About the M.D./Ph.D. Program

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 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.

​​​Career Development

UT Health San Antonio graduate students have access to the GSBS Office of Career Development (OCD). The OCD provides career and professional development training opportunities including individual meetings/career counseling, workshops & seminars. The OCD also works with the Graduate School’s Career Advisory Council and provides career exploration talks. The OCD provides graduate students a framework to discover next steps in their career along with resources to encourage and prepare graduate students for the future.

FAQ

How many applicants do you interview and admit?

The STX-MSTP interviews around 70 students with a goal of accepting seven students each year. 

What if I am interested in being considered for both the M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs?

Applicants who are interested in both the M.D. and the dual-degree M.D./Ph.D. Program (MSTP) at UT Health San Antonio will need to complete two separate applications for each program. The MSTP utilizes the AMCAS system for its application and the M.D. program uses TMDSAS for its 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 an added emphasis on the applicant's research experience for the MSTP application. 

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. Acceptance decisions are made known to applicants in early January after all interviews are complete. 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 the Long School of Medicine must provide a preference for in-state residents to matriculate at least 90% Texas residents, our MSTP does NOT abide by this; the MSTP does not consider the state of residency for admission purposes.

What is the score range for applicants?

Here are the score ranges for applicants interviewed during the 2019 application cycle: 

How are interviewees selected?

The application process to any M.D./Ph.D. program is extremely selective. The STX-MSTP Admissions Committee convenes to review each applicant before extending invitations to interview, practicing a holistic review of all applications received. Applications with outstanding GPA, MCAT, rigorous research experience, presentations, and publications are preferred. 

What is the interview timeline?

If the STX-MSTP Admissions Committee selects you for an interview, you will be notified by email to schedule an interview date. The interview is two days in length. During the 2-day interview, the candidate conducts a "Chalk Talk" presentation, interviews with research faculty, MSTP leadership, and current students. Please see our admissions processes webpage for more information. After interviews, the STX-MSTP Admissions Committee will convene and recommend qualified candidates for admission into the MSTP. The Admissions Committees for the STX-MSTP and the LSOM will work together to find the best candidates for the MSTP. Since admissions processes are rolling throughout the spring (specifically, anytime after October 15th), acceptances can be offered at any time from January through May. We adhere to AMCAS traffic rules that follow the timeline outlined in the "Choose Your Medical School" tool. 

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 M.D. 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 a Distinction in Research degree. This opportunity is ideal for students who wish to continue their pursuit of research 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 housing with current students for interviewing applicants. This is by request only and cannot be guaranteed due to current student availability to host. If you are interested in housing during your interview, please contact the Program Manager directly at schmerber@uthscsa.edu.  For our revisit in the spring, we will cover 100% of costs of travel and lodging for accepted students.

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 around June 1st each year. The first day will consist of a "New Student Orientation" for MSTP students in which we will set you up with administrative necessities (stipend, insurance, student ID, etc.), as well as an introduction to our institutional policy and program handbook. The following Monday, you will begin a seven-week lab rotation until the White Coat Ceremony commencing 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 the faculty PI with whom they want to rotate, choosing a lab mentor for rotation may not always be an easy decision. The MSTP Director and Associate Program Directors are always available to provide guidance based on your interests and personality.

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

The average is 7.9 years. Medical school will always be a full four-year training, however, there is flexibility within 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?

Through a combination of funding sources, the STX-MSTP and faculty PIs will cover all 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 at program seminars and workshops.  

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 Medical Scientist Training Program, we have higher expectations for our students. This includes expected attendance in various seminars and enrichment activities. Additionally, each student is required to submit an NIH F-30 individual fellowship award during their graduate years and submit at least one first-author publication. We believe in an integrated curriculum that enhances the MSTP student training as a future leader and physician-scientist.