MD/MS in Clinical and Translational Science

MS-CTS

Medical students interested in conducting research and transferring clinical skills from “bench to the bedside,” “study to practice,” and “practice to policy” should consider participating in the University of Illinois College of Medicine MD/MS-CTS Joint Degree Program.

Program Overview

Combining the strength of the University of Illinois College of Medicine with the only fully accredited School of Public Health in Illinois as well as innovative clinical and translational research opportunities, the MD/MS CTS joint degree provides a unique opportunity to formally learn about the scientific process, develop relationships with specialty mentors, and prepare for careers as clinician-scientists in academic medicine.

Through CTS didactic coursework and a mentored research project in one of several participating clinical departments, the MD/MS CTS helps build a new generation of skilled clinician-investigators focused on improving patient health outcomes through research. Graduates of the MD/MS CTS Joint Degree Program are ready to enter and capitalize on residency and fellowship programs that provide research opportunities combined with clinical training. Prior combined degree participants have been academically prolific, and have matched at highly competitive, top tier training programs.

As part of the MS in Clinical and Translational Science, students learn to communicate their insights effectively, to write well-conceived and persuasive grant applications, complete research hours to collect data that is then written into a thesis paper and also formatted into a presentation for a Thesis Examining Committee. Students learn the importance of ethical treatment of their subjects and as apprentice clinical investigators, and they learn how to participate in a broader multidisciplinary research community that includes basic and social scientists, as well as clinicians from other areas of clinical practice.

The joint degree program allows students to complete both degrees in 5 years, with a leave of absence from the College of Medicine during Year 4 to complete the MD/MS CTS curriculum, followed by return to complete final year of medical school while also completing the mentored research and thesis requirement for the MS degree. Students interested in pursuing the joint MD/MS CTS degree are encouraged to apply during spring of M3 year. Students would typically complete 3 years of medical school and then take a leave of absence during Year 4 to complete the MD/MS CTS curriculum. After Year 4, students return to complete their final year of medical school while also completing the mentored research and thesis requirement for the MS degree.

Program Outcomes

Prior combined degree participants have been academically prolific, and have matched at highly competitive, top tier training programs.

Qualifications

All medical students are eligible to participate. University of Illinois School of Public Health tuition and fees will apply for the MS-CTS portion of the program. Completion of USMLE step 1 is required.

A chart outlining student progress through the program is shown below:
Year Term Courses
Matriculate into COM Fall -
Phase 1 (M1-M2) Fall, spring, fall, spring COM
Phase 2 (M3) Summer, fall, spring, summer COM
Joint degree application During Phase 2 (M3 spring) -
Graduate year Fall, spring semesters MS-CTS
Phase 3 (M4) Summer, fall, spring COM
Graduation Both degrees conferred -

How to Apply

Applicants to the MD/MS-CTS program must:

  • Apply to UI COM through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and check the box expressing interest in the combined MD degree/graduate program
  • During M3 year, apply to the UI College of Medicine joint degree program (application distributed during spring term)
  • The successful applicant will have completed M1-M3 years, passed all requirements of all credit associated courses and curriculum/clerkship requirements, and completed USMLE Step 1.
  • MS-CTS admissions requirements can be found on the Department of Public Health website.

Program Contacts