About Us
Where future physician-scientists are equipped to lead discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic through rigorous training, exceptional mentorship and collaborative research.
What We Stand For
The University of Louisville MSTP 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. MSTP-Program-Outcomes
Connect with us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. The University of Louisville MSTP Program received NIH funding to become a Medical Scientist Training Program, with MSTP support beginning July 2026.
We use a holistic admissions process and do not use strict MCAT or GPA cutoffs. We seek applicants with strong academic preparation, meaningful research experience, compassion for patients and a clear commitment to developing the skills needed for a successful physician-scientist career.
Over the past 10 years our average time to degree is 7.7 years. Most students take 8 years, with range 6 to 9 years.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, the program plans to enroll at least six students per year. The overall program is expected to grow to approximately 40 students by 2030.
No.
Tuition is fully covered for students who remain in good academic standing. MSTP students also receive a monthly stipend and University of Louisville graduate student health insurance throughout training. Pre-PhD candidacy students receive an annual stipend of $40,000. After achieving PhD candidacy, the annual stipend increases to $42,000 per year.
Yes. The program provides financial assistance and advising support for board preparation.
Applicants generally submit three to five letters of recommendation. At least one letter should come from a research mentor who can speak in detail about the applicant’s research experience, potential, independence and readiness for physician-scientist training.
All MSTP interviews are currently conducted virtually.
Selected applicants will receive an interview invitation at least two weeks before the interview date. Each interview day typically includes 6–8 applicants and provides opportunities to meet with program leadership, faculty and current students.
If applicants indicate interest in being considered for both the MD-PhD and MD programs on their AMCAS applications, they will be considered by both. Admission to medical school does not guarantee admission to the MSTP.
Yes selected students are invited for campus visits in the late Fall or early Spring.
MSTP students may pursue PhD training across a range of graduate programs and research areas at the University of Louisville. We have existing agreements with PhD programs in the Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (IPIBS – link here), the PhD in Experimental Psychology, PhD in Social Work, PhD in Translational Bioengineering and PhD in Public Health. We are prepared to expand these offerings if students have particular interest in additional research disciplines.
The MSTP is especially strong in neuroscience, cancer biology, environmental health, cardiometabolic disease, infection and inflammation, clinical and translational research and behavioral health and health equity research. Students are encouraged to explore research environments in the School of Medicine and across the university.
Students complete research rotations before and during the early medical school years. Rotations typically occur during the summer before M1, the summer between M1 and M2, and, when needed, the summer between M2 and graduate school. These rotations generally range from 4 to 10 weeks and are designed to help students identify a strong research and mentorship fit. Additional rotation time can be discussed with the program directors when appropriate.
Yes. MSTP students participate in required program seminars, professional development sessions and physician-scientist training activities throughout the curriculum. These sessions are designed to build community, support career development and strengthen integration between clinical and research training.
Yes. MSTP students may participate in School of Medicine Distinction Tracks, including areas such as Medical Education, Business and Leadership, Global & Public Health, Physician-Scientist Development and Medicine & Social Impact. UofL currently lists seven medical student distinction tracks. Students interested in biomedical innovation may also participate in Bluegrass Biodesign, a nine-month program that brings together medical, engineering and business expertise to develop solutions for unmet clinical needs.
Yes. The program provides structured support for key transitions, including from medical school into graduate school and from graduate school back into clinical training. The Longitudinal Clinical Elective helps students maintain clinical skills during the graduate years, typically through a half-day clinical or subspecialty experience twice per month. Students returning to medical school after graduate training also participate in clinical re-entry preparation and bootcamp-style experiences.
All UofL MSTP graduates have pursued residency training at strong academic medical centers and often enter research-intensive specialties, physician-scientist training pathways or academic residency programs. Most graduates who have completed training are currently employed in academic medicine integrating patient care, discovery, education and translational research. Some of our graduates are employed in government and in private industry and a minority are engaged in private medical practice.