MD/PhD Program

Students earning a PhD in biomedical engineering through the MD/PhD program will begin PhD training in the third year of graduate school after two years of medical school training.

MD/PhD students begin by applying directly to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry MD program. Learn more about the School of Medicine and Dentistry's admissions process and requirements.

After completing the first two years of the MD curriculum, students identify a PhD advisor. Once an advisor is confirmed, students are automatically transitioned into the PhD portion of the program—no separate graduate application is required. After completing the PhD, students return to the MD program to finish their remaining medical school requirements.

Required Courses

The MD/PhD curriculum has been modified to account for courses taken at the medical school, waiving the required 11 credits of Approved Biology. For more detailed information about the program and program requirements see the BME Graduate Studies Handbook (pdf).

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (three credits)
  • BME 589: Writing Proposals In BME (two credits)
  • IND 501: Ethics and Professional Integrity in Research (one credit)
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars (no credit)

Plus 16 credits in the following approved categories:

  • Advanced BME (four credits)
  • Engineering (twelve credits)

Students must also give three formal presentations in a public forum.

Sample Schedule

First year:

  • Medical school courses

Second year:

  • Medical school courses
  • Identify PhD advisor

Third year:

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (three credits)
  • BME 589: Writing Proposals in BME (two credits)
  • IND 501: Ethics and Professional Integrity in Research (one credit)
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars (no credit)
  • Electives
  • Three formal presentations
  • Oral exam

Fourth year and beyond:

  • Complete medical school requirements
A group of people in white lab coats studying a brain.

Using Clinical Observations to Fuel Effective Research

Medical Scientist Training Program

Rochester’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) combines MD and PhD training in a unified program that equips future physician-scientists to turn research into real-world therapies. With top faculty, engaged students, and a collaborative environment, we’ve earned national recognition and continuous NIH support—marking 66 years of physician-scientist training and 51 years of MSTP funding in 2024–2025.

Learn more about the program

More Information

If you're interested in learning more about the MD/PhD program in biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester email bmegraduateofc@rochester.edu, or call (585) 275-3891.