FAU-MPFI M.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree Program
The FAU–MPFI M.D./Ph.D. program trains future physician-scientists through integrated medical education and cutting-edge neuroscience research, combining FAU’s rigorous clinical curriculum with Ph.D. studies in MPFI’s world-class research laboratories.
Our Labs
MPFI seeks to provide a new understanding of the origins, development, and function of the nervous system and its capacity to produce perception, thought, language, memory, emotion, and action.
Program Details
Students in the M.D. / Ph.D. program follow a novel sequence of study at FAU and MPFI that promotes integrated training in medicine and neuroscience research. In the first year of the program, students complete the standard medical school pre-clinical curriculum at FAU College of Medicine, earning credits toward both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Students then enter the Ph.D. component of their training through the Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBNS) program. Over the next 3-4 years, they complete required Ph.D. coursework and thesis dissertation in an MPFI laboratory. After successful completion of the IBNS Ph.D. program, students enter year 2 of medical school and complete the last three years of their M.D. curriculum, clinical training, and required United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE).
This innovative program structure allows students to complete their medical education and clinical training in three consecutive years, so that knowledge and skills are current for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, clinical rotations, and preparing for medical residency.
Admissions Requirements and Process
Applicants to the dual degree program must complete the applications for both the FAU College of Medicine M.D. program and the FAU Integrative Biology (Neuroscience) PhD application.
Admission decisions for the M.D. and Ph.D. components of the dual degree program are made independently. Admission to the dual degree program is contingent upon acceptance to both programs.
Please follow the application process and requirements listed on the FAU College of Medicine Admissions website for the M.D. application.
Applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for the M.D. / Ph.D. program by checking the required box on the College of Medicine M.D. application.
Please follow the application process and requirements listed on the FAU College of Science Integrative Biology website for the Ph.D. application.
M.D. / Ph.D. applicants must designate the Neuroscience track (IBNS) and indicate interest in specific MPFI faculty in their statement of research to be considered for the M.D. / Ph.D. program.
Program Contacts
For general inquiries, contact training@mpfi.org. For more specific questions, contacts are listed below.
FAU College of Medicine
FAU Integrative Biology Ph.D. Program
Ken You Morisseau
Academic Coordinator, Integrative Biology Ph.D. Program
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
McLean Bolton
Research Group Leader Department of Disorders of Neural Circuit Function
MPFI M.D./Ph.D. Program Director
Mike Guest
Academic Training Programs Administrator