Medical Research Graduate Program
Developing the next generation of clinician scientists
The Dalhousie University Medical Research Graduate Program is offered jointly through Dalhousie Medical School and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The goal of the program is to provide clinicians with structured and rigorous research training over two to five years that will equip them with the knowledge, skills and experience to effectively incorporate research into their careers. The program is open to residents enrolled in a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or Canadian College of Family Physicians Program, or to physicians, dentists, or veterinarians eligible to practice in Canada. Resident physicians at Dalhousie University may also take part in the program through enrollment in the Clinician Investigator Program.
Program overview
Requirements for completion
In order to successfully complete the Medical Research Graduate Program participants must:
- complete relevant course work as determined by their supervisory committee, with passing grades
- attend relevant journal clubs and/or seminar series
- present at least one formal seminar per year
- complete an independent research study over a minimum of 24 months
- submit two progress reports, attend two supervisory committee meetings, and submit two committee reports per year
- prepare, submit and successfully defend a graduate thesis
- PhD candidates must pass a comprehensive examination, consisting of written and oral components
Funding
Residents enrolled in the MRGP will receive an equivalent salary to their clinical counterparts, as per the Clinician Investigator Program.
All prospective participants must secure funding before being accepted into the program.
Funding must be confirmed by letter from the source. Students in this program are not eligible for funding through the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
Individuals who are interested in applying to the Medical Research Graduate Program should contact the Medical Research Development Office for guidance. The Medical Research Development Office(MRDO) , if required, can assist the applicant on finding a supervisor and thesis project. Once they have identified these cornerstones, and secured appropriate funding, they must apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University.
Applications must include a completed Faculty of Graduate Studies online application form, a description of the proposed research, relevant transcripts, supervisor/student (available from Program Administrator) and several other items. For a complete list of requirements, download the MRGP Application Checklist [PDF - 164 KB].
Detailed information
For more detailed information about the Medical Research Graduate Program, download the MRGP Student Handbook [PDF - 623 KB].