Research within a medical degree: the combined MB BS-PhD program at the University of Sydney

Along with its new graduate-entry medical program, the University of Sydney has introduced the Combined Degree (Research) Program which allows students to graduate with an MB BS and PhD. The program includes 2-3 years of full-time research between Years 2 and 3 of the 4-year MB BS program. The program aims to produce clinician-scientists committed to continuing research that reflects their experience of clinical practice. Eight women and 23 men have enrolled since the program began in 1998, with the first cohort graduating in 2003. The students have been active in helping to develop the program and establishing a society and other student support networks.