"Any and all graduate programs are open to PSTP students for their PhD training. The faculty are really
excited about having us in their labs.
The transgenic mouse core facility at Children's Hospital produces nearly 10% of the world's transgenic mice, as well as a growing variety of other transgenic animals.
PSTP students work in world-class facilities such as the distinctive Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, designed by renowned architect Frank Ghery. This $35 million building houses the Cell Biology and Neuroscience graduate programs.
"The research at UC is top-notch. More and more cutting edge faculty members are being recruited each year. It was easy to find labs to rotate in, but very hard to narrow it down to only one."
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Selection of PhD advisor
This is the most important decision required of a student. Each student participates in research in minimum of two, and up to four laboratories of Program Faculty prior to selection of the PhD dissertation advisor.
PSTP faculty are a subset of the faculty recognized for their record
accomplishment and experience in mentorship. The student's choice of PhD advisor and research project
requires approval by the PSTP Pathway Committee. Except by agreement of the PSTP Pathway Committee, each dissertation advisor supervises simultaneously no more than two-combined degree students for the PhD degree to optimize student-advisor interaction. There are two important
components to our program that help assure students of a good match with an excellent advisor:
Research rotations
A minimum of two and up to four basic science research rotations
are required prior to selection of a PhD mentor. The first set of rotations
usually occurs in the summer prior to matriculation; the second,
between years 1 and 2. Students select options for each rotation
from the list of Program Faculty. The Program's Administrative
Secretary schedules interviews between a student and 2-6 prospective
rotation advisors so that the student can learn more about the
research programs, meet members of the research groups, and compare
mentoring styles of the faculty. Research rotations last 4 weeks
or longer. Student performance is evaluated in writing by the
rotation advisor; this evaluation becomes part of the student's
record. The student also submits a written evaluation of each
rotation. Both students and advisors have the option of having
the evaluation copied to the other.
Research plan and coursework proposal
Once rotations are completed,
the student selects a PhD advisor from among the Program Faculty
with whom the student has rotated. After consulting with the Program
Director and/or Associate Director, the student meets with the
proposed PhD advisor to develop a plan, including advanced basic
science coursework and research. Subsequently, the student submits
a written proposal to the PSTP Pathway Committee for approval. A description
of the proposed basic science research and anticipated coursework
is essential to the proposal. Each proposal must be accompanied
by a letter of support from the PhD advisor. If the Committee
has concerns with the plan, it is discussed for a possible modification
at a meeting of the student, his/her designated thesis advisor
and the Program Director.
PSTP evaluation
The PhD advisor and dissertation research are critical to the
student's successful academic development. The criteria used by
the Committee for PhD advisor assessment include:
- A high-quality basic science research program, as evidenced by extramural grant support and publications
- A solid history of graduate student and postgraduate research training
- Contributions to science at the national/international levels via review panels, editorial boards, invited seminars, and professional offices held
- A strong interest in training MD/PhD combined degree students
- Documented interest and expertise in teaching in the graduate and/or medical curriculum.
Newly recruited junior faculty are advised to serve for several years as members of MD/PhD student dissertation committees before applying to join the PSTP Training Faculty.
The proposed basic science research is evaluated on the basis of: importance of the question, the strength of the hypothesis, alternative possibilities in case
the hypothesis proves to be incorrect, and its appropriateness to the scientific environment in that lab. Clinical research projects will not be approved, although the basic science research may require the quantitative analysis of patient samples, such as DNA or blood plasma.
Once a dissertation proposal has been approved, a PhD examining
and dissertation committee is appointed in accordance with the
rules of the Graduate School. The committee of an MD/PhD student
must include one member from the PSTP Executive Committee, to facilitate
information transfer between the PSTP and the student's graduate
program, and at least one MD physician-scientist. The dissertation
committee is required to meet twice a year at approximately 6-month
intervals to review the research progress of the student. A written
report of this meeting, prepared and signed by the PhD advisor,
is submitted to the PSTP Director to be included in the student's
file for evaluation by the Promotion Board.
Students typically complete their PhD in three years, and upon
successful defense of their thesis they enter the clinical portion of
the program to complete their degree. |
