Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience DO/PhD Program
Highly-qualified Rowan-Virtua SOM students have a unique opportunity to gain medical school training and conduct biomedical research in our DO/PhD dual experience. In this program, you will have a strong support network of Rowan-Virtua SOM and Rowan-Virtua TBES (formerly RowanGSBS) faculty mentors. Graduates will become physician scientists with the credentials to practice medicine and contribute to the study of diseases, new medical treatments, clinical trials, and become educators to the next generation of physicians.
DO/PhD scholarships are available to all accepted applicants of this program.
Current Rowan-Virtua SOM students in their first or second year of medical school who are interested in gaining dual experience in conducting translational research, in addition to medical school training, are encouraged to apply.
Program Timeline
Years 1-2: DO program at Rowan-Virtua SOM
- Pass COMLEX part I
Years 3-5: PhD program at Rowan-Virtua TBES*
- Thesis research and additional courses
Years 6-7: DO program at Rowan-Virtua SOM
*The PhD program may take longer than three years. You will NOT be allowed to return to the DO program until you have publicly defended your doctoral thesis.
Admissions Requirements
Same admissions requirements as PhD in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program plus:- Students must be enrolled in the DO program at the School of Osteopathic Medicine at the time of application
- Obtained an average of Pass or better in medical school courses
- Must have participated in the SOM Summer Medical Research Fellowship program with a TBES faculty member/mentor during the Summer of the 1st year of the DO program
- One letter of recommendation must be from the SOM Summer Medical Research Fellowship program mentor
- Pass first part of the COMLEX exam
