Combined Degree Programs -
MD/PhD and DPM/PhD

  Combined Degree Program Director: 
                      Robert Intine, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Basic Science Education Programs
                          847-578-8579
  Combined Degree Coordinator:  
                   Caryn Wickersheim, 847-578-8493

Combined Degree Programs -
MD/PhD and DPM/PhD

  Combined Degree Program Director: 
                      Robert Intine, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Basic Science Education Programs
                          847-578-8579
  Combined Degree Coordinator:  
                   Caryn Wickersheim, 847-578-8493

Application Process
Entry-Level Students

The application process begins with an application to the Chicago Medical School through AMCAS (www.amcas.org). Please designate your application to the Chicago Medical School as "Combined Medical/PhD" when applying. Once a Medical School application has been completed, screening begins for both the general MD and combined MD/PhD positions. Interviews for the general MD Program are held on a regular basis. Interviews are typically held in February for the Combined MD/PhD Program. Successful MD/PhD candidates are those who have demonstrated a strong undergraduate science preparation, while being committed to a career combining both clinical and laboratory research. Applicants with minimum scores of 30 on the MCAT; GPAs of 3.5 and above (on a 4.0 scale) are considered competitive.

Internal "Track II" Students

Current students beginning their M2 year at the Chicago Medical School are also eligible to apply for the Combined Degree program with what is known as a Track II application. These are highly motivated students who have become involved in research during their first two years at RFUMS, who have found a calling to become physician scientists. These students, if admitted, would enter the Graduate phase of the program after completion of their M2 year and begin working immediately with a research mentor towards their Ph.D. At completion of the PhD, the students would then transition to Phase II of the program, as normal.

Because a Track II MD/PhD student (or DPM/PhD student) must have selected a research mentor when they enter the program (immediately following completion of their Step I exam, after their M2 or P2 year), it is important that they have the opportunity to work with faculty that they might want to work with as their mentor.  Students interested in these combined programs need to first consult the Director of Combined Programs, Dr. Robert Intine. 

• DPM Students have a process in place for them, and they should speak with Dr. Intine regarding selection of their mentor. 
• For MD/PhD students who are having difficulty deciding on a PhD mentor, one good mechanism to accomplish this selection is to use the research summer session, between their M1 and M2 years, to rotate with a number of faculty members. For example, as the summer approaches, they could identify 3 faculty members they have interest in, and arrange with Dr. Intine to participate in the CMS summer research program for three two-week rotations.  Students participating in multiple rotations should do a follow-up rotation during their M2 year (August - January) to confirm the mentor they wish to select. 
• A student may already have a mentor in mind and have talked to this mentor.  In this case, the student can arrange with Dr. Intine to participate in the CMS Summer Research Program ONLY in that faculty member's lab.   

This selection is, of course, a two way process, and the faculty must agree to take the student into their laboratory.

If you wish to apply as a Track II student, please contact the SGPS Dean's Office to obtain an application (847 578-8493).  All supporting materials must be sent directly to the IGPBS Admissions Office. The following items must be submitted in support of your application no later than January 12, 2012:

• Completed Track II Application Form & RFUMS Student File and Transcript Release
• Two letters of recommendation from professors who can evaluate your research activities and research potential. These letters may be from RFUMS faculty or undergraduate research advisors.
• Physician Scientist and Research Background Essays (described below)

If you have further questions, please contact the MD/PhD Administrator, Ms. Caryn Wickersheim (IGPBS@rosalindfranklin.edu ).