Director's Message

Welcome to the UNM Health Sciences Center MD PhD program website, and thank you for your interest in our program! We seek to train and inspire the next generation of innovative physician scientists who will serve their communities through research, education, and clinical care. While there are many ways to integrate research into a career, the MD/PhD program combines rigorous hypothesis-based research and clinical training. Many of our graduates have become leaders in translational research, seeking to develop lab discoveries into therapies for their patients.

Our program structure is typical of many MD/PhD programs. It begins with the first 2 years of the medical school curriculum, followed by 3-5 years of the graduate school and dissertation research, and concludes with the remaining 2 years of the medical school curriculum. The program is designed to be completed in 7-9 years and our students complete both degrees in an average of 7.5 years. We recognize that there are many pathways to a successful career as a physician scientist, and we work closely with our students to create training plans that are tailored to each student’s strengths and needs. Students participate in a translational science class that engages local and national leaders in translational research as guest speakers. Our students are expected to take on leadership roles in the program and are often leaders in their home research departments and national student organizations. Additionally, we rely on a steering committee of leaders in the health sciences center to advise the program in all aspects of the physician scientist training pathway.

Our program prides itself on providing a supportive community for diverse students in a very rigorous training program. We also welcome affiliates who may have interest in a career as a physician scientist but who are not part of the traditional MD/PhD training pathway. This would include students who have already completed an MD or PhD degree and who are enrolled in the complementary degree program.

The UNM Health Sciences Center is located in Albuquerque, NM, though students can take advantage of clinical and research training opportunities throughout the state. Students have arranged research rotations at New Mexico’s National Laboratories, and have completed clinical rotations in a variety of community settings throughout the state. The HSC has both a Clinical and Translational Science Center as well as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Students also benefit from our signature research programs (https://hsc.unm.edu/research/centers-programs/) which include Brain and Behavioral Health, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases, Infectious Diseases & Immunity, and Environmental Health Sciences.

We are always excited to meet with aspiring physician scientists and learn about your career goals. We invite you to learn more about our program, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Justin T Baca MD PhD
Director UNM MD/PhD Program
jtbaca@salud.unm.edu