Biomedical Graduate Studies' graduate groups offer the graduate student an integrated training experience in modern biomedical science. In the first year, students take courses in fundamental areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology offered by faculty in all the appropriate graduate groups. The second year is devoted to more focused laboratory work and courses related to a student's particular interests. Beginning in year three, students conduct dissertation research in the laboratory of their choosing; this research typically takes two or three years. The individual graduate groups are as follows:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Cell and Molecular Biology, with programs in:
  • Cell Growth and Cancer
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics and Gene Regulation
  • Gene Therapy
  • Virology and Microbiology
  • Cell Structure and Function
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Parasitology
• Pharmacological Sciences, with programs in:
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Cancer Pharmacology
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Pharmacological Chemistry

• Biology
• Bioengineering

The MD/PhD program was founded in 1969, and by all criteria has been enormously successful. Over 200 outstanding individuals have graduated. More than 92% of our program graduates hold positions at academic medical centers or research institutions. The rate is even higher (95%) for graduates of the last ten years. Our graduates uniformly receive their first or second choice for residency placement and continue their training at top ranked institutions. Our alumni have a high level of publication, show a steady positive progression in seniority of faculty positions, and command a strong funding base.

The objective of the Program is to train veterinary scientists. It is expected that the trainees will obtain both a V.M.D. and a Ph.D. during their training period, which will last at least seven years. However, it is important to stress that the main function of the Program is not to award degrees but rather to provide a flexible, individualized, and quality education of combined medical and graduate training to a few selected students. A major difference between the Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program and a program where a V.M.D. and Ph.D. are obtained in sequence is that in the VMSTP the basic science training and clinical training will overlap in time and interdigitate. Therefore, there will be opportunity to associate and relate basic science and clinical information. This will prepare the trainee for integrating these areas throughout his or her career. All the facilities of the medical community (veterinary, human, and dental) as well as those of the University will be utilized where applicable. The students selected are highly motivated and capable of outstanding performance in their scientific pursuits.

Upon completion of the Program the trainees will be superbly qualified to become leaders in the academic community. In this connection "academic community" is interpreted in its broadest sense to include not only the faculties of schools of veterinary medicine, but also faculties of medical schools, dental schools, and university departments, as well as positions in public health, epidemiology, medical administration, behavioral sciences, and environmental health sciences.