MD/Master of Science in Translational Research
Please note that the following guidelines apply only to Medical Students at the University of Pennsylvania. The program is not open to Medical Students from other institutions.
Overview
The MD-MTR program is designed to provide enrolled medical students with in depth instruction in the fundamental skills, methodology, and principles necessary to be a well trained junior clinical investigator. The MTR includes both didactic training and a mentored research project. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are expected to have developed a strong foundation in the fundamental techniques of translational research. The program will produce junior clinical researchers who are knowledgeable about the complex issues associated with conducting sound clinical research.
The rest of this site includes the following sections:
- Curriculum and Program Structure
- Financial Information
- MD-MTR Sample Study Plan
- Admissions
- Contact Information
Curriculum and Program Structure
Students will complete three years of the MD curriculum before beginning full time study in the MTR program in July at the end of year 3. Students who are interested in the program early in their time as medical students are strongly encouraged to contact the program director, Dr. Emma Meagher, and to begin exploring possibilities for their research mentor/project. Interested students can work on a research project during the summer between years 1 and 2 of medical school. In addition, students with an early interest in the program may take Case Studies in Translational Research for elective credit during fall of the 2nd year in medical school.
The July 1 start date at the end of year 3 for full time MTR work means that MD-MTR students will have only six months (from January through June) of year 3 to complete step 1 of the boards and take the electives and sub-I they need for residency application. Faculty advising and close communication with Helene Weinberg about scheduling issues are absolutely essential, given the compressed time frame. Students considering the MD-MTR program should start planning as early as possible to make the best use of their time.
All of year 4 and the fall of year 5 will be devoted to full time work toward the MTR, during which time students are not registered for the MD. (Note that to retain status as a full time student during the MTR program, students must be registered for at least 3 course units during the fall and spring semesters of year 4 and the fall semester of year 5. No registration is expected/required for the summer term). The spring of year 5 will be used to complete the final requirements for both degrees. (See sample curriculum plan below).
The MTR degree is composed of 12 credit units. MD-MTR students will receive 1 elective transfer credit for Clinical Therapeutics (MOD 401) from the MD curriculum. The remaining 11 units are distributed among four types of requirements:
- 4 required courses (MTR 601, MTR 602, MTR 603, MTR 520)
- 2 elective courses
- 3 laboratory experiences (3 different units of MTR 999)
- 2 credits for research project and masters thesis (MTR 604, MTR 605)
The mentored thesis involves designing a research project, writing a formal research proposal, performing the study described in it, preparing a comprehensive scholarly scientific paper reporting the results, and presenting and defending the thesis at a public seminar. At the time of application, each candidate identifies with the help of MTR advisors the project they wish to pursue, along with the lead mentor, who will supervise the research project.
In consultation with the lead mentor, and with the approval of the MTR Advisory Committee, the candidate selects from the Penn faculty an individualized candidate MTR mentoring committee. This three person committee functions as an ongoing monitoring group for the candidate’s progress. Its members are faculty with expertise relevant to both the basic and clinical aspects of the candidate’s research, and each is expected to contribute their expertise to fostering the candidate’s research progress. The committee meets on a trimester basis to review progress reports submitted by the trainee.
For more details about required courses, most elective courses and laboratory experiences, see the course work descriptions below. Course work is also laid out in a sample study plan below.
Financial Information (06-07)
Billing
MD-MTR students will be charged 7 semesters of medical tuition (6 semesters in years 1-3 and the final semester of year 5). During fall and spring semesters of year 4 and the fall semester of year 5, MTR tuition will be charged per course unit. ('06-'07 cost is $4,000 per unit, plus fees).
Note that in the sample plan below, students take 2 or 3 courses during the semesters they are charged medical school tuition (MTR 604 and 605 in the final semester of year 5, and possibly BIOM 510 in fall of year 2). As long as the student has not already used the benefit that allows med students to take three courses while registered for the MD program, there will be no additional charge beyond MD tuition in those semesters.
Grant funding
A potential partial funding mechanism for the MTR program is the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) training grant. Selected students will be appointed to the grant for 12 months. During the year of appointment (typically July 1-June 30 of year 4), students will receive $21,577 toward MTR tuition and $20,722 in stipend (prorated, paid monthly).
