Michigan State University

College of Osteopathic Medicine

D.O.-Ph.D. Program

PLEASE NOTE:  The D.O.-Ph.D. program will be a FULLY-FUNDED program starting summer semester of 2024.  See incentives below.

The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a combined degree program leading to the D.O. and Ph.D. degrees for highly motivated students who have achieved excellence in research and academics.

Trainees in the D.O.-Ph.D. Physician Scientist Training Program spend seven to eight years in education and training to become physician-scientists. Graduates find careers in biomedical research or academic medicine. Their training enables them to be physician-scientists working on basic science or disease-related problems.

Since it began in 1979, the D.O.-Ph.D. program has offered education and training to prepare individuals for careers in biomedical research and academic medicine, enabling them to become physician-scientists.

Most graduates find careers in medical colleges, universities or major medical research centers. They bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. Prospective D.O.-Ph.D. candidates are sought nationally and special effort is directed in recruiting women and minorities. Qualified students interested in a career as a physician-scientist should contact the program office as early as possible.

Why do we need D.O.-Ph.D. physician-scientists?

  • The physician-scientist population in the U.S. is smaller and older than it was 25 years ago
  • There is a current critical shortage of physician-scientists
  • The physician-scientist is a vital member of the medical research community
  • The physician-scientist can collaborate with both Ph.D. scientists and health care providers
  • Scientific questions the physician-scientist asks reflect their experiences with patient care. 

Incentives to pursue a D.O.-Ph.D. degree

  • Fully-funded dual degree program.  Students pay no tuition and receive competitive stipend and healthcare benefits throughout training.
  • Reward of translating scientific research into patient therapy
  • Finding an answer to a medical puzzle
  • Being on the cutting edge of science in finding new therapies and/or disease cures

Program Personnel

Brian C. Schutte, Ph.D.
Co-Director
Email: schutteb@msu.edu

John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D.
Co-Director
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies

Michelle Volker, CHRS, CFMLAS
Academic Program Coordinator
Email: volkerm@msu.edu

Contact

909 Wilson Road
West Fee Hall, Room 317
East Lansing, MI 48824

Phone: (517) 884-3825
Fax: (517) 353-9004
Email: com.dophd@msu.edu
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