Welcome from the Directors
We are proud to represent the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, which provides an outstanding opportunity for students to obtain combined MD/PhD training and launch careers as physician-scientists.
CWRU has offered MD/PhD training since 1956 for students aspiring to dual careers in academic medicine and biomedical research. Ours is the oldest MD/PhD program in the U.S. and was one of the early programs to receive a Medical Scientist Training Program NIH training grant (continuously funded for more than 40 years). We have two Nobel Prize laureates in our history (Alfred Gilman and Ferid Murad), and many other very distinguished scientists among our alumni. Thus, we have a long and successful commitment to the training of physician-scientists.
The MSTP at CWRU integrates research and clinical training with graduate courses and research rotations in medical school during all semesters of the first two years, as well as clinical training integrated into the PhD phase.
Our students make substantial discoveries in biomedical science, and publish numerous papers in scientific journals. Upon graduation, they are highly successful in obtaining their choice of residencies, including some of the most prestigious and competitive. Most of our graduates attain faculty positions in clinical or basic science departments at medical schools or equivalent positions at the NIH or research foundations. Others attain research and leadership positions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical or other biomedical companies.
Our MSTP is student-centered and involves significant student input into program planning and development through the MSTP Council, our student governing body. The talent and commitment of our students is a major driving force. At the same time, our faculty are enthusiastically involved and include more than 130 scientific mentors. Students and faculty work and learn together as colleagues. We pursue research and clinical training seriously, but at the same time we enjoy the journey and treasure the relationships that spring naturally from student-faculty partnership.
We invite you to explore the website and learn more about our program.