Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc Programs...MD/PhD-MD/MSc Programs 3 Ontario McMaster MD/PhD Year Established - 20071. Degree Admissions Requirement - 4 Year Honours B.Sc. (or BHSc) - Minimum

Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc Programs Erika Crowley, BSc. yr. 4, Trent University What are MD/PhD and MD/MSc Programs? The combined Doctorate of Medicine and of Philosophy (MD/PhD) and the combined Doctorate of Medicine and Master of Science (MD/MSc) programs are becoming increasingly prevalent in the Canadian medical school education systems. The majority of universities in Canada that offer an MD doctorate degree also have a select number, typically 3-4, of positions for MD/PhD or MD/MSc students. Like the MD program, admissions to these programs are highly competitive. Typically, admission to MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs require acceptance to both the MD and graduate programs at a given school. The goal of the programs is to combine the two programs and train clinician scientists as medical doctors and scientists. Completing an MD/PhD program typically takes 7-8 years and completing a MD/MSc typically takes 5-6 years.

MD/PhD-MD/MSc Programs

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ONTARIO MD/PhD • McMaster University Michael G. Groote School

of Medicine • Queen’s School of Medicine • University of Toronto Faulty of Medicine • University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine • Western University Schulich School of Medicine

and Dentistry

MD/Masters • Queen’s School of Medicine

OTHER CANADA MD/PhD • University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine • University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry • University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine • University of Manitoba College of Medicine • Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine • McGill University Faculty of Medicine (M.D.,C.M. & Ph.D)

o Combined Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery with Doctor of Philosophy

• University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine

MD/Masters • University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine • University of Manitoba College of Medicine • Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine • McGill University Faculty of Medicine

o M.D.,C.M.: Combined Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery

o M.D.,C.M.&M.B.A


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Ontario McMaster MD/PhD Year Established

- 20071.

Degree Admissions Requirement - 4 Year Honours B.Sc. (or BHSc) - Minimum 3.8/4 GPA in final two years of degree in courses relevant to the program2.

References - Two references, in addition to the three references required for the MD admissions. - One must be from an undergraduate project or thesis2.

Additional Documents - Separate statement submitted by applicant and research questionnaire regarding suitability, motivation and career plans. - Application Form - Curriculum Vitae * Indicate interest in MD/PhD on MD OMSAS application by checking the box3.

MD/PhD Interview - Must be successful with OMSAS, granted an interview from the MD Admissions and deemed acceptable from PhD program of choice2 - Student will interview with both MD admissions and MD/PhD admissions

Faculty Supervisor - Required to arrange your own supervisor and the MD/PhD Program can assist. Recommended to begin contacting faculty soon after invited to interview to identify research interest and potential supervisors. Also suggested to meet with potential PhD supervisors before or after PhD/MD interview3. Faculty typically begins selecting students for research in February for the class starting in September4.

Factors Influencing Admission - References that outline research experience - Evidence of a desire for MD/PhD training and career as a clinician scientist - Evidence of personal characteristics that are desirable and lead to completion of the complex, demanding and lengthy MD/PhD program - Graduate faculty supervisor availability - Interview - Suitable funding arrangements3.


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Program Completion Requirements

- Fulfill all requirements for both MD and PhD in an integrated format, which allows some flexibility - General 7 year format found at; http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/documents/mdphd-timeline-05-09.pdf 6

Possible Graduate Programs - Medical Sciences -Biochemistry - Chemical Biology - Health Policy - Health Research Methodology - Biomedical Engineering - Neuroscience (MINDS) 5

Possibility of Transfers - First year MD, masters or PhD students are eligible to apply to the MD/PhD program4 Available spots? - Up to 3 applicants can be admitted yearly7.

Final Admissions - All candidates will be contacted individually by MD/PhD program coordinators about their

application status in March or April6 - Applicants unsuccessful in the MD/PhD program can continue in either the MD or PhD, depending on which they were accepted into4.

