MD/Master of Science in Health Policy Research (MSHP)

The first step of the process is to gather information regarding the MD/MSHP dual degree. Helpful resources and key contacts include:

• MSHP Program Website — the Master of Science in Health Policy program website provides detailed information on the program and application process.
• MD/MSHP Information Sessions — every fall and spring the Combined Degree office holds an MD/MSHP Information Session for medical students. Email announcements are sent out to students prior to the event. Check out the full recording of the October 8, 2024 info session here and powerpoint presentation.
• Advisory Deans — students are encouraged to discuss career and academic goals with their Advisory Dean and other faculty advisors.
• MSHP Associate Director — Penn medical students should contact Sarah Gormley to discuss the Master of Science in Health Policy Research program.
• Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) Financial Aid Office — As soon as a student is considering the pursuit of an MD/Masters program, students should reach out to Mike Sabara for information regarding financial aid counseling and planning.
• Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics events — check out events on campus related to health policy.

Summer research opportunities:

Students who are interested in the program early in their time as medical students are strongly encouraged to contact Kathleen Cooper to begin exploring possibilities for their research mentor/project(s). Interested students can work on a research project during the summer between years 1 and 2 of Medical School. Funding for summer research is available through:

• Medical Student Health Services and Policy Research Summer Research Fellowship
• Health Services Research Summer Scholars Program for Students Underrepresented in Medicine

Program Requirements

The following course units are required for the MSHP degree (descriptions are available on MSHP's website):

• 7 core courses (HPR 5010, HPR 6000, HPR 6030, HPR 6040, HPR 6060, HPR 6070, HPR 6080)
• 3 elective courses (one of which is an MD curriculum transfer credit*)
• 2 credits for research project and Master's thesis (HPR 9900, HPR 9901)

Required Course Units:  12

* Perelman medical students who are matriculated in the MD/MSHP program will earn one transfer credit for MOD320 Foundations of Health System Sciences in the MD curriculum in place of an elective.

For more details about core courses and elective courses, see the course work descriptions.

Mentoring

At the time of application, each candidate identifies with the help of MSHP advisors the type of 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, and reporting the results. The final product is a manuscript ready for submission for review at a peer-reviewed journal.

In consultation with the lead research mentor, and with the approval of the MSHP Advisory Committee, the candidate selects from the Penn faculty an individualized MSHP thesis 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. 

Timing

Perelman medical students will complete three years of the MD curriculum before beginning full time study in the MSHP program in July at the end of year 3. The July 1 start date at the end of year 3 for full time MSHP work means that MD/MSHP 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 the PSOM Registrar about scheduling issues are absolutely essential, given the compressed time frame. Students considering the MD/MSHP program should start planning as early as possible to make the best use of their time.

With careful planning, Perelman medical students typically 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/MSHP Degree Completion Time:               5 years

MD/MSHP Sample Study Plan

All of year 4 and the fall of year 5 will be devoted to full time work toward the MSHP, during which time students are not registered for the MD. (Note that to retain status as a full-time student during the MSHP 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.

* Penn medical students have the option to take this course during the summer between first and second year via the PSOM Additional Course Policy. Please note that enrollment is limited to 1 to 2 medical students per class.

Note: each MSHP course is 1.0 c.u.

** Subject to change each year for individuals 

^ MD primary degree changes to Master's degree for tuition and billing

Medical School Planning

There are several things to keep in mind when making your Medical School plans:

• The MSHP degree counts as your Scholarly Pursuit requirement.
• MD/MSHP students need to complete: 1 week of bioethics and the Measey STeP course.

Students may only apply to the combined degree MD/MSHP program after admission and matriculation in the PSOM. Medical students at other institutions are not eligible to apply.

Admissions process:

Apply to the Master of Science in Health Policy Research Program:
The Master of Science in Health Policy Research program information and application can be obtained at MD/MSHP Applicants. Students are encouraged to contact Kathleen Cooper, for more information.

Application Deadline: **EXTENDED** April 30 of third year

Notifications:

Admitted students should immediately notify their Advisory Dean, the Combined Degree Office, Registrar’s Office, and the Financial Aid Office.

Transfer Credits:

Perelman medical students who are matriculated in the MD/MSHP program will earn one transfer credit for MOD320 Foundations of Health System Sciences in place of an elective.

