Students committed to a career that incorporates research with clinical care are encouraged to apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program. The application process for this MD-PhD dual degree program at IU School of Medicine begins when an applicant chooses the appropriate box on the AMCAS application, indicating interest in the MD-PhD program. Six to ten students are admitted to the program each year.
The Medical Scientist Training Program requires admission to both IU School of Medicine and an Indiana University or Purdue University graduate school program.
Basic requirements for admission to IU School of Medicine’s MD program are available. Applicants should not submit a graduate school application unless requested. GRE scores are not required.
The IU School of Medicine limits its review to three designated letters of recommendation (see requirements). However, the Medical Scientist Training Program admissions committee will consider all letters submitted. Program candidates are asked to include at least two letters of recommendation from faculty advisors with their AMCAS application. At least one letter should be from a faculty research mentor.
Upon receipt of a completed AMCAS application, the Medical Scientist Training Program will send a secondary application via email. The secondary application includes questions about your interest in the Indiana MSTP, possible future research areas, and what you will bring to the program. Once all letters of recommendation and the secondary application are submitted, files are forwarded to the Medical Scientist Training Program admissions committee for consideration.
The Medical Scientist Training Program admissions committee will select qualified candidates for interviews based on the applicant's demonstrated commitment to a physician-scientist career, undergraduate research experience, and objective data such as GPA and MCAT scores. Virtual interviews are conducted from October through early February.
The virtual interview day will involve a discussion with a Medical Scientist Training Program co-director or associate director, as well as an interview with an IU School of Medicine MD admissions committee member. In addition, we will schedule two further interviews with faculty members from the IU School of Medicine or Purdue University (for students being considered for a biomedical engineering PhD) and a one-on-one meeting with a current student.
Admitted students will be invited to visit campus in late winter to gain a deeper understanding of the program and its unique offerings. This visit includes exploring potential research opportunities, learning about the curriculum in detail, and experiencing firsthand the dynamic student life on the IU School of Medicine-Indianapolis campus and the local community.