Swiss MD-PhD Association: FAQ

Frequently asked questions

This is a collection of information you might be interested in. We put it together based on questions we are regularly asked. It has also been checked by the SAMW. However, neither the SAMW nor the SMPA can warrant any liability for the information. We do our best to keep the information up-to-date. Nevertheless it is YOUR responsibility to get the latest information, particularly regarding deadlines.
See bottom of the page for the last update time.

Question: What does MD PhD mean?

Answer: MD means Medical Doctor, PhD means Doctor of Philosophy.

Question: What is the Swiss MD PhD program and what is it good for?

Answer: The Swiss Academy for Medical Sciences [http://www.samw.ch] and the Swiss National Science Foundation [http://www.snf.ch] started this program in order to encourage physicians to do science. There is a lack of physicians with a sound scientific education. The two organisations would like to see more physician-scientists and to train more physicians for high quality clinical research. Therefore young medical students are supported to acquire the necessary skills to conduct independent, internationally competitive basic or clinical research. The goal is to strengthen Swiss research.

Question: Who organizes the Swiss MD PhD program?

Answer: The Swiss MD-PhD program is organized by the Swiss Academy for Medical Sciences [http://www.samw.ch] and the Swiss National Science Foundation [http://www.snf.ch] .

Question: Who is eligible to enter the Swiss MD PhD program?

Answer: At the beginning of the MD PhD program you need to have completed your medical, dentistry or veterinary studies. At some universities you can enter the program before finishing your medical studies. The Swiss MD PhD program is currently being reorganized. Relevant changes will be published here ASAP. See also [[Reform of the Swiss MD-PhD program]] and our [File:SMPG_Stellungnahme.pdf position paper] (German only).

Question: Is the program international?

Answer: According to the rules, candidates must be either Swiss citizens or they must have completed their studies at a Swiss university.

Question: How should I prepare my application?

Answer: You have to find a mentor who supports your application and agrees to accept you in her/his research group. You have to design the project in close collaboration with your mentor. Please make sure you include all documents required for the application (see [[Application Checklist]]).

Question: What documents are required? How long does the application have to be?

Answer: A complete application consists of the following documents:

Scientific project
Statement of your mentor that she/he is offering you a job in the lab
CV
Brief description about your motivation to enter the MD PhD program and your future plans (career plan)
Letter from a clinician who will offer you training after the MD PhD program

Question: What is the current deadline for submission of applications?

Answer: The deadline is published at [http://www.snf.ch/de/cal/awa/awa_mdp.asp]; it is currently December 15th (please verify, and update here if outdated).

Question: What is the granted salary?

Answer: CHF 50'000/year for a period of 3 years. A fourth year – if a prolongation is necessary - must be granted by the host institution.

Question: What is my financial investment if I sign up to the MD PhD program?

Answer: There are no direct costs. Your salary will even be higher than a PhD student's. However, a full cost calculation reveals that you have to be ready for a substantial investment of roughly CHF 70'000 - 100'000 compared to a direct clinical carreer since you earn less than you would as a clinician.

Question: How many grants are issued each year?

Answer: There are 7-9 grants each year. This number varies slightly from year to year. Find the current number at [http://www.snf.ch/de/cal/awa/awa_mdp.asp].

Question: How does the selection procedure of candidates work?

Answer: There is a two step procedure. The first step is to pass the local commitee (Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne or Zurich). The local commitees then send the successful candidates to Bern to the national MD PhD commitee.

Question: Who is evaluating my submission?

Answer: The local MD PhD commitees are composed of MDs, PhDs and some MD PhDs. The composition of the local commitees varies substantially among the 5 universities. The number of commitee members varies between 5 (Basel) and more than 10 (Bern). The national commitee is composed of 9 members. (SNF, SAMW, representatives of the private foundations. Head: Prof. Dr. Meier-Abt, University of Basel).

Question: How long does it take from the application to the decision?

Answer: Application deadline is usually December 15th (please check, see above). Thereafter, interviews with the local commitee will take place. Successful candidates will be invited for interviews in Bern which will be in May. You will get the final decision in June at the latest.

Question: When will the money be available once a candidate has been accepted in the program?

Answer: The earliest possible date is October. Payments for granted money have to be started at the latest 2 years after applicants have been accepted.

Question: What are the evaluation criteria?

Answer: For the MD PhD program, usual selection criteria such as (a) CV of the candidate (early interest in research and scientific experience, results of exams of medical school, personal flexibility) (b) the personal impression of the candidate at the interviews (talent to present scientific projects and ideas, personal motivation), (c) the quality of the proposed project (originality, feasability) and (d) the quality of the host laboratory (previous publications in the field) are valuable. Furthermore, a clear career plan should be presented. Place and time for the residency should be outlined already (see application documents).

Question: What happens if -for any reason- I have to change my laboratory after having been accepted in the program?

Answer: If you plan to change the lab, you should inform the local MD PhD program coordinator as well as the SNF and discuss the issue. Most often, candidates that have to continue their work in a different lab still may keep the money. Thus the granted salary is personal.

Question: Whom can I contact in the case of problems during my MD PhD studies?

Answer: You can always contact the local MD PhD commission or the SAMW. You may also contact the SMPA, if you hesitate to directly contact the other institutions. We will then try to find an independent mediator.

Question: My institution requires me to work as a teaching assistant. Do I have to do this?

Answer: In fact, this is illegal both according to the Swiss MD PhD Commission and the SNF. Thus, in theory at least, you do not have to do any teaching. However, teaching experience might broaden your personal experience.

Question: Can I do a part of my MD PhD work abroad?

Answer: The program has to be completed at a Swiss university. An exception can be made, if the national committee can be convinced, that a stay in another lab abroad is a profit. The maximal stay, however is limited to six months.

Question: Will the FMH recognize my research time for the specialization (FMH title)?

Answer: Please visit [[Anrechnung von MD-PhD-Studien an die FMH-Weiterbildung]]

Question: I still have some questions. Whom can I contact?

Answer:

Presidents of the local MD PhD commitees Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich
Swiss Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS (Dr. Katrin Kuehnle, Scientific Collaborator and Dr. Hermann Amstad, Secretary General)
The local SMPA representatives Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich
Currently enrolled MD PhD students and MD PhD graduates