1. What does MD PhD mean?The MD-PhD is a combined doctorate in medicine (MD) and natural sciences (PhD). |
2. What is the Swiss MD PhD program and what is it good for?The MD-PhD combined doctorate is aimed at physicians who wish to deepen their scientific education. The entry is possible already during medical school. The goal is to train physician-scientists to conduct independent, internationally competitive basic or clinical research. |
3. How is the Swiss MD PhD program organised?At each Swiss university, a joint committee of medical and science faculty regulates the entry to the local MD-PhD program. Upon entry, an applicant may be supported by the committee for funding by the Swiss National Foundation. Typically, only swiss applicants or applicants residing since more than two years are eligible for the SNF grant application. |
4. Who is eligible to enter the Swiss MD PhD program?All Swiss medical, dentistry and veterinary graduates are eligible. An acceptance into the program is possible before graduation at some universities. Some international medical, dentistry and veterinary graduates are eligible as well. |
5. How should international medical / dentistry / veterinary graduates apply?International medical / dentistry / veterinary graduates should consult the MEBEKO rules and if necessary, apply for acceptance of their diploma. If the diploma is not accepted by the MEBEKO, transferring the application to a regular PhD-program at the science faculty of a given university may still be possible. |
6. How should I prepare my application?Identify the research group and mentor you would like to join and formulate a research project together with your mentor. If your mentor is not a clinician, identify a clinical sponsor for you and your project. |
7. Which documents are required? A complete application consists of the following documents:
Motivation letter and career plan
CV
Project proposal including references
Letter of support from your clinical sponsor
Letter of support from your scientific mentor / lab head |
8. What is the current deadline for submission of applications?Please refer to the website of the MD-PhD-program you wish to enter. |
9. Who decides on the admission?The local MD-PhD committee typically consists of representatives of both medical and science faculties (MDs, PhDs, MD-PhDs). It is presided over by the program coordinator. |
10. What salary can I hope for as an MD-PhD student?Your salary depends on whether or not you are supported and accepted for funding by the Swiss National Foundation. The SNF grant typically covers CHF 60’000/year for a period of 3 years. A variable number of grants, typically 7-9, are available each year. If you do get one of these grants, there are certain things to consider. For example: any payments toward your retirement funds (e.g. second pillar) that your employer would usually have to supplement your income with have to be payed from this sum. Moreover, it is advisable to contact your local tax office initially on whether you have to pay regular income taxes for this grant or not, since it varies from canton to canton. If you did not receive funding from the SNF or the period of support ended, you need to discuss your salary with your lab head. Bear in mind that having an MD-title (in case of track II students and track I students later on) should qualify you for a slightly higher salary compared to a normal PhD. |
11. What is the selection procedure for an SNF MD-PhD grant?The local MD-PhD committee decides which candidates are suitable for the nation-wide selection. In a second step, the selected candidates are interviewed in Bern and a full committee including representatives from all MD-PhD programs decides which candidates will be supported. |
12. How long does it take from the application to the decision?Typically, local admission takes up to 3 months, with an additional 3 months in case of support for an SNF grant. Please review the application deadline, which is typically December 15th. |
13. What are the evaluation criteria?The usual selection criteria include
(a) CV: early interest in research and scientific experience, results of exams of medical school, personal flexibility
(b) a solid career plan
(c) personal impressions: talent to present scientific projects and ideas, personal motivation
(d) the originality and feasibility of the project
(e) the quality of the host laboratory (previous publications in the field) |
14. What happens if I have to change my laboratory after having been accepted to the program?You should immediately inform your local MD PhD program coordinator as well as the SNF if you have received an MD-PhD grant. The SNF grants are personal and thus typically continued. |
15. My institution requires me to work as a teaching assistant. Is this necessary?During your MD-PhD studies, your main focus is research. Therefore, other duties required by your institution, such as teaching, should be kept at a reasonable level so as not to interfere with your studies. |
16. Can I do a part of my MD PhD work abroad?The program has to be completed at a Swiss university. Contact your local MD PhD program coordinator and the SNF in case you have received a SNF grant for information on possible exceptions. Typically, a stay abroad of maximally 6 months is possible. |
17. Will the FMH recognise part of my research time for the specialisation (FMH title)?This depends on the type of research (basic vs clinical) as well as the FMH title you are interested in. It is strongly recommended that you contact the FMH before you begin your MD-PhD studies. Currently, depending on the FMH title, up to 2 years of research is recognised for most FMH titles. |
18. I still have some questions. Whom can I contact?
- The local SMPA representatives Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich
- Currently enrolled MD PhD students and MD PhD graduates
- Presidents of the local MD PhD committees Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich
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