Application Process

Prior to applying to the M.D.-M.S. Program, you will need to submit a letter of interest to CCaTS Education Programs. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Central time on Feb. 1.

In the letter, include:

  • A paragraph introducing yourself.
  • A synopsis of your prior education and a detailed description of our research experience.
  • A summary of your current research interests — be as specific as possible.
  • A list of potential mentors (if known).
  • A copy of your current curriculum vitae.

The M.D.-M.S. Program education specialist will review your letter of interest and assist in connecting you with potential mentors.

Selecting a mentor

The most critical role of the mentor is to guide the scholar in the research experience portion of the program.

The mentor must be an investigator at Mayo Clinic with extensive clinical or translational research experience and must:

  • Have, or meet the criteria for, master or full-level faculty privileges including an academic rank of associate professor or higher.
  • Have demonstrated National Institutes of Health or R01 funding.
  • Have successful previous experience mentoring scholars.

Resources to identify and directly contact potential mentors include:

Application instructions

  1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission. Select the following when creating an account:
    • School of study — Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
    • Area of interest — Clinical and Translational Science, M.D.-M.S. dual degree
  2. Once logged on, select "Create a New Application."
  3. Select "Start a Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Application."
  4. Complete each section of the application and submit.
  5. After submission:
    • Select the View button next to your application.
    • Select the Supplemental Items & Documents tab.
      1. Upload your CV or Resume.
      2. Upload your Medical School Unofficial Transcript.
      3. Request a recommendation from your research mentor. The mentor will receive an email with a link to submit the recommendation.
      4. Upload a recommendation letter from someone other than your research mentor.
      5. Upload a Letter of Good Standing from your medical school.
      6. Upload your completed Initial Mentoring Agreement (PDF).

All application materials for the M.D.-M.S. Program are due by 5 p.m. Central time on March 1.

A small number of competitive funding awards for the M.D.-M.S. Program are available each year. Applicants are automatically considered for an award when their applications are reviewed.

Application components

  • Completed application with signatures.
  • Initial Mentoring Agreement (PDF).
  • Medical school transcript.
  • Curriculum vitae and bibliography.
  • Letters of recommendation. Three letters of recommendation, addressed to CCaTS Predoctoral Programs Director Felicity T. Enders, Ph.D., are required from three specific people:
    • The applicant's research mentor. This letter must address:
      • The applicant's potential for success.
      • The mentor's qualifications as a mentor — include the mentor's curriculum vitae and bibliography.
      • The mentor's support for the applicant, such as how often the mentor and applicant will meet, available space, supplies and research support.
      • How the applicant's work will represent a significant intellectual contribution toward the design, conduct and analysis of the research and that the applicant will be first author on the manuscript or thesis resulting from it.
    • The applicant's medical school dean or associate dean. This letter must indicate that the applicant is in good standing and a good candidate for the M.D.-M.S. award.
    • A faculty member. This should be a faculty member with whom the applicant has conducted research.

Note: M.D.-M.S. applications are NOT expected to complete this information on the form:

  • Mayo Clinic posting account unit (PAU).
  • Name and signature of the applicant's clinical or research administrator.
  • Name and signature of the applicant's department or division chair.

Selection process

Applications are reviewed by the CCaTS Education Resources Predoctoral Programs Committee. Applicants are notified before April 15 as to whether they have been accepted into the program for a start date of July 1 and whether they have been offered a funding award.

Develop a research proposal

The research project must meet National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria for clinical or translational research and follow the format given in the M.D.-M.S. Scholar Research Proposal Guidelines. After admission to the program, applicants begin communicating or meeting with their mentors to develop their research proposals.

The proposal must be submitted by Aug. 15 for review and approval. Coursework begins the first week in July.