For most students, the tuition charges for the MTR will be 3 courses per term during fall and spring of year 4 and the fall semester of year 5. Tuition for these 9 units will total approximately $36,000. If the student is grant funded ($21,577 toward tuition), this will leave approximately $14,423 to be paid by the student. Because MD-MTR students are being billed for 7 semesters of MD tuition, rather than 8, this will make the MD-MTR cost neutral for most students. (If a student has already used their eligibility for the 3 additional courses per term, there will be additional charges for MTR 604 and 605 in the final semester).
Financial aid information
As soon as a student is considering the pursuit of an integrated joint degree program, financial aid planning counseling and planning is strongly advised.Students should contact the School of Medicine Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Staff members are available to help explain program costs, the financial aid process, funding options and how to apply for financial aid. When paying medical school tuition and registered as a medical student, an individual can retain his/her School of Medicine Scholarship and has a Stafford eligibility of $40,500 ('07-'08). When a student is registered as a full time MTR student, he/she is not eligible for School of Medicine Scholarship and has a Stafford eligibility of $33,000 ('07-'08).
MD-MTR Sample Study Plan
Year |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
Tuition and billing |
Funding |
Maximum Stafford Eligibility |
1 |
MD curriculum (Modules 1,3,6)
|
MD curriculum (Modules 2,3,6)
|
|
MD tuition fall and spring |
Self |
$40,500 |
2 |
MD curriculum (Modules 2,3,6) BIOM 510 (1.0)* |
MD curriculum (Modules 4,6) |
MD curriculum (Modules 4,6)
|
MD tuition fall and spring |
Self |
$40,500 |
3 |
MD curriculum (Modules 4,6) |
Boards 1 and MD curriculum (Module 5) |
MD curriculum (Module 5) through June; July-Aug full time MTR (protocol dev’t) |
MD tuition fall and spring |
Self through June; possibly with CTSA starting July 1 |
$40,500 |
4 |
MTR 601 (1.0) |
MTR 602 (1.0 c.u.)
|
MTR research |
MTR tuition** |
Self and possibly CTSA grant through June; Self starting July*** |
$33,000 |
5 |
MTR 603 (1.0 c.u.) |
MD curriculum (Module 5) |
|
MTR tuition fall**; MD tuition spring**** |
Self |
Fall $16,500; Spring $20,250 |
*If students are accepted into a combined MD MTR degree program BIOM 510 will be completed in the fall of year 2. If students are accepted into the MD-MTR program in their 3rd year, this course can be taken in the fall of year 4. There will be no additional charge for BIOM 510 if the student has not already used their 3 additional course eligibility (see “Billing” above)
**As described above, MTR tuition is approximately $4,000 per unit or $12,000 per semester here (06-07)
***See “Grant funding” section above for additional information
****no additional charge for MTR 604 and MTR 605 if the student has not already used their 3 additional course eligibility (see “Billing” above)
Admissions
The admissions process for the MD-MTR program is competitive and requires admission to both the MD and MTR programs. During the current year ('07-'08) applications will only be accepted from Penn Med students. In future years, applications may be accepted by candidates simultaneously making initial application to the MD program, so that it is possible to receive initial acceptance into the MD-MTR program. The MD-MTR program is only open to students who are or will be enrolled at Penn. Medical students at other institutions are not eligible to apply.
MTR application forms for MD-MTR candidates and instructions for submission are available by contacting Marti Dandridge, Coordinator, POR/MTR Programs, at mtrpor@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Applications are due October 1st of year 3 and admissions and funding notification will take place by early November. (Applications should be dropped off at the Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs Office and they will then be forwarded to the MTR program coordinator).
In addition to submitting an MTR application, students must also submit a Master’s Program Registration form to the Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs Office. (The form will also be shared with the Registrar). The form is very brief and can be obtained by contacting Amy Nothelfer.
Disclaimer
Please note that policies concerning admissions, curriculum, funding and financial aid are subject to change. Additionally, though variations in the curriculum may be possible, any changes will need prior approval and may have financial implications. This website is meant to provide preliminary general overview information only. Students interested in or enrolled in the program should seek personal advising from relevant faculty and staff.
Contact information
Emma A. Meagher, M.D.