Financial Support - MD/PhD students are currently (2016) funded a minimum rate of $21,700 CD per year during the PhD portion of the program. However, MD/PhD students must pay tuition and fees corresponding to either the MD or PhD portion to which they are enrolled9. - MD tuition+fees (2016): $27,531.77 CD - PhD tuition fees (2016): $7,008.00 CD10.


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References

1. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/, Accessed July 23rd, 2016. 2. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program: Admissions Requirements. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/admission.html, Accessed

July 23rd, 2016. 3. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program: How to Apply. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/how_to_apply.html, Accessed July

23rd, 2016. 4. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program: Degree Requirements. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/degree.html, Accessed July

23rd, 2016. 5. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program: FAQs. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/faq.html, Accessed July 23rd, 2016. 6. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program Timeline. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/documents/mdphd-timeline-05-09.pdf,

Accessed July 23rd, 2016. 7. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/, Accessed July 23rd, 2016. 8. McMaster University, MD/PhD Program: Financial Information. http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/mdphd/financial.html, Accessed

August 1st, 2016. 9. McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine Admissions: Tuition and Financial Aid.

http://mdprogram.mcmaster.ca/md-program-admissions/tuition, Accessed August 1st, 2016. 10. McMaster University, Graduate Program Fees. http://www.mcmaster.ca/bms/student/pdf/fees_grad.pdf Accessed August 1st,

2016.


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Ontario Queen's: MD/PhD or MD/Masters Year Established

- 201211.

Degree Admissions Requirement - 4 Year Honours baccalaureate degree or final year/completion of a masters MD/PhD. You must complete the requirements of your masters before MD/PhD entry, unless promoted to MD/PhD through the Mini-Masters route that applies to Queen's students only12.

References - Two letters of recommendation, in addition to your three MD required references that focus on your research accomplishments and physician-scientist potential13.

Additional Documents - MD/PhD-MD/Master’s application form - All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable) - Current CV - Letter of intent indicating research interests/accomplishments and graduate program of interest. - Publication abstracts (if available)13. * Indicate interest in MD/PhD on MD OMSAS application by checking the box.

MD/PhD Interview - Must be successful in MD application and invited for interview. Once invited for MD interview, applicants that are acceptable to the graduate program are then ranked by the MD/PhD-MD/Master’s Program Committee. Highly ranked students may continue to the MD/PhD or MD/Masters interview. These interviews will coincide with the MD interviews14.

Faculty Supervisor - After offers of admission are made, a graduate research supervisor must be identified

Program Completion Requirements MD/PhD: Generally, 7-7.5 years in duration

- First two years in PhD Program (course requirements, research, exam) - Next two years in MD, continuing PhD research during summer months - Final year of PhD (write/defend thesis) - Final two years of the MD program * There may be some flexibility when more time is needed15


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MD/Masters: Generally 5 years in duration - First two years of MD program, with graduate program during summer months. - Full year of full time enrolment in graduate program (course requirements, research, write/ defend thesis). - Final two years of the MD program15.

Possible Graduate Programs - Biomedical Engineering (Collaborative Program) - Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Experimental Medicine, Microbes Immunity and Inflammation, Reproduction and Development Sciences, Therapeutics Drug Development and Human Toxicology) - Cancer Research (Collaborative Program) - Computing - Epidemiology - Neuroscience - Pathology and Molecular Medicine - Rehabilitation Science15.

Possibility of Transfers - Students in the upper years of the MD program at Queen's are eligible to apply, provided acceptance into one of the graduate programs15.

Available spots? - The MD/PhD-MD/Masters program accepts a limited number of exceptional students16. The actual number of seats not listed.

Final Admissions - Those unsuccessful with the MD/PhD - MD/Master's Program will then be ranked together with the candidates invited to the MD interviews14.

