MSTP Medical Science Training Program

MSTP - Program Description

Advisory Network

Upon entry into the MSTP, each student will be assigned a faculty MSTP Advisor who will help prepare the student for their educational experience throughout the program. Upon entering the Ph.D. component of the program, the student will also choose a Ph.D. Thesis Advisor who will be responsible for guiding the education and research of the graduate student.

The MSTP Advisor's main responsibilities are to assist and advise the student in the student's scheduling and/or performance, in either course work or other Medical School activities throughout the program, especially during the M.D. component. This advisor will be a member of the MSTP Steering Committee, although other faculty members can participate in this role, under exceptional circumstances and when justified. The MSTP Advisor may also serve as a non-voting member of the student's Ph.D. Thesis Committee.

The Ph.D. Thesis Advisor and the Steering Committee is selected by the student and submitted for approval by the MSTP Director during the second year of the M.D. component. Following approval, the student matriculates into the graduate department and begins the Ph.D. component the summer following the second year of the M.D. component. The Ph.D. Thesis Advisor will maintain close contact with the MSTP Steering Committee regarding the student's progress throughout the Ph.D. component. Annual reports signed by the Ph.D. Thesis Advisor will be filed in the office of the MSTP Director to monitor the student's progress and safeguard against potential problems in the student's program.

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their MSTP Director and Ph.D. Thesis Advisor informed of all research activities and problems/events that might impact their research progress.

The MSTP Office, within the Office of Research and Biomedical Education, is an administrative information resource, including application procedures, deadlines, financial aid, tuition scholarship programs, and special activities information. This office is responsible for maintaining student records and disseminating information regarding MSTP-related activities and other events occurring within the University. The goal of the staff members is to facilitate the students' educational experience.

The MSTP Steering Committee is the major administrative committee overseeing the direction of the program and progress of the students. The MSTP Steering Committee is composed of some of the leading basic and clinical scientists at UB, as well as two student representatives. The intent of the Steering Committee is to support and encourage positive attitudes in the MSTP students and reinforce the quality and standards of the program and students.