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Curriculum

Basic Science

The first two years of the M.D./Ph.D. Program at Baylor College of Medicine is identical to the medical school curriculum. The first 18 months focus on basic science coursework. For more information on the basic sciences curriculum, see the BCM Curriculum Guide.

Clinical Clerkships

After the completion of basic science courses, approximately half a year is spent in the clinics. Students usually complete two major clerkships or one major and two minor clerkships before starting graduate school. The final portion of clinical training is completed after graduate school. The M.D./ Ph.D. clinical requirements differ slightly from those for medical students as shown below. Most students take Step 1 of the USMLE before entering graduate school. Step 2 is taken before graduation.

Clinical Course Requirements in Weeks
Course	M.D./Ph.D.	M.D.
Internal Medicine	12	12
Sub-Internship	4	4
Surgery	8	8
Surgery Subspecialties	4	4
Psychiatry	8	8
Neurology	4	4
Pediatrics	8	8
Obstetrics/Gynecology	8	8
Family and Community Medicine	4	4
Capstone Course	4	4
Selectives¹	0	4
Electives²	8	20
Total	72	88

¹ Selectives include Genetics, Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Geriatrics, Clinical Nutrition, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Plastic Surgery.

² For more information about electives see the Office of the Registrar Elective Program page.

Graduate School

At the beginning of the third year, the M.D./Ph.D. student enters graduate school. For more information on the graduate school curriculum, see the BCM Graduate School Curriculum Schedule.