Financial Support - Receive at least minimum guaranteed stipend for graduate program enrolled in (due to Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships and Graduate Award Funding) - MD/PhD: Currently (2016), stipend of $25,000 per year - MD/Masters: Currently (2016), stipend of $15,000 per year during the first two years of the MD program (no funding for the last two years of MD program) - Must pay tuition/fees based on the year of study (MD vs PhD portions of Program)17 -MD Tuition+fees(2016): $26,182.72 18 -Master/PhD Programs+fees(2016): $7,541.17 19


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References

11. Schlossmacher MG, Lalonde M, Renaud J, Hollingworth G, Herbert RL, Slack R. The M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Ottawa: Overview and first performance report for 2009-2012. UOJM 2: 1-14, 2012.

12. Queen's University, MD/PhD: Eligibility. https://meds.queensu.ca/education/md_phd/prospective_students/eligibility. Accessed July 25th, 2016.

13. Queen's University, MD/PhD: Application Process. https://meds.queensu.ca/education/md_phd/prospective_students/application_process. Accessed July 25th, 2016.

14. Queen's University, MD/PhD: Admission Process. https://meds.queensu.ca/education/md_phd/prospective_students/admission_process. Accessed July 25th, 2016.

15. Queen's University, MD/PhD: Program Structure. https://meds.queensu.ca/education/md_phd/prospective_students/program_structure. Accessed July 25th, 2016.

16. Queen's University, Combined Medicine/Research. http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/combined-medicine-graduate-research. Accessed July 25th, 2016.

17. Queen's University, Financial Support. https://meds.queensu.ca/education/md_phd/prospective_students/financial_support. Accessed August 1st, 2016.

18. Queens University, Tuition and Fees 2016-17 Domestic Students - Undergraduate and Professional Programs.http://www.queensu.ca/registrar/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.uregwww/files/files/Tuition_2016_2017_UG_Domestic.pdf Accessed August 1st, 2016.

19. Queens University, Tuition and Fees 2016-17 Domestic Students - Graduate and Professional Programs. http://www.queensu.ca/registrar/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.uregwww/files/files/Tuition_2016_2017_GRAD_Domestic.pdf Accessed August 1st, 2016.


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Ontario University of Toronto Year Established

- 198411

Degree Admissions Requirement - Eligible to apply when entering final year of undergraduate study or in final year of Master's program.

References - 3 letters of reference, in addition to MD OMSAS references § Undergraduate student requires 6 total: 3 MD OMSAS, 3 MD/PhD § Master's student requires 7 total: 3MD OMSAS, 1 graduate supervisor § MD student requires 3 total: 3 MD/PhD21.

Additional Documents - Personal essay,

- An academic curriculum vitae (CV) * Indicate interest in MD/PhD on MD OMSAS application by checking the box20.

MD/PhD Interview - Approximately 45 applications are invited to attend an admissions interview. All candidates are invited to the MD interview and MD/PhD interview in the same invitation and these interviews will be coordinated on the same weekend. Students with both interviews will typically have their interviews on the first and second interview weekends21 - Same interview process as MD21.

Faculty Supervisor - It is not necessary to contact faculty and select a PhD program until the first year of the MD/PhD program, during the MD year one22.


MD/PhD - Complete all requirements for MD and PhD, generally 8-9 years in duration. Sequential Route - Preferred choice for most students: - Year 1: First year MD Program22

• Fall term: first year of current preclerkship curriculum • Winter term: Meet with MD/PhD Program Director, potential graduate supervisors and

speak to upper-year student mentors; apply to PhD Program. • Summer term: Start PhD, or MD/PhD Summer CREMS project, perhaps starting in lab,

research or lab rotations prior to supervisor selection.

