Clinical Science
PhD Program: Disease-Oriented Basic Science Option
Training of Physicians in Disease-Oriented Basic Science. This option is a collaborative graduate training program initiative focused on taking basic science knowledge and applying it to the study of mechanisms of disease. The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Science serves only to facilitate with the Graduate School the applications of physician* trainees with an interest in obtaining a doctorate degree in these complementary fields.
A complementary option in Disease-Oriented Basic Science is offered. Outstanding Ph.D. programs in basic research are offered through the basic science departments at UCD. Physicians entering subspecialty training who seek rigorous training in basic research may choose to complete a Ph.D. in their chosen field as part of their fellowship program. In general, after a fellowship year of subspecialty clinical training, a physician can train in disease-oriented basic biomedical research following the specific didactic or research curriculum available through one of the following doctoral programs at UCD:
- Epidemiology
- Biometrics/Biostatistics
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
- Biomolecular Structure
- Cell & Developmental Biology
- Experimental Pathology
- Human Medical Genetics
- Molecular Biology
The required curriculum for each basic science degree is determined by the program awarding the degree, although the existing program will be modified in collaboration with the Ph.D. Program in Clinical Science to accommodate the special needs of physicians accepted into the program. One of the unique aspects of these modified programs is the availability of dual mentorships comprised of a physician-scientist and a basic scientist. This dual mentorship is optional, not mandatory. This option is unique; however, all potential applicants must apply for and be accepted into a fellowship position independently. Additionally, all applicants must meet admission criteria of the individual basic science departments in order to be accepted into this collaborative program.
*Only physicians are eligible to apply to this option. Non-physicians interested in the fields associated with Biomedical Sciences are encouraged to apply directly to those programs.