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School of Medicine School of Medicine

MSTP Curriculum

The curriculum of the UC San Diego MSTP integrates research training with medical education. The chart below outlines the SOM and Grad Program Curriculum of the MSTP. Most trainees earn both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in about 8 years.

Integrated Scientific Curriculum

Note: All students are also required to complete a one-week Bioinformatics Bootcamp in early August prior to Year 1 (MS1).

Outline of requirements for MSTP Year 1, Year 2, Graduate Years, Year 3 and Year 4

Year Summer Fall Winter Spring
Year 1 First Lab Rotation Block Courses
Foundations of Medicine, Cardiovascular 1, Pulmonary 1, Gastrointestinal 1
Block Courses
Renal 1, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Mind Brain and Behavior 1
Block Courses
Endocrinology, Reproductions, and Metabolism 1, Immunology, Hematology, Microbiology
Longitudinal Courses
Humanistic Anatomy, Practice of Medicine (POM), Equity in Systems Science (ESS), Compassionate Action and Real Engagement (CARE), Diagnostics
Year 2 Second & Third Lab Rotations Block Courses
Principals of Clinical Oncology, Arthritis, Rehumatology, and Dermatologic Disorders, Gastrointestinal 2, Endocrine, Reproduction and Metabolism 2, Cardiovascular 2
Block Courses
Mind Brain and Behavior 2, Pulmonary 2, Renal 2
Block Courses
Multi-Organ System Disorders & Integrative Cases Review (2 weeks)
Comprehensive Review & Study for USMLE Step 1 (6 weeks)
Apply to Graduate Programs Clinical Transitions (1 week)
Longitudinal Courses
Humanistic Anatomy, Practice of Medicine (POM), Equity in Systems Science (ESS), Compassionate Action and Real Engagement (CARE), Diagnostics
Choose Graduate Program (April)
Choose Thesis Lab (June)
Graduate Years Complete Graduate Program requirements and PhD work.
Students can choose to work in Free Clinic to maintain clinical exposure during Graduate Years.
Year 3 Core Clerkships and MS3 Electives Core Clerkship and MS3 Electives
Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, Family Medicine + three elective experiences
Year 4 Fourth Year Coursework Fourth Year Coursework
Six clinical courses, two Capstone/Research electives, Principles to Practice and Residency Transition Course