The Clinical-scientist Academic Research Excellence (CARE) PhD program is an innovative pathway to a PhD degree for students in existing residencies or fellowships. The program is designed to empower motivated individuals to pursue advanced research endeavors while leveraging their existing medical training. Students are able to complete the degree program in an accelerated timeline of approximately three years through the acceptance of credit transfers for previous medical school training and coursework. As a result, advanced coursework and thesis research are undertaken almost immediately. The elements of the training for students enrolled in the CARE Ph.D. program are generally the same as those for non-CARE Ph.D. candidates, except for laboratory rotations and requirements satisfied by transferred credits.   

• Leigh G. Griffiths, M.R.C.V.S., Ph.D., Program Director 

Nomination Process

The MCGSBS operates on a year-round, quarter system. The new academic year begins on July 1st. Specific dates for the current academic year can be found here.

For the Clinician-scientist Academic Research Excellence (CARE) PhD Program, nomination materials may be submitted at any time. However, it is encouraged to submit nomination materials between December 1st and June 1st. This will allow for ample time to discuss goals and develop a custom degree plan so that the scholar may begin coursework with the new academic year.

Nomination materials include basic demographic information, statement of intent, letter of support, financial support documentation, and unofficial transcripts. Once all materials are collected, the nominee may submit them using the nomination form.

Transfer Credits

A key benefit of the CARE PhD program is the accelerated timeline. To accomplish this goal, CARE PhD students may transfer up to 21 credits for previous education and training as part of the program nomination and acceptance process. The estimated time to completion is three years. The use of a track-specific CARE PhD Degree Planning Tool (DPT) is required to list the coursework to fulfill degree requirements, including transfer credits. CARE PhD DPTs outline the specific MCGSBS courses that have been satisfied by transferred credits. Credit transfer evaluation will be conducted automatically after full nomination to the program. A personalized degree planning tool will be provided.  

Lab Rotations

Each CARE PhD student must complete two four-week lab rotations in two different laboratories (one credit each) for a total of two credits. A third rotation may be completed but is considered optional. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MGS 5105	CARE Ph.D. Laboratory Rotation	1
MGS 5106	CARE Ph.D. Laboratory Rotation	1
Total Hours		2

Track Requirements 

CARE Ph.D. students must complete all track-required courses, journal clubs and seminars; however, there are exceptions allowed for CARE laboratory rotations and requirements satisfied by transferred credits. CARE Ph.D. students are still expected to complete the required number of credits for the trackspecific degree program.

Mentor Selection

Upon completion of lab rotations, CARE PhD students are expected to select a PhD degree mentor and the laboratory for their thesis studies. Mentor selection should be completed by the end of the first quarter. 

Thesis Advisory Committee 

CARE Ph.D. candidates are expected to submit to the MCGSBS office the composition of their Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) by the end of the second quarter of the program. It is recommended that students include at least one clinical member in their Thesis Advisory Committee. 

Qualifying Exams and Thesis Research

Upon completion of lab rotations, CARE PhD students are expected to select a PhD degree mentor and the laboratory for their thesis studies. Mentor selection should be completed by the end of the first quarter. Written Qualifying Exams will be facilitated by the track. See specific track program page for details. To continue on the accelerated timeline, students should complete the WQE by the end of the 4th quarter of their first year.  Oral Qualifying Exams will be facilitated by the track. See specific track program page for details. To continue on the accelerated timeline, students should complete the OQE by the end of the 6th quarter.  

Submission of a Fellowship Application

All CARE PhD students will work with their Mentors to prepare and submit an application for an NIH F or equivalent fellowship. Students should be aware that F30 grants must be submitted before their 48th month in the program and that F31 grants must be submitted before their 36th month in the PhD phase per NIH rules. Students not eligible for submission through NIH should consider other options (AHA, American Epilepsy Society, MCGSBS Intramural Application, etc.) Submission of a fellowship application is a program requirement.  All CARE PhD students must demonstrate competence of completing a fellowship application, satisfied through one of the following:

• Submit an NIH F31 fellowship application (or equivalent) extramurally
• Submit draft NIH F31 for intramural review
• Submit draft of comparable award for intramural review, e.g. K08, K23, R01, etc.