M.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree Program
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Charles E. Schmidt Colleges of Medicine and Science and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) have created a M.D./Ph.D. dual degree program that provides talented students with cutting-edge training to become physician-scientists. The program allows students to complete their Ph.D. research in one of MPFI's state of the art research groups while simultaneously earning their medical degree from FAU's College of Medicine and doctoral degree from FAU's Integrative Biology Ph.D. program. This collaborative M.D./Ph.D. program combines the rigorous academic curriculum and top-tier clinical training offered by FAU with the cutting-edge neuroscience research in laboratories at MPFI, which is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society.
Program Details
Students in the M.D./Ph.D. program follow a novel sequence of study at FAU and MPFI that promotes the distinct career path and integrated training in medicine and neuroscience research. In the first year of the program, students complete the standard medical school pre-clinical curriculum during the Fall and Spring semesters at FAU College of Medicine earning credits toward both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Beginning in Summer of the first year, students begin their Ph.D. research at MPFI and enter the doctoral program full-time and typically complete the required coursework and thesis dissertation in the laboratory of a MPFI faculty member in 4-5 years.
Students in the FAU-MPFI M.D./Ph.D. program are enrolled in the Integrative Biology Ph.D. program, with either a concentration in Biomedical Sciences (IBBS) or Neuroscience (IBNS), depending on which program the student selected during the application process. After successful completion of the IBBS/IBNS Ph.D. program, students re-enter medical school and complete the last three years of their M.D. curriculum, clinical training, and required United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). This innovative program structure allows students to complete their medical education and clinical training, in three consecutive years, so that knowledge and skills are current for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, clinical rotations, and preparing for medical residency.