1. PhD Track for Certified MDs
2. PhD Track for Medical Residents and Specialist  MDs


1. PhD Track for Certified MDs
The Feinberg Graduate School offers a special PhD Track for certified MDs.

Who May Qualify to the Program
The program is designed for MDs with a strong interest in basic science research and who are willing to devote full-time research to this program.

How to Apply
Candidates are welcome to apply online and submit an application similar to applicants to the regular track. However, please note that the list of required documents is slightly different:

Deadline
There is no deadline. Applications may be submitted at any time.

Selection of Participants in the Program
Are similar to that of the regular Ph.D. track. The Life Sciences Board of Studies will determine at the selection stage if the candidate can be accepted to this Program, which lasts three years, or should be accepted to the regular PhD program, which lasts 4.5 years.

	A key consideration for being accepted to this 3 year program is the likelihood that the candidate will indeed complete his/her studies during this short time. Prior good acquaintance with the intended PhD research group and its topics of research, as well as existence of a feasible research project that the candidate can join in the lab are very strong advantages for potential candidates.
	Candidates who are not intimately familiar with the lab they wish to join should consider spending time in that lab for several months to become acquainted with its research prior to applying for this program. This can be done in any format (e.g. "MADAEY YESOD”) and for any length of time that is agreed upon between the candidate and head of the research group. The candidate is not considered a WIS student during this period, and such an effort does not guarantee that the candidate will be accepted for PhD studies.
	As mentioned above, candidates who appear unable to complete the PhD program in 3 years may be offered to join the regular 4.5 year program instead, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Board of Studies.

Study and Research Requirements
The program is intended for three and a half  years. The participants must submit their research proposal within 6 months, their interim report within 21months, and their final report by the end of their three-year study period. The thesis is due no later than 42 months from the beginning of the study period. In addition, participants must acquire 12 credit points from courses in life sciences. Extensions are granted according to the same criteria that apply to students in the regular track.

*	Courses must be taken from the life sciences program. Any deviation must be approved, in advance, by the Board of Studies. In the regular track, at least 6 points must be accumulated before the deadline for submission of the Interim Report.
**	It is permitted to accumulate up to 1 point from departmental seminars – 0.5 point per seminar (up to two seminars in total and no more than one seminar within one year).

Administrative Regulations
In general, MDs participating in the program will be subject to the same administrative regulations that apply to the students in the other Ph.D. tracks, Including the signing of an Intellectual Property Form.

Back to top

___________________________________________________________________

1.	A letter from the hospital nominating the candidate to the program, including a declaration of intent to accept the candidate back to a hosptial position (or residency), after his/her studies at WIS are complete.
2.	CV + list of publications
3.	A copy of the MD certificate
4.	A copy of the medical license
5.	Three reference letters:   A letter from the head of the clinical department where the candidate is doing his/her medical residency.   A letter from the scientist who is interested in supervising the candidate's doctoral research.   An additional letter from any academic or clinical entity
6.	A passport photograph
7.	Transcript of grades (Medical School
8.	A Xerox of ID (Israelis) or title page of passport (foreign applicants)

Study and Research Requirements
The program lasts three years. The study and research requirements are similar to those specified for PhD Track for certified MDs (see above). 
  
Further Details
Further details concerning requirements, progress reports, the thesis etc. may be found under the PhD section of the main menu of this website.

Administrative Regulations
In general, physicians participating in the program will be subject to the same administrative regulations that apply to the students in the other Ph.D. tracks. However, there are several differences described below:

1.	Time Dedication The participants will be expected to take part in all study related activities required of students in the regular track (laboratory research, group meetings, departmental seminars, courses etc.), during at least 4.5 days per week (coordinated in advance with the head of the research group). In the remaining time, they will be able to engage in clinical activity in order to maintain their relevant clinical skills.
	IP Form Please note: MDs accepted to the program may not start their studies before they AND the relevant authorities in their hospital sign the form that indicates their acceptance of the Weizmann Institute policy on patents and inventions.
2.	Fellowships Physicians participating in the program will receive a fellowship of NIS 10,000 per month for up to three years.

The Graduate School will allow heads of research groups at WIS to take one such student over and above the allowed number of doctoral students per group. In doing so, the school will allow the participants more opportunities and flexibility in selecting a research group.

Back to top