- Year 2: PhD22 • Taking course requirements, developing research plan, acquiring necessary techniques,


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and initiating research. • Remain in PhD for 4-5 years

-Year 5 or 6: MD Program22 • With research complete (&supervisor/department approval) student enters remaining 3

years of MD Program. Integrated Routes - available for students whose research plans benefit from a 'lead-in' time period - Research and undergraduate medical education time integrated21. * Variations of both routes can be made to accommodate the individual

Possible Graduate Programs MD/PhD Students can do their PhD in any graduate department or institute within the School of Graduate Studies, however, a list of common collaborations can be found on the MD/PhD research training opportunities webpage23.

Possibility of Transfers - Eligible to apply from MD to MD/PhD program when enrolled in first or second year of the MD program. This requires completion of the current student application (1). Personal essay, letters of reference and CV must be delivered to MD/PhD office because MD students don't need to re-apply to the MD portion through OMSAS21.

Available spots? - Approximately 10 applicants are offered positions for the MD/PhD Program per year21.

Final Admissions - Must be accepted by both medical school and MD/PhD Program to receive admission to MD/PhD Program21. - Offers of admission made on rolling basis following interview completion21. - If not accepted into the MD/PhD program, will be assessed with MD applicant pool for potential admission. However, entry to only PhD program would require a separate application.

Financial Support - All MD/PhD receive financial support starting mid-way through 1st yr until graduation. The level of support is currently (2016) $32,000 CD/yr, from which tuition and living expenses must be paid24. - Tuition is set in the students first year and remains the same for all the years that follow. In 2015, tuition was $14,620 CD/year (plus incidental fees)24.


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References

20. University of Toronto, MD Program, Admissions. http://www.md.utoronto.ca/mdphd-admissions, Accessed August 1st, 2016. 21. University of Toronto MD Program, Application Process. http://www.md.utoronto.ca/application-process-0, Accessed August

1st, 2016. 22. University of Toronto MD Program, Curriculum. http://www.md.utoronto.ca/mdphd-curriculum, Accessed August 1st, 2016. 23. University of Toronto MD Program, Research Training Opportunities. http://www.md.utoronto.ca/research-training-

opportunities, Accessed August 1st, 2016. 24. University of Toronto MD Program, FAQs. http://www.md.utoronto.ca/faqs, Accessed August 1st, 2016.


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Ontario University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine Year Established

- 201025

Degree Admissions Requirement -Eligible to apply for MD/PhD program if hold either;

1. B.Sc. Honours with GPA of A- or above and have research conducted record outlined in letters of recommendation and CV 2. A Masters degree 3. Currently in a Masters program and have completed all requirements except for thesis (opportunity to fast-track into PhD)26 Admission Requirements for the PhD Portion - For PhD programs in biochemistry, biology, cellular and molecular medicine, human and molecular genetics, microbiology and immunology and neuroscience; 1. BSc Honours in one of the following disciplines + research project course in a laboratory; biology, biochemistry, biopharmaceutical, health science, human kinetics, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology 2. BSc Honours in a field related to population health (ie, epidemiology, human kinetics, audiology, physiotherapy, nursing, law, environmental studies, sociology, psychology, biology), demonstrating the ability to undertake an independent research project and having several areas of knowledge including health sciences, social or behavioural sciences, advanced research methods, graduate level statistics and epidemiology26.

References - 2 letters of recommendation, in addition to the 3 required for the MD program27.

Additional Documents To be sent directly to MD/PhD Program; - Letter of interest outlining reasons you want to pursue the MD/PhD Program & the research that you are interested in - CV 27

MD/PhD Interview - MD/PhD program applicants interviewed with MD applicants and a MD/PhD committee representative participates during all of the MD/PhD program applicants during their MD interviews28.


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Faculty Supervisor - The MD/PhD Program committee assists the admitted students in finding an appropriate supervisor for their research interests28.


