Clinical Investigation Dual-Degree Program
Clinical Investigation Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology (MD/MS)
The Clinical Investigation (MD/MS) concentration is a dual-degree program available only to those students concurrently enrolled in the M.D. program at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. This program is designed for medical students who want to gain experience with patient-centered clinical research through hands-on training with the clinical physicians and staff at the Pharmacology Translational Unit (PTU, located in the Wright State Physicians Health Center on the WSU campus). This program provides advanced pharmacology training, translational research experience, and patient-care practice. A thesis is not required for this program. Students are encouraged to attend all department-sponsored seminars to learn more about the different areas of research in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology.
The M.S. degree will only be granted after the M.D. has been awarded. This program is competitive, with a limited number of students accepted into the program each year.
“The M.D./M.S. program in Pharmacology/Toxicology is a training program that perfectly complements medical school education by equipping future physicians with essential leadership and research skills. Through classes such as laboratory management, the program reinforces crucial professional skills such as team management and professional communication. The research arm of the program gave me hands-on experience in all facets of pharmacology research: basic science, translational research, and clinical research. These opportunities allowed me to take multiple research projects from conception to publication and make a meaningful contribution to my future field of dermatology.
In addition to academics, the leadership of the M.S. program has been essential to my success throughout medical school. I firmly believe that the MS program has directly helped me become the health care professional I am today, and I am thankful for all of the opportunities the program has afforded me over the years.” – Jaree R. Naqvi, M.D./M.S. Graduate 2020
Program Curriculum
The M.S. curriculum for the Clinical Investigation Concentration is 26 semester hours of PTX coursework with students receiving 4 credit hours from acceptable BSOM coursework taken over two semesters, between year one and year two, and year two and year three, of medical school. Completion of the required curriculum will earn students a Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Application
Medical students in good academic standing may apply to the M.D./M.S. program in their first year of medical school.
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Program of Study Requirements
The M.S. curriculum for the Clinical Investigation concentration is 26 semester hours of PTX coursework with students receiving 4 credit hours from acceptable BSOM coursework taken over two or three summers between years one to four of medical school. This curriculum includes:
Year 1
- PTX 7000 – BioStats for the Health Professional Credit Hour(s): 3
- PTX 7021 - Effective Science Writing Part 1 Credit Hour(s): 3
- PTX 7004 - Pharmacology Journal Club Credit Hour(s): 2
- PTX 9200 - Pharmacology & Toxicology Clinical Research Credit Hour(s): 4**
Year 2 – 4
- PTX 7004 - Pharmacology Journal Club Credit Hour(s): 2
- PTX 7020 - Laboratory Management Credit Hour(s): 3
- PTX 7022 - Effective Science Writing Part 2 Credit Hour(s): 3
- PTX 7005 - Select Topics-Capstone Credit Hour(s): 1
- PTX 8008 - Pharmacology Short Course Credit Hour(s): 1
- PTX 9200 - Pharmacology & Toxicology Clinical Research Credit Hour(s): 4**
Total: 26 Credit Hours
Medical School courses that will substitute for PTX electives include:
- SMD 8170 – Origins 1, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Credit Hour(s): 1
- SMD 8175 – Origins 2, Cellular Physiology & Pharmacology Credit Hour(s): 1
- SMD 8185 – Immunology, Bacteriology, & Virology Credit Hour(s): 1
- SMD 8590 – Staying Alive Module, Cardiac, Respiratory and Renal Systems Credit Hour(s): 1
** Credits for clinical time will be reviewed and determined with the student’s advisor. Typically, students should spend approximately 10 hours in the Pharmacology Translational Unit.
Pharmacology & Toxicology electives are not required for this option if the above listed SMD electives are fulfilled; however, PTX electives are greatly encouraged in order for students to elevate their educational reach and to promote student fellowship.
PTX Electives available include:
PTX 6002 - Introduction to Cell Biology Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 6003 - Introduction to Pharmacology Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 7020 - Laboratory Management Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 7010 - Research Techniques Credit Hour(s): 4
PTX 8070 - Cell Culture Training Credit Hour(s): 1
PTX 8000 - Leadership Theory & Application Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8001 - Lab Safety Credit Hour(s): 1
PTX 8004 - Medical Chemical, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8005 - Medical Biological Defense Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8006 - Case Studies for CBRN Defense Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8007 - Career Planning Credit Hour(s): 1
PTX 8010 - Clinical Research: Roles and Responsibilities Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8013 - Communications in Science Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8014 - Integrative Pharm and Tox Methods Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8020 - Pharm and Tox of DNA Damaging Agents Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8040 - Good Laboratory Practices Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8060 - Six Sigma, Green Belt Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8061 - Six Sigma, Black Belt Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8130 - Nano Medicine Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8140 - Human Studies Research Credit Hour(s): 3
PTX 8260 - Microbiology & Immunology Credit Hour(s): 4
Please visit the WSU Catalog for Course Descriptions.
*Webpage last updated July 2020.
