Second Portal Admissions

Students enrolled in the second year at Tufts Medical School can apply for admission to the MD/PhD Program through the Second Portal Program.

Eligibility. Second year medical students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in their medical school curriculum and also demonstrated interest and experience in research will be eligible to apply for admission.

Entry into the Program. Students who are admitted through the Second Portal option will enter the MD/PhD program after successful completion of the second year of medical school and Step I of the National Boards. Successful applicants will be expected to complete a research rotation during the summer following the Board examination and enter a PhD program in September.

Support for Second Portal Students. During the PhD years, students entering the Second Portal Program will be supported by their PhD thesis advisor, just as other MD/PhD students are supported. Second Portal Program students will receive full support (stipend plus tuition for the third and fourth years of medical school). To be eligible for support during M3 and M4 students must successfully defend their PhD thesis before returning to medical school.

Expectations for Applicants. It is anticipated that applicants for Second Portal admission will demonstrate interest and ability in research by participating in the summer research program sponsored by TUSM between the M1 and M2 years. Students considering the Second Portal are also strongly encouraged to use some selective time to pursue a research selective.

Application Process. Students enrolled in the second year at Tufts Medical School are eligible to apply for the Second Portal. The Admissions committee will review the transcripts, letters and competitive test scores submitted as part of the original TUSM application process that are on file in the TUSM Admissions office. The following information must also be submitted:

1. Transcripts and evaluations through semester one of M2 from TUSM.
2. A letter of recommendation describing the applicant's qualifications for the MD/PhD program based on a research experience undertaken at TUSM or a similar institution while in medical school.
3. A letter of recommendation describing the applicant's qualifications for the MD/PhD program based on a research experience undertaken prior to entry into medical school.
4. A personal statement (one page maximum) explaining the motivation and goals for MD/PhD training.

Application Deadline. Applications will be due on February 6, 2009 and should be turned in to the Sackler School office, Sackler 814. Notification of acceptance will be by March 13, 2009. Applicants may be scheduled for interviews with the admissions committee. Students interested in more information about the Second Portal Program should contact the MSTP Program Director, James Schwob or the MSTP Student Adviser, Naomi Rosenberg.