There is a shortage of physicians with the research training required to conduct innovative translational research leading to improved clinical care. Studies have shown that early success in research increases the likelihood of future success, even when the initial success comes in medical school. Lack of research training is one of the major reasons cited for lack of research productivity in residency and beyond. 

The goal of the MD/MS Dual Degree Program is to integrate the medical training required to become a physician with the research training required to conduct clinical and translational research. 

The dual degree program, designed to be completed within four years, provides the solid foundation necessary to complete research in medical school, giving students the skills and confidence needed to continue research during residency and throughout their careers. Through a rigorous academic program, students begin graduate school in the first year of medical school, learning basic science and introductory clinical principles while also learning introductory research skills. To ensure that students will thrive in this challenging program, preferential admission to the MD/MS Dual Degree Program will be given to those students who have shown previous success in research and have demonstrated the ability to successfully complete a rigorous undergraduate academic program. 

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is one of the largest medical schools in the United States and one of the fastest growing medical schools in research. This is an outstanding environment in which to earn the dual MD/MS degree. This dual degree program builds on our successful MD and MS in CTS programs which have been in place for many years. Many of the currently enrolled MS in CTS students are physicians, so dual degree students learn research skills along with practicing clinicians. 

All medical students at MCW have dedicated curriculum time during the school week to pursue an area of academic interest as part of the Scholarly Concentration Program. Students enrolled in the dual degree program will use this protected time to instead complete graduate school coursework and to conduct research leading to a Master’s thesis. Additional effort beyond that protected time will most certainly be required, which is why the program is limited to a small number of dedicated and accomplished applicants. Beginning with the summer research experience, the research project will require work throughout medical school, culminating in a Master’s thesis defense in the fourth year of medical school. 

Located in student-friendly Milwaukee, MCW is well situated - giving students the opportunity to live in Milwaukee or the surrounding suburbs, while learning from world class researchers and clinicians. I encourage you to consider becoming part of our rich MD/MS Dual Degree Program. We welcome your application and hope to see you in Milwaukee!

Margaret M. Samyn, MD MBA FAAP FACC
Director, MD/MS Dual Degree Program
Assistant Dean for Scholarly Activities
Professor, Pediatrics (Cardiology)
Medical College of Wisconsin 

Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science:

• The Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science consists of 36 credit hours taken over 4 years. 
  • 18 credits are required courses 
  • 9 credits are from thesis hours
  • 9 credits are from electives
• Thesis Proposal/Outline (Spring M2)
• Thesis Progress Presentation (Spring M3)
• Thesis Defense (Spring M4)

Summer Academic Programs for Medical Students (SAMS)/MSSRP: 

• Presentation at SAMS Poster Day

20101 Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science 3 credit hours. Fall 

The course will provide the student with a broad understanding of clinical translational science. By the end of the course the student will be able to understand key concepts underlying translational research including methods used to move basic science discoveries to clinical practice and enhancing the health of the public through the provision of evidence-based care. Coursework will include weekly reading of peer reviewed manuscripts, assignments, and a final project. Weekly classes will include discussion of reading and assignments are designed to allow practice of critically reading and planning translational science projects. The course will meet once per week for a total of 18 weeks.

20220 Clinical Statistics I. 3 credit hours. Fall 

This is an introductory course in evidence discovery that demonstrates the concepts and application of statistical techniques/tools, given the role of statistics as an information science. The course is intended to inform and provide quantitative skills for graduate students interested in undertaking research in clinical medicine, epidemiology, public health, translational and biomedical sciences. This course emphasizes the basic dogma of statistics namely the central tendency theorem as well as sampling as the core of statistics. With the characterization of statistics as descriptive and inferential, the descriptive arm of statistics is stressed in this course namely summary statistics. Basic probability concepts are covered to stress the importance of sampling prior to reliable inference from the sample data. Sample estimation of the population and the precision (confidence interval) are described as well as the hypothesis testing notion in inferential statistics. The parametric and non-parametric methods are introduced with the intent to describe the methods as applicable to continuous (ratio, interval, cardinal) and discrete (categorical binary, dichotomous) data. 

