ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · UNITED STATES
MD/MSCR PORTAL Program in Clinical Research
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Dual MD/MSCR degreeDegree Offered
- 5-year programDuration
- Free tuition for MSCRMSCR Fees
- Stipend and health insurance for scholarly yearFinancial Support
- Mentored research experienceResearch Focus
- Prepares for physician-scientist careersCareer Outcome
The Patient-Oriented Research Training and Leadership (PORTAL) program is a dual degree opportunity for medical students at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. It offers the chance to earn both an MD and a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree over five years. This program is designed to train future physician-scientists who will lead clinical and translational research. You will engage in rigorous didactic and practical training within a multidisciplinary setting. The program integrates graduate coursework and mentored research into the medical school curriculum. Students begin with limited graduate studies and journal clubs in their second year, focusing on clinical work in their third year. The dedicated "scholarly year" between the third and fourth years is when you will select a research mentor, conduct a focused research project, and complete your MSCR coursework. This research forms the basis for your MSCR thesis, which is submitted in your fourth year. The PORTAL program aims to foster strong clinical investigation skills, preparing students for research residencies, fellowships, and careers in academic medicine. You'll develop the ability to rigorously evaluate evidence, formulate research questions, and conduct studies to test hypotheses. The program emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and career development, with students' work often leading to peer-reviewed publications.
Curriculum
The PORTAL program features a customizable curriculum designed to support student development in clinical and translational research. It includes didactic coursework, practical research experience, and enrichment activities. The program structure integrates MSCR studies and research within the MD program timeline.
- Year 1 (MD Program)
- Year 2 (MD Program)
- Limited graduate coursework
- Monthly PORTAL journal clubs
- Year 3 (MD Program)
- Focus on clinical activities
- Scholarly Year (Between MD Year 3 & 4)
- MSCR coursework
- Mentored research project
- Career development activities
- Works-in-progress meetings
- National meeting attendance
- Year 4 (MD Program)
- MSCR thesis submission (based on scholarly year research)
Careers
The PORTAL program is designed to cultivate leaders and physician-scientists in clinical and translational research. Graduates are well-prepared for advanced training and impactful careers in academic medicine.
- Physician-Scientist
- Clinical Investigator
- Researcher in Academic Medicine
Entry requirements
MD Program AdmissionStudents must be admitted to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MD program.
Application to the PORTAL program occurs during the first year of the MD program. An informational session is held each November.
Fees
Tuition (international)Free tuition for the MSCR degree.
Tuition (home)Free tuition for the MSCR degree.
LivingStipend and health insurance coverage provided for the scholarly year experience.
Tuition for the MD program follows standard medical school fee structures. The MSCR portion of the dual degree is tuition-free.
How to apply
1. Attend Informational SessionAn informational session regarding the PORTAL program is typically held in November each year.
2. Apply During First Year of MD ProgramStudents currently enrolled in the MD program at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai can apply for the PORTAL program during their first year.
3. Secure Research MentorUnder the close advisement of PORTAL faculty, students will select a research mentor.
4. Engage in Scholarly YearDuring the scholarly year between the third and fourth years of medical school, students will complete MSCR coursework and conduct their research project.
5. Submit ThesisThe research conducted during the scholarly year serves as the basis for the MSCR thesis, which is submitted during the fourth year of the MD program.
Scholarships
PORTAL Program ScholarshipFree tuition for MSCR degree, plus a stipend and health insurance for the scholarly year.