MD/Master of Science in Translational Research

Please note that the following guidelines apply only to University of Pennsylvania medical students. The program is not open to medical students from other institutions.

Overview

The MD/Master of Science in Translational Research (MD/MTR) program is designed to provide medical students with in-depth instruction in the fundamental skills, methodology, and principles necessary to be a well trained junior investigator. 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:

• Information Gathering
• Advising
• Curriculum & Program Structure
• Financial Information
• Admissions
• Contacts

Information Gathering

The first step of the process is to gather information regarding the MD/MTR dual degree. Interested students have several resources :

• MTR website (http://www.med.upenn.edu/mtr/) – the Master of Science in Translational Research program website provides detailed information on the program and application process.
• MD/MTR Information Session – every fall the Combined Degree office holds an MD/MTR Information Session for medical students. Email announcements are sent out to students prior to the event.
• Dr. Emma Meagher – candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Meagher, Director of POR/MTR Programs, at emma@upenn.edu to discuss the MTR program.
• Amy Nothelfer – students are encouraged to contact Amy, Coordinator of MD-Masters Programs, at nothelfe@mail.med.upenn.edu to discuss their interest in a Masters program.
• SOM Office of Admissions and Financial Aid – As soon as a student is considering the pursuit of an integrated dual degree program, financial aid counseling and planning is strongly advised.
  

Advising

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. 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.

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.

Once a student is accepted into the program, the student will meet with the Coordinator for POR/MTR Programs, Marti Dandridge, to develop a curriculum plan based on their research project and discuss potential funding opportunities.

Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Requirements:

The MTR degree is composed of 12 credit units, which are distributed among four types of requirements:

• 4 required courses (MTR 600, MTR 601, MTR 602, MTR 603)
• 2 elective courses
• 4 laboratory experiences (4 different units of MTR 999)
• 2 credits for research project and masters thesis (MTR 604, MTR 605)

Required Course Units:               12

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.

Timing:

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 (BIOM 510) 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.

With careful planning, students may be able to complete both degrees in five years.Careful selection of a thesis project is crucial for students hoping to graduate in five years. The sample plan below describes the program for a student who is able to complete the requirements of both degrees in five years.

MD/MTR Degree Completion Time:               5 years

MD/MTR Sample Study Plan:

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 required for the summer term). The spring of year 5 will be used to complete the final requirements for both degrees.

Year	Fall	Spring	Summer	Tuition and billing	Funding	Maximum Stafford Eligibility (2009-10)
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 (CSTR)*	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 (research) MTR 600	MD tuition fall and spring; MTR tuition summer	Self through June; possibly with CTSA starting July 1	$40,500
4	BIOM 510 (CSTR)** or another Elective 1 MTR 601 MTR 603	MTR 602 MTR 999 (lab) MTR 999 (lab)	MTR research	MTR tuition	Self and possibly CTSA grant through June; Self starting July	$20,500
5	MTR 999 (lab) MTR 999 (lab) Elective 2	MD curriculum (Module 5) MTR 604 MTR 605		MTR tuition fall; MD tuition spring	Self	Fall $10,250; Spring $20,250

Note: each MTR course is 1.0 c.u.

*If students are accepted into a combined MD/MTR degree program in their 1st year, BIOM 510 (CSTR) may be completed in the fall of year 2. There will be no additional charge for BIOM 510 if the student has not already used their 3 additional course eligibility (see “Tuition policy” below). However, MTR 604 or MTR 605 will need to be taken in the fall of year 5 in order to have 3 courses that semester to be a full time MTR student.

** If students are accepted into the MD/MTR program in their 2nd or 3rd year, BIOM 510 (CSTR) will be taken in the fall of year 5.

Curriculum 2000 Scholarly Pursuit requirement is met by earning the MTR degree.

Financial Information (2009-10)

Tuition policy:

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 ('09-'10 cost is $4,000 per unit).

Note that in the sample plan above, students take 2 courses total during the semesters they are charged medical school tuition: a) MTR 604 and 605 in the final semester of year 5 or b) BIOM 510 in fall of year 2 and either MTR 604 or MTR 605 in spring of year 5. As long as the student has not already used the benefit that allows med students to take 3 additional courses while registered for the MD program, there will be no additional charge beyond MD tuition in those semesters. Please refer to the School of Medicine Additional Course Policy on the Student Portal website for information on tuition implications.

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 June 30-June 29 of year 4), the CTSA grant will provide a stipend of $20,976 and tuition of $20,500 (2010-2011 appointment year). Please keep in mind that the amount of stipend and tuition may change based on NIH regulations each grant year.

Financial aid:

As soon as a student is considering the pursuit of an integrated joint degree program, financial aid counseling and planning is strongly advised. Students should contact Jean Fox at the School of Medicine Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. She is 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. 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 $20,500. In accordance with federal regulations, all sources of aid (loan, scholarships, fellowships,) cannot exceed the student budget.

Admissions

The admissions process for the MD/MTR program is competitive and requires admission to both the MD and MTR programs. Students may only apply to the combined degree MD/MTR program after admission and matriculation in the Penn School of Medicine. 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.

Application deadline:               Rolling basis

Students may apply to the MD/MTR program at any time during their first, second or third year of medical school.

Application deadline to be considered for CTSA funding:               November 18, 2009 @ 5:00 PM (for third year students only)

Third year students who want to be considered for CTSA funding (for the 2010-2011 appointment year) must submit their applications by November 18, 2009 at 5:00 PM. See the Request for Applications for further details. If a student submits an application first or second year, their application will be reviewed for suitability of CTSA funding in their third year. If a student submits an application after November 18th of year 3, they will not be considered for CTSA funding. Funding notification will take place by January 30th.

In addition to submitting an MTR application, Penn Med students must also submit a Master’s Program Registration Form to Amy Nothelfer (nothelfe@mail.med.upenn.edu) in the Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs Office (104 Stemmler Hall).

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.

Contacts

Emma A. Meagher, M.D.
Director, POR/MTR Programs
991 Maloney Bldg.
215-662-2174
emma@upenn.edu

Marti Dandridge
Coordinator, POR/MTR Programs
971 Maloney Bldg.
215-349-8627
mtrpor@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

Jean Fox
Financial Aid Officer
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, SOM
Suite 100 Stemmler Hall
215-898-9118
jmfox@mail.med.upenn.edu

Description of Required Course Work

Introductory Biostatistics: (MTR 600 Third year - Summer 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.)

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 Fourth 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.)

Case Studies in Translational Research (MTR 510 second or fifth 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 4 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 4 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. (4 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.)