Our TouroCOM campus in Great Falls, Montana, is home to a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) that offers a rare opportunity to build meaningful research experience alongside your medical education. Each year, only four students are selected for this highly competitive and funded program. Participants receive dedicated lab time, close faculty mentorship, and strong financial support.
About the Program
The Medical Scientist Training Program at TouroCOM Montana is a selective research pathway within the DO program for students interested in pursuing careers that bridge medicine and scientific discovery.
Unlike traditional NIH-funded MD/PhD MSTP programs, this program is designed specifically for osteopathic medical students and is generously supported by Dr. Irving Weissman. Through a close partnership with the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro (WHIT), students work directly with experienced researchers on projects that address pressing health challenges, including those affecting rural and underserved communities.
MSTP students have access to advanced facilities and ongoing research in:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS)
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Mental health and suicidality
- Rural health and healthcare disparities
Program Structure
The MSTP is integrated into the medical school curriculum, giving students dedicated time for research without stepping away from their long-term clinical goals.
- Summer after OMS Year 1: Participate in an intensive, one-month research experience.
- Between OMS Years 2-3: You’ll take a year off to do research before starting rotations rotations, and complete a full year of immersive research at WHIT alongside a mentor.
- OMS Years 3-4: Resume medical school for your third and fourth year clinical training with continued financial support as you complete your degree.
This structure ensures students can build meaningful research experience while maintaining momentum toward their medical careers.
Financial Support
Students accepted into the Medical Scientist Training Program receive a generous financial aid package, including:
- A stipend during the one-month summer research experience
- A monthly stipend throughout the immersion year at WHIT
- Full tuition coverage for the third and fourth years of medical school
Who Should Apply
The MSTP is designed for students who are serious about integrating research into their medical careers. The strongest candidates have:
- A strong academic record (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.45)
- Prior research experience
- A clear interest in becoming a physician-scientist
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting
- A desire for personalized mentorship and collaboration with faculty
How to Apply
The MSTP is open to osteopathic medical students already accepted to TouroCOM Montana. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
- A description of prior research experience
- A proposed research project aligned with institutional strengths
- Program essays and supporting materials
Contact & Apply
For more information about the MSTP or to apply, please contact:
Tiffany Hensley-McBain, PhD
Associate Dean of Research
Associate Professor of Research and Immunology
Email: thensley@touro.edu
Phone: 406-401-8138
