not a Texas Resident?
While our Long School of Medicine must provide preference for in-state residents to matriculate a class with 90% Texas residents our MSTP does NOT abide by this; the MSTP doesnotconsider state of residency for admission purposes.

How are interviewees selected?
The application process to any MD/PhD program is extremely selective. Interviews are offered to those candidates with outstanding GPA and MCAT scores as well as significant research experience. The Admissions Committee convenes to review each applicant before extending invitations to interview.

What is the interview timeline?
If the Admissions Committee selects you for an interview, you will be notified by email from the Program Manager (or the Program Director) who will schedule an interview date. The first interview visit lasts two days. During the first day, the candidate interviews with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences faculty as well as MSTP current students, goes on a tour of key research facilities, and eats a nice dinner with the MSTP Director. On the second day, candidates present a “Chalk Talk,” attend an information session on the Long School of Medicine, then finally, interview with MSTP Director and Associate Directors. After interviews, the admissions committee will reconvene and recommend qualified candidates for admission into the MSTP. The Admissions Committees of the Long School of Medicine and MSTP work together to find the best candidates. This process can last two weeks to several months after the interview as admission to the MSTP is rolling.

What if I am not selected from an interview for the M.D./Ph.D. program?
If you are not invited for an interview, we are unable to consider you for acceptance into the MSTP. This will not affect interviews to the MD program; you may still receive an interview from and be admitted to the Long School of Medicine independently. This process is entirely through the Long School of Medicine and is no longer related to your M.D./Ph.D. application.
If you are still interested in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, the Long School of Medicine offers an MD with distinction in research degree. This opportunity affords the student with some research experience during Medical School.

Does UT Health San Antonio cover travel costs for interviewees?
At this time, our program does not cover travel costs for interviewees; however, we may be able to provide lodging accommodations with current students by request. If you are accepted or waitlisted, UTHSA will cover the costs for a revisit (by invitation only).

What if I am an international student?
International student applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must have extraordinary qualifications to be considered.

If accepted, when does the program begin? 

We begin our program on/or around June 1steach year. The first day will be a Friday New Student Orientation for MSTP students in which we will set you up with administrative necessities (stipend, insurance, student ID, etc.). The following Monday, you will begin a seven-week lab rotation until the White Coat Ceremony/ the beginning of Medical School in late July. 

How will I select a mentor for my lab rotations? 

While some students enter the program knowing exactly who they want to rotate with, choosing a lab mentor may not always be an easy decision. The MSTP Directors are always available to provide suggestions based on your interests and personality.

What is the average time to completion of the MSTP at UT Health San Antonio? 

The average is 7-8 years. Medical School will always be a complete four-year training, however, there is flexibility within the graduate training depending on several factors, such as mentor/committee support, the quality and quantity of research experience you enter the program with, as well as personal drive and motivation. 

How will I be supported financially during my training?

 The STX-MSTP will cover mandatory expenses throughout the duration of the program, including eight years of tuition and fees, a stipend of no less than $30,000/year, health insurance, as well as certain exam fees such as STEP 1 and 2. We also provide support for discretionary expenses on a case-by-case basis, such as expenses associated with conference travel, poster printing, and exam study materials. Additionally, free meals are frequently provided.  

Can I apply after starting medical or graduate school? 

Currently, we accept “internal” applications on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the MSTP Director for more information. 

As an MSTP student, what expectations will the program have for me once I am a student?

 As an NIH designated MSTP, we have higher expectations for our students than other M.D./Ph.D. programs may set for their students. This includes expected attendance in MSTP events, seminars, evaluation, student council, etc. as well as engagement in admissions interviews and recruitment. We believe that each event we plan for students plays a key role in your training as a future leader and physician scientist.