PSOM Additional Course Policy:

• The courses can be taken in any school in the University during the Fall or Spring semesters when the student is actively enrolled (not on a leave of absence or short-term break) and paying MD tuition (not just fees only).
• To take a course for credit in a Summer semester, MD tuition must be paid in full for the previous Spring and following Fall semesters. Only Perelman School of Medicine (such as: Bioethics, Epidemiology, Health Policy Research, Translational Research, Public Health) or School of Law courses may be taken during the Summer. A student may take only one course in a Summer semester limited to the UPenn course catalogue.
• In the event that a non-MD course requirement conflicts with an MD course requirement, the MD course must be given priority.

Tuition Policy:

MD/MSHP students will be charged 7 semesters of medical tuition (6 semesters in years 1-3 and the final semester of year 5). During summer before year 4, fall and spring semesters of year 4, and the fall semester of year 5, MSHP tuition will be charged per course unit plus fees. David A. Asch Medical Student Scholars in Health Services Research Scholarships are available.

Tuition: ~$5900/course*

*Additional fees (i.e., general fee and technology/learning fee) will apply and may vary depending on a student’s enrollment status and fees paid elsewhere at the University of Pennsylvania.

David A. Asch Medical Student Scholars in Health Services Research Scholarships:

The PennMSHP has up to two David A. Asch Medical Student Scholars in Health Services Research scholarships available on a competitive basis. This new scholarship is named after Penn faculty member, David A. Asch, MD, MBA, in recognition of his founding role and ongoing impact on the PennMSHP, as well as his significant contributions to the health services research field. Asch Medical Student Scholars will receive training to become tomorrow's leaders in academic medicine, health policy and health system administration. Each scholarship covers 100% of PennMSHP tuition. Applications for admission (including scholarships) are due by February 1 of the third year of medical school. Contact the MSHP program office for more information.

Financial Aid:

As soon as a Perelman medical student is considering the pursuit of an integrated dual degree program, financial aid counseling and planning is strongly advised. Students should contact Michael Sabara, Director of Financial Services. He is available to help explain program costs, the financial aid process, funding options and how to apply for financial aid. Here are some things to consider:

1. When paying medical school tuition and registered as a medical student, an individual can retain his/her MD Scholarship (for tuition/living expenses) and has a Direct loan eligibility of $40,500. When a student is registered as a full time MSHP student, he/she is not eligible for MD Scholarship (for tuition/living expenses) and has a Direct loan eligibility of $20,500. In accordance with federal regulations, all sources of aid (loan, scholarships, fellowships,) cannot exceed the student budget.
2. Direct loans have aggregate limits, which are cumulative and include any undergraduate, graduate, and medical school loans borrowed in the Direct loan program. For any semester when a student is a full-time MSHP student (versus full-time MD student), the MSHP program aggregate limit is $138,500 versus the MD aggregate limit ($224,000).
3. Students needing loans are required to meet with Michael Sabara.

For more information regarding the MD/MSHP program, contact:

MSHP Program:

Marilyn M. Schapira, MD, MPH
Co-Director
Master of Science in Health Policy Research Program
Division of General Internal Medicine | University of Pennsylvania
1316 Blockley Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-2022 
mschap@mail.med.upenn.edu

James Guevara, MD, MPH
Co-Director
Master of Science in Health Policy Research Program
Division of General Pediatrics | Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia
2716 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-590-1130 
Guevara@email.chop.edu

Kathleen Cooper
Program Coordinator C
Master of Science in Health Policy Research (MSHP) Program
National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP)
The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
13th Floor Blockley Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104
mshp@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Perelman School of Medicine:

Chinwe (ChiChi) Nwadiogbu, MLA
Associate Director
Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs Office
Jordan Medical Education Ctr, 6th Floor
3400 Civic Center Blvd, BLDG 421
Philadelphia, PA 19104-5162
215-898-0938
cnwad@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Registrar
Jordan Medical Education Ctr, 6th Floor
3400 Civic Center Blvd, BLDG 421
Philadelphia, PA 19104-5162
215-898-1165
psomregistrar@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 

Michael Sabara
Director of Financial Services
Financial Aid Office
Jordan Medical Education Ctr, 6th Floor
3400 Civic Center Blvd, BLDG 421
Philadelphia, PA 19104-5162
215-573-3423
msabara@pennmedicine.upenn.edu