MD-PhD Program | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (2024)

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Which tests are required to apply to the MD-PhD program? Are both the GRE and MCAT required?

Applicants must complete the MCAT no later than September 2023. For the 2024 application cycle, KPSOM considers MCAT scores dating back to July 2021. Applicants do not need to take the GRE.

What happens after I submit my AMCAS application?

All applicants who complete the primary application through AMCAS and submit an MCAT score will be invited to submit our MD-PhD secondary application. Applicants selected to interview will be notified via email by the KPSOM Office of Admissions to interview at KPSOM during the fall semester. After that, qualified candidates will be selected to interview with Caltech in late January/early February 2024. Interviews will be conducted virtually.(MD-PhD applicants do not need to submit a separate application for Caltech.)

How do I check the status of my application?

All applicants will receive access to our applicant portal to view their admission status at any time.

What does the MD-PhD Admissions Committee look for?

The MD-PhD Admissions Committee looks for applicants who demonstrate alignment to the KPSOM mission and a commitment to research.

How many letters of recommendation may be submitted?

Three to six individual letters or one committee letter will be accepted.

Can students from the KPSOM MD program transfer to the MD-PHD program with Caltech?

Yes, on occasion. If you are admitted as a regular MD student and would like to be considered for the MD-PhD program, please contact the program director, Dr. Jose Barral.Note: Transfers are not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of the program director.

May international students apply?

No. KPSOM is currently unable to accept international students on student visas.

Does the MD-PhD program require a summer rotation before medical school begins?

Yes, students are encouraged to do a four-week summer rotation at Caltech prior to starting at KPSOM.

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How long after I submit my application will I be notified of an interview?

MD-PhD applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email in November of each year.

How many applicants do you interview and matriculate?

The KPSOM Office of Admissions interviews approximately 24 MD-PhD applicants for up to three available MD-PhD seats in each cohort.

How is the interview day structured?

At KPSOM, applicants will interview virtually and participate in Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI) and a traditional one-on-one interview with a faculty member. Applicants will also have the chance to engage with the Program Directors, the Senior Associate Dean for Admissions and Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, our Dean and CEO, current students, and staff from the Office of Admissions.

Will I need to interview with both KPSOM and Caltech?

Yes. The interview with KPSOM is the first step the interview process for the MD-PhD program. If an applicant is chosen to progress following the KPSOM interview, they will receive a separate interview invitation from Caltech. Upon completion of the Caltech interview, final admissions decisions will be rendered jointly by KPSOM and Caltech.

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What is the structure of the MD-PhD program?

Students admitted to the MD-PhD program complete their first two years of medical instruction at KPSOM, including all core clinical clerkships. In this manner, selection of their PhD program of study at Caltech is informed by their experience at the bedside. Subsequently, MD-PhD students carry out their PhD study in any of the programs of research offered by Caltech. MD-PhD students will generally be expected to complete their PhD training in four years. After completing their PhD training, students return to KPSOM to complete the last two years of clinical training. Also, MD-PhD students will typically perform four-week summer rotations at Caltech before, during, and after their first two years of medical study at KPSOM. Additionally, while undergoing their PhD study at Caltech, MD-PhD students will continue to be engaged in clinical training by performing approximately monthly half-day sessions in Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care facilities.

How long does it take to complete the MD-PhD Program?

MD-PhD students are generally expected to complete their entire MD-PhD training in eight years (two years at KPSOM followed by about four years at Caltech and then two years back at KPSOM).

In what fields may I study for my PhD?

MD-PhD students may carry out their PhD study in any of the programs (options) of research offered by Caltech.View the program options.

What stipend and benefits do current MD-PhD students receive?

How do laboratory rotations work?

MD-PhD students are expected to do three four-week summer rotations: one before they start their first year at KPSOM, one between Year 1 and Year 2, and one after Year 2. Students receive support from Program Directors as they consider and select their dissertation mentors.

Are there teaching requirements?

There are no teaching requirements for MD-PhD students.

Do MD-PhD students have special responsibilities at KPSOM?

No, MD-PhD students do not have any special responsibilities at KPSOM.

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What types of mentorship opportunities are available for MD-PhD students?

There are multiple opportunities for mentorship for MD-PhD students. Both MD-PhD Program Co-Directors and Assistant Directors at KPSOM and Caltech serve as mentors when students first arrive, to orient them to the Program and guide them as they become acclimated to their new environment. While at KPSOM, students are in close contact with researchers in the Clinical Science and Health Systems Science departments, who may guide their interests in clinical and health services research.

How are students paired with a faculty mentor?

Students are exposed to research mentors at Caltech in multiple ways. Formally, the three summer research rotations before they join Caltech provide opportunities to explore future mentors and research laboratories. The close physical proximity of the KPSOM and Caltech campuses provides opportunities for students to attend seminars, laboratory meetings, and social events at Caltech during their first two years, where they can interact with potential future mentors. The Caltech Program Co-Director guides students throughout the process of finding and selecting mentors at Caltech.