DO/PhD in Cancer Biology Dual Degree Program | PCOM
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DO/PhD in Cancer Biology

Dual Degree Program

  • Offered in partnership with The Wistar Institute
  • Designed for aspiring physician-scientists
  • Integrates rigorous academics with extensive research training
CANCER BIOLOGY

DO/PhD in Cancer Biology  
Dual Degree Program

PCOM, in collaboration with The Wistar Institute, offers a PhD in Cancer Biology designed for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer and oncogenesis. This program integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive research training, preparing graduates for careers in academic, government, or industrial research.

The primary goal of the program is to train physician-scientists to investigate the molecular and cellular basis of cancer and oncogenesis, and to support the publication of their research findings in leading scientific journals.

Program Overview

The dual degree program combines PCOM's DO curriculum with the PhD in Cancer Biology program offered in partnership with The Wistar Institute. The program consists of three phases:

  1. Application and Initial Rotation: During the first year of medical school, interested DO students apply for a research rotation at The Wistar Institute. This rotation provides exposure to cancer biology research and helps assess the student's fit for the PhD program.
  2. Thesis Research: Successful completion of the rotation leads to the thesis research phase, where students engage in in-depth cancer biology research under the mentorship of experienced faculty at The Wistar Institute.
  3. Clinical Years (M3 and M4): Students return to PCOM to complete the third and fourth years of the DO program, focusing on clinical rotations and preparing for residency.

The program is based at PCOM's main campus in Philadelphia, PA. While open to students from all PCOM locations, participation requires relocation to Philadelphia for the duration of the PhD training.

Students will be fully funded while at Wistar for the PhD portion of the program. The rest of the program is subject to regular DO tuition.

DO students interested in the dual degree program should express their interest during the first year of medical school. Selection for the research rotation is competitive and based on academic performance and research interest. Successful completion of the rotation and acceptance into the PhD program are prerequisites for entering the dual degree track.

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