Extractions: Graduate Programs in the Biomedical Sciences a. Cell Biology and Anatomy b. Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology (BMCB) c. Biomedical Engineering d. Cancer Biology e. Epidemiology f. Genetics g. Microbiology and Immunology h. Neuroscience i. Nutritional Sciences j. Pharmacology and Toxicology k. Physiological Sciences Introduction Through the collaborative efforts of the College of Medicine and the Graduate College, the University of Arizona offers a combined M.D.-Ph.D. Program. Doctoral studies may be pursued through one of a number of biomedical sciences departments and interdisciplinary programs. The M.D.-Ph.D. Program is intended for students who are planning careers in academic medicine or biomedical research, or who desire formal research training to enhance their clinical skills. The specific program of study, including course work, dissertation research, and clinical rotations, is designed jointly by the student, the College of Medicine, and the graduate program. Typically, seven years are required for completion of the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Most students begin their studies with the first two years of medical school, followed by completion of graduate course work and dissertation research, and then by completion of the medical school curriculum. In some cases, courses may be used as credit toward both degrees. Students are encouraged to use the summer before medical school and the summers between the initial medical school years for laboratory rotations. During their dissertation research years, students may choose to continue clinical activities, such as outpatient clinic preceptorships, on a limited basis.
