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Academics: PhD: In-Depth

 

Overview

We seek individuals with a variety of backgrounds who desire to obtain a strong technical grounding in medical informatics, health and medicine, computer science, and research methods so that they may assume positions that require a thorough understanding of information technology, health, and biomedicine. The major goal of the PhD program is to develop independent researchers, dedicated teachers, and imaginative leaders in health care, academia, and industry. DMICE's PhD in Medical Informatics supplies students with both a core knowledge base of medical informatics and the skills to carry out advanced research in this area. The knowledge base primarily builds from coursework and experiences already in the OHSU Master's degree programs, further enhanced with more advanced courses. What distinguishes the doctoral program from the master’s degree programs, however, is that our PhD candidates engage in advanced research at a level that will allow them to make novel contributions to the field through the requirements of a doctoral dissertation.

Coursework

Coursework makes up an important part of the PhD curriculum. In addition to work on the dissertation and research, students obtain a deep understanding of the field through high-level coursework in medical informatics, advanced research methods and design, and a specialized cognate area. One of the most unique aspects of the program is this requirement for in-depth training in a cognate area such as Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Science Engineering, Public Health, Nursing, System Science, Anthropology, or Education. Courses for the cognate area can be taken from the OHSU Dept. of Science & Engineering or nearby Portland State University.

Most students will take 18 - 24 months to complete coursework and take qualifying exams (written and oral), and another 12 - 24 months to conduct independent research, prepare a dissertation, and publicly present and orally defend it. Students who already have a Master's or equivalent degree in biomedical informatics may spend less time in the coursework phase.

Doctoral students are required to maintain enrollment during the entire period of their training. This requirement is satisfied by coursework during the pre-candidacy period and with dissertation and research enrollment after being admitted to candidacy. There will be a residency requirement of 12 - 15 credits for six consecutive terms in accordance with the by-laws of the School of Medicine Graduate Council. A minimum of 135 credits are required for graduation. Please refer to the table below for distribution specifics.

Required element Notes Total Minimum Credits
Demonstration of Biomedical Informatics Knowledge Students are required to complete all the subject (non-thesis/non-capstone) courses of the master’s degree programs. These include courses in six domains. Minimum 48 credits of subject courses required. Students with a background in certain areas (e.g., medicine) may substitute other courses but still must complete minimum 48 credits.
Reading and Conference
 Students will be required to present a key paper or research method in their field of research each term.
 10 credits minimum
Advanced Research Methods
 Design and methods classes can come from computational, social, and/or other sciences. Classes should be relevant to proposed area of research; examples include a three-course sequence in statistics geared toward doctoral students or a comparable sequence in computational analytical techniques. 12 credits minimum; coherent set of courses beyond research methods minimum of master’s program; approved by advisor.
Cognate Area - Distributed (across departments) or Concentrated (within one department) In consultation with the academic advisor, students will select 3-4 courses to complement proposed area of research. These should be graduate level courses and may be taken at other institutions or OHSU departments. 12 credits minimum, cohesive set of courses to demonstrate depth in a cognate area in medical informatics. Sample areas include public health, genetics, computer science, and business administration.
Symposium State of the art literature synthesis in an area of research from which the student will be questioned during a student symposium and graded by 3 faculty members. Student symposia will be scheduled during several weeks of the quarter.
 3 credits.
Mentored Teaching Prep and Mentored Teaching
 Students develop a contract with mentor for teaching experience. Decisions will be made regarding lectures, deadlines, scope and topics to be covered. Prepare lesson plans, course materials with Mentor (syllabus, calendar, lectures). Students then teach a subject area course under the mentorship of a faculty member.
 8 credits minimum (2X, 4 credits per sequence)
Research and Dissertation
 To be taken with advisor. 48 credits.

Applying

PhD application - on-campus only. Fall 2010 admission only.  Application dates:

Fall: Open Sept. 1, 2009. Close Dec. 1, 2009.
Late applications are not considered.

Any questions about applying and admissions can be directed to Andrea Ilg, Program Administrator at 1.503.494.2547. Please make sure to check our FAQ. Many common questions have already been answered there.

To apply for the PhD program, you must have:

  • Bachelor's Degree (in any field of study) from an accredited institution
  • TOEFL scores, if English is not your native language (institution code 4865)
  • cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • official sealed transcripts to accompany the application
  • personal statement
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • introductory course in computer programming, preferably C++, Java, or Perl (see the CS Policy for more info)
  • introductory course in human anatomy and physiology
  • GRE scores from within the last 5 years for those who do not already have a doctoral degree from an accredited US institution

In some circumstances the anatomy and programming requirements may be met after acceptance to the program. 

Apply now

Individuals who are not residents of USA or Canada and who intend to apply for temporary U.S. residency (F-1 visa) status should complete and submit our pre-application. There is substantial competition for entry into OHSU graduate programs and only highly qualified applicants are likely to be considered. Students should have excellent command of the English language as well as excellent GRE scores and strong academic records. Student transcripts should be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.

 
 
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