Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience D.O./Ph.D. Program
Highly-qualified Rowan-Virtua SOM students have a unique opportunity to gain medical school training and conduct biomedical research in our D.O./Ph.D. dual experience. In this program, you will have a strong support network of Rowan-Virtua SOM and 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.
D.O./Ph.D. scholarships are available to all accepted applicants of this program.
Current Rowan-Virtua SOM students in their 1st or 2nd 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: D.O. program at Rowan-Virtua SOM
- Pass COMLEX part I
Years 3-5: Ph.D. program at RowanGSBS*
- Thesis research and additional courses
Years 6-7: D.O. program at Rowan-Virtua SOM
*The Ph.D. program may take longer than three years. You will NOT be allowed to return to the D.O. program until you have publicly defended your doctoral thesis.
Admissions Requirements
Same admissions requirements as Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program plus:- Students must be enrolled in the D.O. 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 GSBS faculty member/mentor during the Summer of the 1st year of the D.O. program
- One letter of recommendation must be from the SOM Summer Medical Research Fellowship program mentor
- Pass first part of the COMLEX exam
