A program on the rise: the combined (M.D./Ph.D.) Degree Program at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine

The Combined M.D./Ph.D. Degree Program (CDP) of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine is an intensive seven-year program that allows exceptional students simultaneously to develop both clinical and research skills. Each year the program accepts up to four highly qualified students from an applicant pool that has been increasing in both size and talent. Currently, there are 25 students in the program. Each student receives a waiver of tuition and fees for both graduate and medical school as well as a fellowship stipend of $14,700 per year for all seven years. In the initial two years the combined-degree students are enrolled in medical school and participate in laboratory research. During the next three years students focus exclusively on graduate course work and the doctoral dissertation. Following the thesis defense, they enter the final two years of medical school and are graduated with the dual degree. As of May 1995 the CDP has graduated 15 students, each of whom is currently pursuing a career in academic medicine.