MD/PhD program

Up to 4 admission spots each year are reserved for students entering the MD/PhD program.

Candidates must have or will have at the time of program start a Masters degree related to the PhD program to which they are applying and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of A- or above.

Candidates should also have a proven record of success in research reflected in their curriculum vitae and letters of recommendation.

Overview of the MD/PhD program

Students will begin their combined program with their PhD and register with the graduate studies program to which they have been admitted.  

Applicants who are currently in a Master’s program and who have completed all requirements except for the thesis may be considered for upgrade to the corresponding PhD if they meet the necessary requirements already established by their graduate program.

Students must receive the yearly stipend mandated by their graduate program while pursuing their PhD degree. Students are also strongly encouraged to apply for graduate scholarships.  

Course requirements, program structure, delivery methods, and graduation requirements for the PhD degree are determined by the program the student is admitted to and are the same as for any graduate student in that program. To receive their PhD, students must complete all requirements as stipulated by their graduate program. Please consult the relevant uOttawa graduate program website.  

The Thesis Advisory Committee assesses the initial research plan of the student during the first year in the PhD program and annually monitors the progress of the MD/PhD student. The composition and the role of the Thesis Advisory Committee will be governed by the rules of the participating graduate program with one exception: a clinician-scientist within the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine must be included as part of the Thesis Advisory Committee.

The comprehensive examination will be governed by the rules of each participating graduate program. The successful completion of the comprehensive exam is a prerequisite to proceeding with the doctoral program.

In the event of failure to pass the comprehensive examination, including two attempts within the permitted time frame, the student must withdraw from the PhD program. The student may have the option to complete an MSc degree based on successful completion of the graduate course work, the generation of original research data appropriate for this degree, and the writing of an MSc thesis.  Where completion of an MSc instead of PhD leads to earlier transition to the MD program, the student must submit a written request for early transition to the MD program to the director of the combined MD programs and to the UGME Student Promotions Executive Committee (SPEC). A letter of support from the student’s research supervisor agreeing to completion of an MSc must accompany the request. The written request must be submitted no later than March 1 and approved no later than April 15 of the year the student wishes to transition to the MD program beginning in the fall semester. Requests submitted after March 1 will not be accepted. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.

A student who has passed the comprehensive examination but fails to complete their research project and fails to submit their thesis within the permitted timeframe must discuss with the PhD program director(s) the option to complete his/her graduate studies after completion of the undergraduate medical school curriculum.

Once an offer of admission to the MD/PhD program is accepted, transfer to the MD program will not be permitted.

PhD programs are generally 3-4 years. One-year extensions beyond the initial anticipated duration will only be permitted under exceptional circumstances. Students wishing to extend their PhD and defer commencement of the MD by one year must submit a written request to the director of the combined MD programs and to their graduate program director clearly stating why an extension is necessary. A letter of support from the student’s supervisor must accompany the request and clearly indicate ongoing financial support for the student. The written request must be submitted no later than March 1 and approved no later than April 15 of the year the student would have otherwise transitioned to the MD program. Requests submitted after March 1 will not be considered. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.  Extensions beyond one extra year will not be considered. Extensions must be approved by:

• The student’s graduate supervisor  
• The graduate program director
• The director of the combined MD programs (MD/PhD + MD/Masters)
• UGME Student Promotions Executive Committee (SPEC)

Upon completion of their PhD, students in the combined program then register with the office of Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) and commence their medical training in September. Medical training is comprised of 2 pre-clerkship years followed by 2 clerkship years.  Please consult the Undergraduate Medical Education page