Director, POR/MTR Programs
991 Maloney Bldg.
215-662-2174
emma@ gcrc.upenn.edu
Marti Dandridge
Coordinator, POR/MTR Programs
971 Maloney Bldg.
215-349-8627
mtrpor@mail.med.upenn.edu
Jean Fox
Financial Aid Officer
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, SOM
Suite 100 Stemmler Hall
215-898-9118
jmfox@mail.med.upenn.edu
Amy Nothelfer, LSW
Coordinator for MD-Masters Programs
Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs, SOM
Suite 100 Annex (Room 104) Stemmler Hall
215-746-2359
nothelfe@mail.med.upenn.edu
Helene Weinberg
Registrar, SOM
Suite 100 Stemmler Hall
215-898-4646
hweinber@mail.med.upenn.edu
Description of Required Course Work
Mechanisms of POR: Designing A Protocol (MTR 601 Fourth year - Fall semester)
Content includes study design and protocol development as they relate to the studies that probe the mechanism of disease and the study of complex traits. It discusses concepts such as sample size calculation, study populations, use of markers to study disease progression, pharmacogenetics and feasibility issues. Financial considerations in research including budget development for grant proposals. (1 c.u.)
Scientific and Ethical Conduct (MTR 602 Fourth year – Spring semester)
Content includes scientific conduct, good laboratory practices (GLP), good clinical practices (GCP), regulatory affairs including the role of the FDA and the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). (1 c.u.)
Analytical Measurement Course: (MTR 603 Fifth year – Fall semester)
Acquire the knowledge to rationally and effectively incorporate disease measurements, including emerging technologies, into the design of translational and clinical research protocols. Gain a basic understanding of measurement methodologies used in clinical medicine. Understand how "normal" values are determined, and how to interpret test results in the context of patients/research subjects. Approach disease measurements (tests) as a means of answering questions, and to be able to choose appropriate tests to answer the questions being posed. (1 c.u.)
Introductory Biostatistics: (MTR 520 Fourth year - Fall semester)
This course approaches statistics from an applied as well as theoretical point of view. Students learn the correct application and interpretation of basic statistical concepts and techniques. The course covers probability estimation, hypothesis testing, nonparametric tests, tests for categorical data, correlation, and regression. (1 c.u.)
Case Studies in Translational Research (MTR 510 second or fourth year – Fall semester) - example of elective course
The goals of this weekly seminar course are to 1) analyze actual examples of translational research including some that are ongoing at Penn/CHOP and 2) familiarize graduate students with issues that specifically pertain to translational research and compare these issues to those pertaining to basic research. Groups of students will work with selected Penn faculty to prepare a discussion and literature review on disease topics. We will consider issues that differentiate translational from basic research, including the unique challenges of doing meaningful studies in humans such as: When is the right time to take a basic science discovery into the clinic? How do you go from “laboratory-scale” to “human-studies-scale”? How do you protect your subjects? How do you define and protect your intellectual property? How do you find funding for your ideas? How do you know when they are viable? (1 c.u.)
Laboratory Units: (MTR 999– flexible) Completion of 3 lab units is required but flexible in terms of timing. Lab experiences need approval of the candidate’s MTR mentoring committee and the MTR director 2 months prior to commencing the lab rotation. Lab units can represent 3 different learning experiences or may be a combination of 2 units in a distinct area. Examples of lab experiences include but are not limited to, a traditional wet bench experience to learn how to develop an assay, a clinical lab rotation learning how to perform /analyze a technique in your specialty, a rotation in a bioinformatics laboratory or a rotation in an imaging laboratory. (3 c.u.)
The purpose of the lab experience is to emphasize the basic components of the translational research experience, to appreciate that the underpinnings of translational research is understanding disease mechanism, to learn the subtleties of measurement of disease process and the complexity this brings to the area of human research.
Following completion of each lab experience, students are required to submit a "lab book" with documentation of the elements listed below.
- Each lab unit
- 20 hours of direct contact time with mentor
- Lab meetings / learning techniques / analysis and discussion of data
- Clearly documented by Mentor/supervisor
- Grading performed by mentor and grading sheet submitted to university as equivalence of exam grade
- Time documented by mentor
Research Project and Masters Thesis :MTR 604& 605 (Fifth year – Spring Semester)Candidates are expected to complete a thesis that involves designing a research project, writing a formal research proposal, performing the study described in it, preparing a comprehensive scholarly scientific paper reporting the results, and presenting and defending the thesis at a public seminar. At the time of application, each candidate specifies the project they will pursue, along with the lead mentor, who will supervise the research project. (2 c.u.)
