• Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is preparing to offer a dual doctorate and medical degree program in neuroscience, allowing participants to work towards both degrees simultaneously over seven years
• FAU is partnering with the Max Planck Florida Institute to help establish the program, using the neuroscience institution to engage in research and industry training 
• The academic acceleration will allow students to attain the dual degrees in less time than working toward them separately

Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) colleges of medicine and science announced an expansion along with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) to offer a neuroscience degree program that grants students both a medical degree and a doctorate.

The dual-degree program will operate as an accelerated program between FAU and MPFI and is anticipated to begin in 2023 with graduation in the spring of 2030, according to the university.

Students will receive a medical degree and a doctorate in integrative biology with a concentration in either biomedical sciences or neuroscience upon program completion.

“FAU and Max Planck Florida are joining forces to accelerate unmatched education and research opportunities,” said FAU President John Kelly. “The MD./Ph.D. program is another step in welcoming top-tier neuroscience students to our community and providing the collaborative cutting-edge experiences to open new doors for discovery.”

FAU and MPFI will coordinate as part of the program agreement to grant program participants with industry training in both medicine and biomedical research, as well as training aspects particular to the medical neuroscience career path.

Through the program, students are able to obtain both degrees in seven years, compared to an estimated ten years if each degree was sought after separately.

“Over the last decade, we have been privileged to provide more than 350 scientific trainees with access to world-class mentorship and technology, and to encourage them to approach research with curiosity and boldness,” said David Fitzpatrick, CEO and scientific director of MPFI. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand this experience to those pursuing a career in medicine, and look forward to creating new opportunities for exceptional physician-scientists right here in South Florida.”

The program can also serve as a recruiting tool for FAU, as it has the only public medical school in the south Florida region. Given the area’s struggle to meet healthcare needs as a result of the ongoing health worker shortage the program can help meet the growing patient-care needs as well as improve on preexisting research infrastructure.