The combined MD/PhD program offers significant benefits for your scholarship and professional growth as a clinician scientist. By integrating clinical and research training, the program creates opportunities for impactful translational research.
Aligned with the Canadian Health Research Strategic Plan and the Government of Canada’s Science and Technology Strategy, our program focuses on:
- Providing increased transsectorial and multidisciplinary training.
- Building research excellence.
- Translating knowledge into practical applications.
- Deepening the pool of highly skilled clinician scientists.
Program details
The MD/PhD program is for students currently enrolled in medicine who then pursue graduate studies at the end of their second year or for current graduate students who are conducting health-related research.
Program duration: Typically 3–6 years, in addition to MD requirements.
Program structure:
- MD component: Focuses on developing your medical practice skills.
- PhD component: Centers on building your research expertise in biomedical sciences.
How to enter the program
Traditional pathway: After completing the first two years of medical school, you can take a sabbatical to pursue a PhD in a health-related field. Research can be conducted in any relevant department at UM. During this time, you will continue to pay MD fees. Once you complete your PhD and thesis, return to medical school to finish your training in the third year (clerkship). Inform the Associate Dean of UGME and Clerkship administrators in advance of your return.
Graduate student pathway: If you are a current graduate student in health-related research and are accepted into the MD program, you can apply for the MD/PhD program.
Program details
- PhD work: Typically done during a sabbatical after the first two years of MD studies.
- Completion: It is recommended to finish your PhD, including your thesis and defense, before returning to medical school.
- Eligibility: Consult with the program director if you are a graduate student in health sciences interested in applying for the MD/PhD program.
Funding and support
- PhD stipend: $25,000 per year, provided you maintain good academic standing.
- Research allowance: Up to $5,000 annually, with expenses requiring pre-approval by the program director.
- Transition from MSc to PhD: In some departments, starting with an MSc before moving to a PhD may be required. This will not extend the time needed to complete your doctoral degree.
For any questions about the program or admissions, please contact us at the general program email.
Admission and eligibility requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the MD/PhD program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
The PhD program is open to:
- Medical Students: You can apply either when you start your MD program or during your first two years in the program.
- Graduate Students: If you’re already in graduate studies focusing on health-related research, you can also apply.
NOTE: This program is available only to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have been accepted into or are currently enrolled in the Undergraduate Medical Education program at the Max Rady College of Medicine.
Requirements
- For Medical Students: You can apply any time during the first two years of your MD program.
- For Graduate Students: You need an MSc or MA, a strong research background, and must meet the specific requirements of your host department.
Experience
- If your research experience is limited, consider gaining practical experience, such as through the BSc Med program, before applying.
Eligibility
- You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (including those with Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) or Federal Permanent Residency).
- You must also meet the requirements for the Undergraduate Medical Education Program (UGME) and Faculty of Graduate Studies in your host department.
NOTE: In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
Application avenues
You can apply in two ways:
- As an admitted medical student: If you’re already accepted into the MD program and want to pursue graduate studies before starting your third year.
- As a current graduate student: If you’re already in graduate studies and have been accepted into medical school.
Contact the Advanced Degrees in Medicine Program Director early to clarify questions and set a timeline for your application.
Acceptance requirements
- Find a supervisor: You need to identify a supervisor for your research.
- Program review: Your application will be reviewed and recommended by the Program Admissions and Advisory Committee (PAAC).
- Faculty acceptance: You must be accepted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- Concurrent curriculum approval: The Associate Dean of UGME and the department head of the graduate department must approve your concurrent curriculum.
Required documents
- Two letters of reference: One must be from your supervisor, explaining your ability to manage both graduate studies and medical school responsibilities.
- Coursework timeline: Provide a timeline for any incomplete coursework and indicate if all coursework is completed.
- Research timeline: Include a timeline for completing your research project and a full thesis draft before starting your third-year clerkship.
- Web transcript: Submit a PDF of your web transcript showing completed coursework.
- CV: Provide a CV for both yourself and your primary supervisor. The Common CV in CIHR Format is preferred, but a free-form CV is acceptable.
- Research summary: Write a summary (up to two pages) describing the scope, objectives, purpose, and basic methodology of your research.
- Personal statement: Explain why you want to pursue an advanced degree in medicine and become a clinician scientist.
NOTE: All application documents should be emailed as PDFs. Letters of reference must be sent directly from the referees.
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquires
Please contact the individuals below if you are interested in the MD/PhD program. Information and program contacts for our MD program can be found on this page.
Dr. Mark Nachtigal
Director, Advanced Degrees in Education in Medicine
Max Rady College of Medicine
mark.nachtigal@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3708
Lamiya Salim
Programs Coordinator
Office of Graduate and Advanced Degrees Education in Medicine
advanceddegreesmedicine@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3558