Frequently Asked Questions

The Indiana Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) trains physician‑scientists and physician-engineers who integrate rigorous biomedical research with compassionate clinical care. Graduates pursue careers in academic medicine, clinical and translational research, biotechnology, public health and biomedical innovation. 

Most students complete the Indiana MSTP in approximately 8 years, following a flexible 2–4–2 model: 

• 2 years of pre-clinical medical training 
• 4 years of PhD research 
• 2 years of clinical clerkships 

Timelines vary based on research progress, graduate program requirements and individual circumstances. View our curriculum.

Students complete their PhD through either: 

• One of the eight PhD options at IU School of Medicine, or  
• The Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (BME)  

Students explore research interests through rotations and select their PhD mentor and program after completing three rotations. 

For more information on the Purdue BME pathway: 

• MD-PhD BME Home Page  
• MD-PhD BME Admissions  
• MD-PhD BME Curriculum  
• BME Research Areas 

Applicants apply through AMCAS, selecting Indiana University School of Medicine and indicating interest in the MD/PhD (MSTP) program. No separate graduate school application is required — unless specifically requested by the program.  

1. Submit AMCAS and indicate MD-PhD interest
2. MSTP application review and interviews
3. MSTP admissions decision
4. Graduate program placement is the students' choice after three research rotations are completed

Yes. MSTP students are accepted to both:

• Indiana University School of Medicine (MD), and
• IU School of Medicine PhD programs (8 to choose from) or the Purdue BME graduate program. 

For students admitted to the MSTP, the program coordinates the dual-admissions process.

Applicants not admitted to the MSTP are automatically considered for MD-only admission to the IU School of Medicine. 

No. Publications are valued but not required, and many competitive MSTP applicants do not have peer reviewed publications. The admissions committee places emphasis on: 

• Sustained, meaningful research experience 
• Understanding of the research process
• Intellectual curiosity and motivation
• Strong letters of recommendation from research mentors 

Successful applicants typically demonstrate substantial, sustained research involvement.

• Applicants applying directly from undergraduate studies are encouraged to have 700 or more research hours.
• Applicants with gap years or post‑baccalaureate training typically have significantly more experience. 

There are no minimum GPA or MCAT cutoffs for admission to the Indiana MSTP. Applications are reviewed holistically, with strong emphasis on research experience, letters of recommendation and commitment to a physician-scientist career.

For students matriculating over the past three years (2024-2026), the average matriculant metrics were:

• Mean undergraduate GPA: 3.88 (range 3.71–4.0)
• Mean MCAT score: 516 (range 509-525) 

These values reflect typical ranges for recently admitted students and are provided for informational purposes only. Individual applicants may fall outside these ranges based on the overall strength of their application. 

Interviews are conducted virtually on a single day and typically include:

• Three interviews with MSTP faculty (including an MSTP Director)
• An interview with the IU School of Medicine MD Admissions Committee
• A conversation with a current MSTP student

Yes. Students who receive an offer of admission are invited to participate in an admitted student event held in February or March. This visit provides an opportunity to explore research environments, learn more about the curriculum, connect with current students and faculty, and experience student life in the Indianapolis community.

Students engage in research spanning:

• Basic science
• Translational and clinical research 
• Biomedical engineering

The Indiana MSTP includes over 100 research faculty supported by substantial extramural funding (Source: Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research). Training occurs across Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and, for BME students, Purdue University in Indianapolis or West Lafayette. 

Most students complete three research rotations:

• One during the summer before their first year of medical school
• Two during the summer after their first year of medical school

Rotations allow students to explore research interests and identify a PhD mentor. Final mentor and graduate program selection occurs after rotations, in consultation with MSTP leadership.

Yes. Research interests can evolve. Any change is discussed collaboratively among the student, mentor, graduate program and MSTP leadership to ensure continuity and successful progress.

Yes. Students who remain in good academic standing receive full financial support for the duration of the program.

This includes:

• Full tuition
• Mandatory fees
• Health insurance
• A competitive living stipend
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exam fees

Funding is provided through a combination of NIH MSTP support and institutional resources and is structured to ensure continuity throughout all phases of training.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the MSTP stipend is $37,000, reflecting cost-of‑living considerations in Indianapolis. The stipend is scheduled to increase by $1,000 annually through 2030, at which point it will be formally reevaluated.

Stipend support may come from different sources over the course of training, including:

• NIH MSTP (T32) funding
• Individual fellowships (e.g., F30)
• Institutional funding
• Endowed scholarships 

While the source of funding may change, the program ensures that students receive consistent financial support throughout their training.

No. Students are not required to secure independent funding to remain in the program.

However, students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships (such as F30 awards) as part of their research and career development. Program leadership provides guidance and support throughout this process.

Funding mechanisms may differ between the medical school and PhD phases, but these differences are managed by the program and do not affect overall support.

Students receive clear communication about funding structure and timing throughout transitions between phases. 

During PhD training, students participate in longitudinal clinical experiences (typically 1–2 per semester) designed to maintain clinical engagement while prioritizing research progress. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic — a free clinic that provides primary care-based medical, dental and social services for the uninsured and underserved in the Indianapolis community.

All returning students complete a Clinical Re-Entry Course in the spring before beginning clerkships. The course refreshes history taking and physical examination skills and includes supervised inpatient and outpatient experiences. The goal is to ensure a smooth and confident transition back to clinical training.

The MSTP provides structured advising, peer mentoring and individualized support. An associate director dedicated to PhD-phase advising helps students navigate entry into, progress through and transition out of graduate training. Program leadership meets regularly with students to support academic progress, well-being and career development.

Students consistently highlight:

• Accessible and responsive program leadership
• Individualized advising and flexibility
• A collaborative, close-knit student community
• Strong support during major training transitions

Indiana MSTP alumni pursue careers in:

• Academic medicine (most common)
• Industry and biotechnology
• Clinical and translational research
• Federal research agencies 

Graduates match into a broad range of specialties, including internal medicine, neurology, pathology, pediatrics, surgery, radiology and physician-scientist training tracks at academic medical centers nationwide. View recent residency matches.