Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the MSTP at the Einstein:
How long does it take to complete the MSTP program?
- Over the past decade, the average time to obtain both degrees is 8.2 years. Students are supported throughout their entire time in the MSTP, regardless of the time it takes to complete the program.
Do MSTP students take graduate school classes during their first year?
- At Einstein the curriculum for the first year integrates graduate school courses, medical school courses and MSTP-specific courses. The MSTP-specific courses include Physiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Reading Elective. The medical school courses include Immunology, Pathology/Pharmacology, Health Systems and Health Equity, Introduction to Clinical Medicine, and the following organ system courses, CV, GI, Hematology, Pulmonary, and Renal Systems. In addition, students typically take 3-5 graduate school courses during their first year. This allows students to complete most if not all of the required graduate school courses during their first year. Hopefully this helps to shorten the program.
Why does Einstein have MSTP-specific courses and what is different about them?
- The MSTP-specific courses serve several functions and the primary purpose depends on the specific course. The Physiology and Pharmacology courses teach material that is required for first year medical students but at a more advanced, scientifically rigorous level, similar to graduate school courses. These courses focus on the scientific basis and research issues of the material that is covered. The Anatomy course moves the material to the summer so that there is time in the Fall semester to take Graduate Division courses. They are all taught in a small group, highly interactive, participatory format.
Does the MSTP program offer training opportunities in Clinical Research?
- Traditionally almost all MSTP students performed their Ph.D. thesis research in one of the 9 Basic Science Departments. Recognizing that the knowledge base that must be learned to perform outstanding clinical research is different from that learned in basic science research the Einstein MSTP program has obtained approval from the New York State Department of Education to offer a Ph.D. in Clinical Investigation. Through this program MSTP students’ thesis research can involve clinical investigation and/or patient-oriented research. The relevant graduate coursework is available through the Clinical Research Training Program.
Do all MSTP students receive stipend support?
- At Einstein all MSTP students receive a stipend, currently $45,000, each year they are in the program. The stipend increases periodically. In addition, all MSTP students receive complete tuition remission and health insurance for all years they are in the program. All incoming students are guaranteed to receive a studio apartment in student housing (rent is $894).
What student housing is available?
- All incoming MSTP students are guaranteed a studio apartment in the high rise student housing across the street from the medical school. Almost all medical and graduate students live in student housing, although some choose to find apartments in the neighborhood or in Manhattan.
Can Einstein MSTP students do their Ph.D. thesis research at other institutions?
- Einstein MSTP students must choose a Ph.D. thesis mentor who is a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Researchers at Einstein affiliated hospitals have Einstein faculty appointments and are available as Ph.D. mentors. Einstein does not participate in the NIH-Graduate Partnership Program.