Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

This brief highlights the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) D.O.-Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) seeking to earn a spot in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This designation places MSUCOM alongside the University of Michigan as the second MSTP in Michigan and among nearly fifty MSTPs nationally, signaling institutional recognition of excellence in training physician-scientists who bridge clinical care and biomedical research.

The program supports highly motivated students pursuing combined D.O. and Ph.D. degrees. Trainees typically spend eight years completing rigorous integrated training that prepares them to pursue careers in biomedical research, academic medicine, or leadership roles at research centers. Since its inception in 1979, the D.O.-Ph.D. program has trained 83 graduates who commonly hold positions in medical colleges, universities, and major research institutions, where they translate basic science discoveries into clinical applications.

MSUCOM's MSTP designation brings additional resources and formal recognition that support enhanced research training, mentorship, and career development. The program emphasizes the dual contributions physician-scientists make: designing research questions informed by clinical experience and translating laboratory findings into diagnostics, treatments, and preventative strategies that address pressing biomedical needs. MSUCOM explicitly recruits prospective candidates nationally and underscores its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that varied backgrounds and perspectives accelerate innovation and strengthen the training environment.

A distinguishing feature of the MSUCOM program is that it is fully funded: students pay no tuition and receive a competitive stipend and healthcare benefits throughout their training. These incentives aim to reduce financial barriers, enabling trainees to focus on intensive research and clinical education. The curriculum, coordinated through the College's research and graduate studies infrastructure, integrates preclinical and research phases with clinical training, facilitating the development of clinician-scientists capable of leading bench and clinical investigations.

The program's mission addresses a critical national shortage of physician-scientists by preparing graduates who can collaborate across disciplines, inform research priorities with clinical insights, and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care. The MSUCOM D.O.-Ph.D. MSTP stands as a significant institutional and regional resource for cultivating the next generation of osteopathic physician-scientists.