MD-PhD Program

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Curriculum Overview

The University of Louisville MD-PhD Program provides an integrated curriculum that prepares students to become physician-scientists through rigorous medical training, mentored PhD research, longitudinal clinical experiences, professional development, and community-engaged scholarship. The program continues to expand student development opportunities through seminars, retreats, alumni engagement, clinical continuity experiences, research-in-progress sessions, grant-writing support, leadership development and mentoring across the medical and graduate phases of training.

Training Pathway

Students typically complete the program in seven to eight years:

M1–M2: Preclinical Medical Training

Students begin with MD-PhD Program orientation in May, followed by a four-week pre-matriculation anato course in late June through July. During the M1 and M2 years, students complete the preclinical medical curriculum, participate in MD-PhD Program seminars and physician-scientist development activities and begin exploring PhD programs.

Research Rotations and Mentor Selection

Laboratory rotations (4 weeks) begin in the summer before M1. Students complete a second and third between M1 and M2 and, if needed, a fourth rotation between M2 and G1. Rotations help students identify a dissertation mentor and PhD program in consultation with the MD-PhD Program Co-Directors. 

USMLE Step 1

Students take US Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) Step 1 after M2 and must pass Step 1 before beginning their PhD program.

G1–G4: Graduate Training and Dissertation Research

Graduate training typically lasts 2–4 years. Students complete PhD coursework, candidacy examinations, dissertation research, regular dissertation committee meetings and the dissertation defense. Participating PhD programs include:

• Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology (https://medicine.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments…)
• Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (https://medicine.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments/biochemistry-molecular-genetics)
• Microbiology and Immunology (https://louisville.edu/programs/microbiology-and-immunology-phd)
• Pharmacology and Toxicology (https://medicine.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments/pharmacology-toxicology)
• Physiology  (https://medicine.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments/physiology)
• Translational Bioengineering (https://engineering.louisville.edu/academics/departments/bioengineering/translational-bioengineering/)
• Experimental Psychology (https://louisville.edu/programs/psychology-experimental-phd)
• Social Work (https://socialwork.louisville.edu/kent-programs/phd-program)
• Public Health (https://publichealth.louisville.edu/academics-and-programs/doctoral-programs) During graduate school, students participate in the Longitudinal Clinical Experience Class (LCE799) which helps maintain clinical skills through primary care or subspecialty clinical experiences, typically half a day, twice per month. MD-PhD Program students participate in the UofL Graduate School Community Engaged Research Academy (https://graduate.louisville.edu/professional-development/programs-and-events/academies/community-engaged-scholarship-academy)

Students submit an NIH F30 or other fellowship application by the spring of G1. Students are also expected to develop a strong scholarly record, including first-author publication of their dissertation work.

Transition Back to Medical School

After completing the PhD and defending the dissertation, students participate in a structured clinical refresher or bootcamp experience to prepare for re-entry into medical school.

M3 Clerkship Phase

The M3 year starts in May. Students complete required clinical clerkships in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecoology, Surgery, Psychiatry and Neurology. A clinical elective allows career exploration.

M4 Differentiation Phase

The M4 year prepares students for application for residency through additional required and elective clinical courses, including an Acting Internship in their target specialty. In M4 there is substantial time available to pursue additional research.

Extracurricular Opportunities for Enrichment

Students may pursue additional training through School of Medicine distinction tracks (LINK URL HERE), including areas such as Business and Leadership, Global and Public Health, Medicine and Social Impact, Urban Primary Care, and Medical Education. Students interested in innovation may participate in Bluegrass Biodesign (LINK URL HERE), which brings together medical, engineering and business perspectives to develop solutions to unmet clinical needs.

Students may also pursue certificates or supplemental training in areas such as artificial intelligence, epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical research, public health or bioengineering, depending on their interests and career goals.