Year 129 - Academic year: MD Program, taking one graduate program course towards PhD program instead of the elective - Summer of year one: Summer lab rotation (8 weeks) in supervisors lab for PhD program Year 229 - Academic year: MD Program, taking one graduate program course towards PhD program instead of the elective only if not currently holding a Masters. * At this point, completed Masters equivalent. - Summer of year two: Start absence from MD program to focus on PhD, present their research proposal for approval to proceed. Years 3-5; Fall to summer29 - Year 3: Complete seminar course requirements + comprehensive examination (students who entered without a masters have until the first semester of year 4 to complete the exam) - Year 4: Completed course work & working full time on thesis - Year 5: Present work in departmental seminar and prepare/submit thesis with the approval of the Thesis Advisory Committee Year 6-7; Fall to spring29 - Year 6: MD program, however, if PhD thesis defense not happened yet, it may happen during MD 1st semester. - Year 7: Final year of MD

Possibility of Transfers - Students already registered into a PhD program must obtain their supervisors permission before applying to the MD/PhD Program28.

Available spots? - A maximum of 4 MD/PhD students per incoming MD class25 Final Admissions - Must be accepted into the MD portion and then accepted into the PhD portion. After the

candidates are ranked, the highest ranked candidates are admitted into the MD/PhD program28. - If not accepted into the PhD portion, applicants are still considered for the MD Program 26.


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Financial Support

- Tuition fees waved for years 1 and 2 of the MD program.

- Students receive a $3,000 scholarship per year - Minimum $17,000 stipend during the PhD portion (yr 3,4,5)

References 25. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Recruitment. http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/recruitment.html, Accessed August 6th, 2016. 26. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Prospective Students. http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/prospective_students.html, Accessed August 6th, 2016. 27. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Application and Admission. http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/application_admission.html, Accessed August 6th, 2016. 28. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Outline of Curriculum. http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/outline.html, Accessed August 6th, 2016. 29. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Tuition and Scholarships. http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/tuition_scholarships.html, Accessed August 6th, 2016. 30. University of Ottawa, MD/PhD: Combined Program for Degrees in Medicine and Philosophy (MD/PhD).http://www.med.uottawa.ca/md-phd/eng/, Accessed August 6th, 2016.


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Ontario Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry

Year Established

- 199511.

Degree Admissions Requirement - Must hold at least a B.Sc. And fulfill all admissions requirements from both the MD program and the PhD program31.

References - Requires two confidential letters of reference emphasizing the student's research aptitude. Forms are provided to assist the referees. - These references are in addition to the 3 for the MD program31.

Additional Documents - MD/PhD application (due Dec 1st of that year) - Official copy of transcript - CV - Written statement about interest/commitment to MD/PhD program, research accomplishments and possible directions for study within the MD/PhD program32.

MD/PhD Interview - Qualified candidates invited to interview to assess general skills, personality, potential and ability to cope with MD/PhD workload/demands32.

Faculty Supervisor - The student-supervisor match up and project is tailored to the student. - Students are encouraged to do preliminary explorations switch prospective supervisors and the MD/PhD committee can help with final decision making32.


Two Models - both seven years in total33; - Model 1: Limited research training/experience (typically entering with Honours degree) - 3 years research, 4 years undergraduate medical training - Model 2: With research training/experience (typically entering with Masters) - 2 years MD training, 3 years research, 2 years MD training * Variation possible

Possible Graduate Programs - Any graduate program that student fulfills admissions requirements.


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Available spots? - A maximum of 3 spots in the MD/PhD program each year34.

Financial Support - $10,000 scholarship per year of MD program to go towards tuition fees - Receive a stipend per year of the PhD program in accordance with the respective PhD graduate program34.

References

31. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, MD/PhD: Applying to the MD/PhD Program. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/medicine/md_phd/future_students/applying.html, Accessed August 7th, 2016.

32. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, MD/PhD: Application Process. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/medicine/md_phd/future_students/application_process.html, Accessed August 7th, 2016.

33. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, MD/PhD: Program Structure. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/medicine/md_phd/future_students/program_structure.html, Accessed August 7th, 2016.

34. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, MD/PhD: FAQ. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/medicine/md_phd/future_students/faq.html, Accessed August 7th, 2016.