| Students |
9–12 students enrolled per year ≤25% students are MD/PhD candidates Students apply directly to program
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| Faculty |
> 150 faculty 46% PhD, 36% MD, 18% MD/PhD From 8 basic science and 11 clinical departments Each student has a basic science and a clinical thesis mentor, one of whom is designated as the primary mentor. Both serve on student’s thesis committee.
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Currently 108 faculty 64% PhD, 27% MD, 9% MD/PhD From 10 laboratory and 14 clinical departments Each student has a basic or translational science thesis advisor. A clinician serves as the clinical mentor. Both serve on the student’s thesis and qualifying exam committees.
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| Core curriculum |
Focused on human physiology and pathophysiology, as well as training in molecular, translational, and clinical research methodologies. Courses include:
Foundation in genetics, immunology, physiology, and histology (6 courses; 104 contact hours) Pathophysiology (3 courses; 48 contact hours) Research skills and ethics (6 courses; 103 contact hours) 3 laboratory rotations (9 weeks each; in year 1) Electives are optional
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Begins with “Human Physiology and Disease” and concludes with “Principles of Clinical/Translational Research.” Courses include:
Physiology, cell biology, metabolism/pharmacology, genetics, gene regulation, bioinformatics, and immunology (6 courses; 304 contact hours) Statistics, epidemiology, ethics, and laboratory research methods (2 courses; 140 contact hours) Advanced research in medicine series with medical students (50 contact hours; in years 1–2) 3 laboratory rotations (12 weeks each; in year 1) 2 required electives (84 contact hours)
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| Required clinical experience |
Clinical projects tailored to complement each student’s thesis project
Student preparation: ethics training, immunizations, criminal background check, and medical liability insurance Average commitment: half a day per week in years 2–3 (~350 contact hours); optional until PhD completion Required elements: (1) exposure to clinical medicine, (2) attend diagnostic and research conferences, and (3) exposure to clinical research Participation in clinical research (optional) Activities directed by clinical mentor Project sites include hospital, clinic, and global health settings
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Individually designed experience starting in year 2 that aligns with thesis topic and is directed by the student’s clinical mentor
Students must devote a minimum of 30 contact hours in the required elements: (1) attend ambulatory clinic, (2) attend clinical laboratory, and (3) observe operation/interventional procedure Attend clinical seminars/grand rounds (optional) Graded on pass/fail basis by clinical mentor Students encouraged to continue with their clinical mentor during years 3–5
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| Enrichment activities |
Presentations of ongoing research projects by potential mentors to 1st year students Leadership training (year 2) Bench-to-bedside journal club covering 5 human disease topics per year (weekly, years 1–2) and seminars (4 per year; all years) complementing journal clubs, outside speaker Student research presentations (year 3 onwards) Annual retreat--poster and talks by TBMM students, talks by basic/clinical mentor pairs, and external keynote speaker
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Clinical Connections seminar presentations by clinical mentors to highlight molecular advances in clinical interventions (6 per year; all years) Year 1 molecular medicine journal club Controversies in biomedicine series to discuss divisive research topics (6 per year; all years) Elective autopsy conferences (2 per week; all years) Student-led annual research retreat with keynote speaker and student presentations and posters
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