EDUCATION
A Foundation in Clinical Research
The MD/MS in Translational and Clinical Research is a one-year program designed for Zucker School of Medicine students who want to bring research into their medical careers. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to design rigorous studies, analyze data, and develop independent research questions, with the option to transition into the MD/PhD program after completion.
Highlights
12 Months
Focused translational research training.
100%
Tuition remission plus annual stipend.
1:1
Faculty mentorship throughout the year.
Curriculum
The MD/MS curriculum combines structured coursework, hands-on workshops, and longitudinal research activities to give students a complete foundation in translational and clinical research.
Courses
Bioinformatics and Machine Learning
Model Organisms
Ethics in Research
Workshops
Allyship
Microaggressions
Networking and Effective Mentorship
Grant and Paper Writing
Conflict Resolution
Longitudinal Activities
Journal Clubs
Career Talks
Case Presentations
Work in Progress Sessions

Eligibility and Cost
Zucker School of Medicine students may apply during their MS2 or MS3 year. Applicants must have successfully completed the First 100 Weeks coursework and taken Step 1 before acceptance.
The application consists of an essay describing the student’s interest in the program and is due April 1.
Tuition remission and a stipend are provided for the year. The program is generously endowed by Barbara Zucker.
Apply by April 1
Program Overview
The MD/MS program was created for ZSOM students with limited prior exposure to translational or clinical research who are considering a research-informed medical career, or who chose not to pursue the MD/PhD pathway.
The one-year curriculum is built around three core objectives:
- Provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to conduct clinical and translational research
- Offer a year-long, mentored research experience with a Zucker School of Medicine faculty member
- Develop the ability to independently form hypotheses, analyze data, and evaluate findings
Students who complete the program may transition into the Zucker School of Medicine MD/PhD program.