Programs for Medical Students

The concept that research training and medical training are both integral parts of medical education is intrinsic in the Yale system of Medical Education.  A dissertation has been a requirement for the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Yale since 1839.  In the 1800’s case reports and reviews of literature predominated, but as the scientific method found its place in medicine, the faculty required that dissertations be based on original investigation in the laboratory or in the clinic.  This experience is considered an essential part of a curriculum which is designed to promote the development of critical judgment, habits of self-education and imagination, as well as the acquisition of knowledge and research skills.

Pre-doctoral Clinical Research Training Program (T32 HD052279)

In October 2005, under the leadership of John Forrest, MD, Yale was one of 10 medical schools to receive T32 funding under this NIH Roadmap initiative. The goal of this novel program is to establish a flexible institutional training program that will expand clinical research training among medical, nursing and biomedical engineering students at Yale and increase entry of these students into careers in clinical research.  We propose to train a generation of clinical researchers with strong methodological skills, an understanding of how to work within multidisciplinary teams, training in leadership, and a vision of making contributions that will fundamentally advance efforts to improve the health and health care of people and populations.

Medical Scientist Training Program

Under the leadership of James Jamieson, MD, PhD, the MD-PhD Program trains physician-scientists to translate basic and clinical research to address problems of human pathobiology. Funded continuously for 30 years by the NIGMS, the Program was recently reviewed and renewed for an additional 5 years with a recommendation that the number of positions be increased to 51; Yale currently receives funding for 47 positions.

The Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship Program for Medical Students (DDCRF)

The DDCRF was established in 2001 at Yale as one of 10 US sites. This program supports medical students doing a 5th year devoted specifically to faculty-mentored clinical research.  All students in the DDCF Program present their research at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Annual Meeting and also at YSM’s Annual Student Research Day.  Each year approximately 25-30 students apply; the acceptance rate is 25%.

Short Term Research Training Grant for Medical Students (T35 HL07649) 

This grant from NHLBI is now in its 19th year and supported through 2007. During its last review, the study section acknowledged Yale's leadership in medical student research training with a priority score of 102. The grant funds short-term (2-3 months) research experiences for medical student.  Recent follow-up of the 301 graduates showed that 158 are currently in residencies and 27 are in fellowships.  Of the 119 students who have completed their training, there has been a remarkably high entry into academic careers: 61 hold full-time faculty positions at medical schools. Since graduation, students published an additional 453 papers and 216 abstracts and gave 147 presentations at meetings. 

PhD, MPH and MS for Medical Students

Medical students can enroll in joint MD-PhD, MD-MPH, or MD-MS (CDE).  At any time, EPH generally has 4 MD-PhD students and 3 MD-MPH students.  The one-year MS in Chronic Disease Epidemiology (CDE) is new.  MD-MPH students meet their MPH course requirements during their 4th year and do a thesis that also meets the thesis requirement for their MD degree.