timing of defense and return to clinics

A commonly asked question among MD-PhD students is “when do I need to defend if I want to graduate the following year?” The answer to this is different for different students. Many students will need to defend in May-August to be well-positioned to apply for residency the following summer/fall (eg summer 2025 to submit residency applications in September 2026 and graduate in May 2027) . Some will be able to defend a bit later and still be fine, others will need to defend even earlier. Note that students who completed only one block of clerkships, rather than the standard two, before the PhD will have to return earlier. There are a number of factors that go into determining your optimal defense date and return to clinics. One element of planning is the structure and dates for Core 2, which are posted on the MD Curriculum page.  Some of the other main issues include: how decided you are on clinical field; whether the field(s) you are considering require significant elective time and/or away electives; your prior clinical record; optimal timing of Step2 and other considerations….

The range of issues that need to be considered when planning your return schedule is captured in a little mnemonic referred to as the DOCTOR Equation:

Decidedness +

Optimal elective time and optimal timing of step 2CK +

Clinical field specifics +

Temperament +

Opinions of faculty advisors +

Record & Research orientation of specialty (grades, how much PhD matters)

equals....

the optimal date for your return to clinics.

Once you have determined your optimal date for your return to clinics, then you should ideally schedule your defense AT LEAST four weeks earlier than that.  It is ideal to have at least a few weeks following the defense to wrap up in lab,  do any necessary dissertation revisions, and complete PhD related paperwork for your Graduate Group.  Ideally, you will also have enough time to be doing some clinical reading, and also take a well-deserved vacation.

Note that close communication with your Graduate Group Coordinator about the defense date and paperwork is essential. Be sure to be aware of your Graduate Group’s expectations and requirements around submission of the dissertation and conferral of the PhD.  Most students have their PhD formally conferred soon after defending, and this is generally recommended.  However, it is okay to delay formal conferral if you need additional time for revisions and/or if you are an international student and have been advised to have both degrees conferred in the final degree period at the end of the MD.  If you will be delaying PhD conferral, be sure to let your Graduate Group Coordinator know of your plans.