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TWD Programs GuideResearch training, explained

Program profile

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

The MSTP pays for dual-degree training of physician-scientists. When NIGMS reorganized its T32 programs in 2026, it left the MSTP as it was.

By the TWD Programs Guide editors · Updated · 1 min read

Active, no changes planned Checked November 7, 2026

Mechanism
T32 institutional NRSA (PAR-24-128)
Who it serves
MD/PhD dual-degree students
Today
NIGMS said in July 2026 that it plans no changes to the MSTP.

Short answer

The Medical Scientist Training Program is an NIGMS T32 (PAR-24-128) that supports MD/PhD students at institutions with integrated dual-degree programs. In July 2026 NIGMS said it had no planned changes to the MSTP and would work to broaden organizational and geographic participation.

What is the MSTP?

The Medical Scientist Training Program is an NIGMS institutional T32 that supports students earning both an MD and a PhD in an integrated program designed to produce physician-scientists. The announcement is PAR-24-128. Like other NRSA training grants, appointees must be US citizens, noncitizen nationals or permanent residents, and the institution applies on behalf of its program.

Is it affected by the 2026 changes?

No. In NOT-GM-26-007 (July 29, 2026), NIGMS said it has no planned changes to the MSTP and will work to enhance organizational and geographic participation. The changes in that notice hit the basic biomedical predoctoral T32 and moved postdoctoral clinician-scientist training from T32 to K12 (see the postdoctoral T32 profile).

MSTP or F30?

MSTP (T32) F30 fellowship
Who applies The institution The student, with a sponsor
Who it covers Students appointed to the program's slots One student
NIGMS use Institutions with integrated MD/PhD programs Students at institutions without an NIH-funded dual-degree training program
Citizenship NRSA rules apply NRSA rules apply

NIGMS's predoctoral T32 and MSTP awards start on July 1. For a student weighing MD/PhD against a PhD or a postbac year first, our guide to choosing a training path lays out the trade-offs.

Questions people ask

What if my MD/PhD program doesn't have an MSTP award?

Students at institutions without an NIH-funded dual-degree training program can apply for an NIGMS F30 individual fellowship. Other NIH institutes have their own F30 rules.

Does the MSTP pay for medical school years?

MSTP awards support trainees across the integrated program, but how many years of support each student receives and how the institution covers the remaining costs varies by program. Ask the program directly.

Sources

  1. NOT-GM-26-007: Changes to NIGMS institutional basic biomedical and clinician scientist training programs
  2. NIGMS: Current TWD programs

This profile is an independent summary, not an official NIH or NIGMS description. Eligibility and deadlines are set by the current funding opportunity; read it before you apply.