Welcome to the Medical Scientist Training Program
Welcome to the University of Rochester Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). The MSTP incorporates the MD and PhD degrees into a cohesive curriculum, with the goal of endowing a select few with the clinical and basic science skills needed to not only understand disease, but translate that understanding into new therapies. At Rochester, this training is facilitated by outstanding faculty, talented and involved students, and a collaborative research environment. Our standard of excellence has been consistently recognized nationally and by the National Institutes of Health, with the 2024-2025 academic year marking our 66th year training physician-scientists and 51st year of MSTP funding.
Prospective students, we hope you will take the time to read a brief message from our director and consider Rochester for your training.
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What Sets Us Apart
Translational-Based Curriculum
Within the Double Helix Curriculum, medical students are exposed to basic science and clinical experience throughout all four years of medical school.
Collaborative Research Environment
Rochester’s MSTP exists to train the next generation of physician scientists to use clinical observations to fuel basic research, and translate that research into clinical tools.
Supporting Our Student Advocates
MD/PhD Program students, faculty and administration support and encourage justice, equity, diversity & inclusion within URSMD, the Rochester community and on a national scale.
What Our Students Say...
"I chose Rochester because it has high impact research, and though that's true, it's not the full story. The truth is that people here are as excited to share their research with you as they are to have a beer with you. They're as inquisitive about your research as they are about your personal life. They're just good people, and I wanted to be a part of that learning environment."
Mike Sportiello
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Education Background: B.S. in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Research Group: Topham Lab