A new donation from the Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation supports the expansion of a dual-degree M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). The program provides select students the opportunity to earn both a medical degree (M.D.) and a doctorate (Ph.D.) over the course of seven to eight years. Designed to train physician-scientists, the program bridges the gap between medicine and research, preparing more scholars to participate in transformative medical research and clinical care. Often referred to as physician-scientists, a dual degree bridges the gap between medicine and research, preparing more scholars to participate in transformative medical research and clinical care.

Students in the program engage in both medical and research training, empowering them to approach challenges with clinical and scientific perspectives. Students spend the first two years in the traditional M.D. program, complete additional years in the Ph.D. program, and then transition back to the M.D. program to complete the final two years of their medical education and clinical rotations. Students in this program acquire dual expertise in biomedical research and clinical medicine. Their education will advance understanding of disease, while contributing to the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches that improve patient care.

“I want to make a meaningful impact by using the knowledge I will gain in the lab to help improve patient care in clinic and the operating room,” Shaun Suranowitz, a dual-degree student at UNR Med. He is currently working on the Ph.D. portion of the degree and has completed the first two years of the M.D. program, which he will return to once the Ph.D. portion is complete. “In addition, I want to use my experience treating patients to inform my research so that the research can have a meaningful positive impact on patients. I also want to use my experience with the two degrees to train students, residents, and researchers who will then train more people throughout their own careers.”

According to reports published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, nearly 80 percent of M.D./Ph.D. graduates work in institutions in which they can conduct research, develop new devices and treatments, and help to train the next generation of physician scientists. In recent years, approximately 600 students annually enroll in M.D./Ph.D. programs, and about 550 graduate each year – only half of the number needed to meet the projected demand for physician-scientists.

Students enrolled in the program at UNR Med are guaranteed funding for three years through Graduate Research Assistantships, with the opportunity to apply for additional scholarships from both UNR Med and the graduate program. Currently, there are six students enrolled in the dual-degree program – four in the Ph.D. portion, and two in their first year of medical school.

The Thelma B. & Thomas P. Hart Foundation has expanded support for the program by providing scholarships, marking the first philanthropic gift the program has received. This year, the Foundation’s investment made it possible for two new students to enroll—students who are now beginning their medical journey toward becoming physician-scientists.

"I am from a long line of doctors and the study and practice of medicine is very important to me and my family,” said C. Craig Karrasch, M.D., trustee of The Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation. “After meeting with Dean Hauptman, who I respect and trust with the direction of the school, I found the funding for a dual M.D./Ph.D. program as a sustainable option to entice both donors and students into the future while translating into translational research for the health and well-being of the public."

The Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation has played a key role in funding the expansion of facilities and programs at UNR Med, including the construction of several campus buildings and the development of the Sports Medicine Fellowship. Established in 1998, the Reno-based foundation has an emphasis on supporting education, youth programs, animal service programs, health care and community-based programs.

“This generous donation creates an exciting opportunity to grow our program and help train the next generation of physician-scientists,” said Caroline Cobine, Ph.D. associate professor of physiology and cell biology. “It is inspiring to know that we are equipping these individuals in how to practice medicine while also leading at the forefront of innovative scientific discovery. Through their groundbreaking discoveries, there is tremendous potential to transform care for patients with complex medical conditions that currently lack effective treatment options.”