Medical Scientist Training Program
Academic Calendar, Personal Time, Leaves of Absence
The MD/PhD Program adheres to the School of Medicine's and University's schedules for Fall and Spring course terms but has a 12-month annual training program. MD/PhD students are expected to work full time towards the degree; however, they are entitled to take two weeks off per year for personal time. Students at the dissertation level may schedule time off only with the prior approval of their advisor. Requests for additional personal time must be approved prior to the desired time by the Director of the MD/PhD Program.
Leaves of Absence:
MD/PhD students are eligible to petition for a leave of absence during medical school and graduate course work years. Permission must be granted by the Director of the MD/PhD program, and, depending on the phase of the student's career, other appropriate individuals. University policy normally forbids leaves of absence for students during the dissertation phase. Exceptions may be made for dissertation level students, most notably for medical reasons, and for parental leave in association with the birth or adoption of a child. Leaves of absence are granted for a maximum duration of one year. In addition, students who have completed and filed their PhD dissertation with the University are thereafter subject to the guidelines of the School of Medicine for leave of absence. Student stipends are suspended during the leave period and may only be guaranteed upon return from leave under the conditions of the original award statement, i.e., subject to the conditions of the funding device and only through the initial award period.