The Growth, Development and Disabilities Training Program (GDDTP) is a unique opportunity available to Pritzker School of Medicine students who decide to pursue an advanced PhD degree after they have started medical school. The program began over 50 years ago and in 2003 received the first NICHD Mentor Award for Excellence in Research Training.
Research Opportunities
Many of the current PhD degree-granting departments and committees in the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as some in other Divisions, are available to trainees. It is preferred that the research area and ultimate clinical specialty of participating students be aligned with the mission of the NIH funding institute, NICHD. Students must meet the specific entrance and degree requirements of their chosen PhD degree program.
Funding Support
Federally funded by the National Institutes of Health, the GDDTP program does require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Trainees in the program may receive up to five years of full tuition support, health insurance and a living stipend. This usually encompasses three years of the PhD phase of training, and the final two years of MD training (the clinical years). Over the total duration of training grant support, more than 50% of the award period must be devoted to full-time graduate research training leading to the doctoral research degree, per NIH guidelines. If needed, additional years of graduate training will be supported through research funds available from trainee advisors or other sources.