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ResearchThe experience of performing laboratory research is the most important component of the MD/PhD students' graduate-phase of education. Such research is conducted under the direction of a graduate advisor. Laboratory rotations provide an opportunity to interact closely with faculty in order to determine a suitable match so that an informed decision can be made to join a particular research laboratory. Once the advisor is chosen, students carry out an original, independent research project under the direction of that advisor. A Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) of faculty members meets regularly with the student to advise on the progress of the student's research. Research programs available include: CurriculumThe medical student and his/her GAC will formulate a suitable curriculum of study based on the student's area of research interest. Most students in the MD/PhD program complete 2 years of course work in the Medical Curriculum before starting the graduate phase of their studies. Normally, a student will have earned about 24 semester hour credits in formal graduate courses before taking the written examination. A typical M.D./Ph.D. program curriculum in Microbiology & Immunology includes:
Based on research interests, students can select from three possibilities for MICR691 topic courses based on their research interests: Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, or Molecular Biology. A typical curriculum of study for the MD/Ph.D. degree would contain the nucleus of graduate courses listed above and also include additional courses such as:
SeminarsM.D./Ph.D. students participate in Student Research Seminar (MICR690) and Department Seminar (MICR690) throughout their tenure in the graduate program Written ExaminationThe written examination is designed to assess the student's ability to work creatively in his or her area of academic specialization. The student's GAC members, who form the examination committee, will test the student's ability to think analytically and critically about the scientific literature, to use the scientific method, to apply what he/she has learned in addressing scientific problems, and to propose hypothesis-driven research experiments. Oral Examination and Research ProposalThe oral examination is designed to assess the student's aptitude and potential to ultimately perform as an independent scientist. This examination involves the defense of a research proposal written by the student that describes the research plan he/she expects to follow and which should lead to the Ph.D. dissertation. DissertationUpon completion of the research project, the student prepares a written dissertation based on his or her own research findings. This document is reviewed by an advisory committee of faculty, and the dissertation is defended in a final oral examination. It is expected that students will present this work at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Student BodyThere are currently about 30 MD/PhD students in the School of Medicine. Microbiology & Immunology has one of the largest graduate programs on the Medical College of Virginia campus. For more information from the School of Medicine on the MD/PhD Program, see http://views.vcu.edu/mdphd/ ApplyingYou can obtain an online application form at: http://www.vcu.edu/graduate/ps/apply_options.html For more information on the MD/PHD program, please visit: http://www.vcu.edu/mdphd |
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| Microbiology And Immunology 1101 East Marshall Street Richmond, Virginia 23298-0678 Phone: (804)828-9728 Fax: (804) 828-9946 |
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