20160 Foundations in Health Services Research. 3 credit hours. Spring 

The course will provide the student with a broad understanding of health services research design and methodology, as well as provide the student with the opportunity to engage in a mentored, individualized, in-depth study experience. By the end of the course the student will be able to understand key theories that serve as the foundation of health services research and understand the process of developing a research idea and translating it into an R-series level NIH proposal. Coursework will include weekly reading of peer-reviewed manuscripts, one introductory textbook on health services research, and one introductory textbook on designing clinical research. Weekly classes will include discussion of reading and assignments are designed to allow practice of critically reading and planning health services research projects. 

20241 Translational Genomics. 3 credit hours. Spring

The primary goal of this course is to teach students how to develop a research program to ask relevant genetic questions in the clinical setting utilizing the molecular genetics toolbox. To this end, students will be provided with background in molecular genetics strategies and study designs as well as an understanding of common genetics questions emanating from the clinic so that they will be better able to make connections between bench and bedside. In addition, they will be challenged to think creatively and through a translational focus during course‐long case studies and group projects. 

20260 Introduction to Dissemination and Implementation Science. 3 credit hours. Spring

The course is an introduction to dissemination and implementation and science research methods both theoretical and applied. By the end of the course the student will be able to understand the science of dissemination and implementation, and applied methods for dissemination and implementation. Coursework will include weekly reading of peer-reviewed manuscripts and one introductory textbook on dissemination and implementation science. Weekly classes will include discussion of reading and course projects are designed to allow practice of critically reading and planning implementation research. 

20262 Introduction to Health Economics. 3 credit hours. Fall 

The course is an introduction to health economics both theoretical and applied. By the end of the course the student will be able to understand the basics of health economics including the principles and research methodology used to apply economic concepts to the health field. Coursework will include weekly reading of peer-reviewed manuscripts and one introductory textbook on health care economics. Weekly classes will include discussion of reading and course projects are designed to allow practice of critically reading and conducting health economic research. 

20120 Introduction to Health Disparities Research 3 credit hours. Fall 

The course is an introduction to health disparities. By the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the relationship between inequities in social determinants of health and health outcomes in various populations. Coursework will include weekly readings from one textbook on multicultural medicine and health disparities as well as peer-reviewed articles to demonstrate the concepts in real-world experiences. Weekly classes will include discussion of the readings. Course projects will be assigned and are designed to allow practice of critically reading and appraising the literature related to applied health disparities research and also to understand the theoretical bases for health equity research. The course will meet once per week for a total of 18 weeks. 

The Medical College of Wisconsin is a major national research center, representing the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2018, $253 million invested in research, teaching, training and related purposes, which will lead to improved patient care and health outcomes. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). More than 2,600 research studies, including clinical trials conducted in MCW’s FY 2018. The Medical College Wisconsin ranks in the top third of all U.S. medical schools in NIH research support.

The Medical College of Wisconsin’s research enterprise is focused on interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and physicians with the goal of rapidly translating discoveries into advances for patient care. The Medical College of Wisconsin continues to expand its strong interdisciplinary research centers, joining faculty from many areas of specialized expertise to focus on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences, infectious diseases and immunology, and community and population health research. Enabling technological platforms include genetics, imaging, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, proteomics and structural biology, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and the Institute for Health and Humanity Trainees are given the opportunity to select their MD/MS research advisor from a wide array of successful investigators at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Eligibility
The MD/MS Program welcomes applicants desiring careers as physician-researchers. All applicants must satisfy the requirements for MCW Medical School, which can be found on the MCW Medical School Admissions page. Applicants should have strong academic qualifications as well as experiences that demonstrate potential for success as clinician-investigators.

Application Process

1. To apply to the MD/MS in Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Program, complete the online AMCAS application through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Important notes: The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW Medical School) must be included in the list of schools to which the application will be sent. The AMCAS completion deadline is November 2. (date changes slightly year to year. Visit the MCW Medical School Admissions page for exact dates. Candidates for the MD/MS Program should select “Combined Medical Degree/Graduate” as the program type on the AMCAS application.
2. Complete the online MCW Secondary Application which will be sent to you by the Admissions Office via email once your completed AMCAS application is received by MCW.
3. At least two letters of recommendation are required. Applicants use the same letters as for their MD application. Visit the MCW Medical School Admissions page for additional details.

Interview Dates

Applicants selected for an interview for the MCW MD/MS Dual Degree Program will be contacted by the program manager following their acceptance to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Interviews may be conducted either virtually or in person, depending on the applicant’s preference and availability. Further details regarding scheduling and format will be provided upon selection.