The M.D./Ph.D. program of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine has been awarded a prestigious National Institutes of Health grant and designation as a Medical Scientist Training Program.
With the five-year grant, the UIC College of Medicine joins an elite group of only 41 medical schools nationwide that may use the designation.
“In awarding the grant, the NIH cited the range of opportunities for scientific study as one of the strengths of the UIC program,” said Dr. Larry Tobacman, professor and director of the program.
The grant provides tuition and stipends to students entering the program.
In the Ph.D. portion of the program, students work with distinguished researchers in fields such as neuroscience, molecular biology, pharmacology, microbiology and biophysics, as well as engineering and public health.
UIC’s program was also praised by the NIH for creatively integrating physician-scientist training; for the high caliber and productivity of students in the program; for its success in placing graduates in residency programs; and for implementation of diversity recruitment.
“UIC is a powerhouse in the area of basic medical science research, and Dr. Tobacman is central to our transformation as a premier center of clinical translational research,” said Dr. Joseph Flaherty, dean of the UIC College of Medicine. “This is a great recognition of our work by NIH, and it will also enhance the growth in high-quality applicants to our medical school.”
