D.O.-Ph.D. Program
In 2025, MSUCOM's D.O.-Ph.D. Physician-Scientist Training Program became the first D.O.-Ph.D. program to earn a spot in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). MSUCOM is the second MSTP program in Michigan, along with the University of Michigan, and is one of the nearly 50 MSTP programs nationally.
MSTP develops clinician-scientists who are ready to lead bench and clinical studies that address biomedical research needs. MSTP offers additional resources to accepted programs and their students to support improved and novel understandings, diagnoses, treatments and preventatives for disease.
PLEASE NOTE: The D.O.-Ph.D. program is FULLY-FUNDED. 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 typically spend 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. We are dedicated to respecting people of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities and other individual attributes. We recognize every individual has a unique story and perspective that enrich our learning environment and accelerate innovation. Prospective D.O.-Ph.D. candidates are sought nationally, and qualified applicants interested in a career as an osteopathic 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
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies
Email: schutteb@msu.edu
John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D.
Co-Director
Associate Dean for Research
Email: goudrea2@msu.edu
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) 884-3827
Email: com.dophd@msu.edu
Research office directory