HBTM FAQs

1. What are the main differences between the HBTM program and other DMS departments and programs?

The HBTM is unique in its focus on providing a structure for the integrated and rigorous training of students both in the fundamentals of human biology and in the translation of advances in basic investigation to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease. To this end, the Human Biology and Translational Medicine curriculum includes new core and elective courses in human metabolism, pathophysiology, genomics/proteomics, biostatistics/clinical trial design, and the biology of specific human diseases.

2. Are there any special prerequisites for this program?

The multidisciplinary nature of human biology and translational medicine provides a context for graduate study for students with a broad range of prior coursework and research interests. Students who have pursued undergraduate majors in any of the life or physical sciences may be qualified to enter the HBTM program. Coursework in biochemistry, chemistry, statistics, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, physics and mathematics will serve as a strong basis for the graduate courses offered in the HBTM program. Prior research experience is essential, along with a deep sense of scientific curiosity and a desire to pursue rigorous training in multidisciplinary disease-oriented research.

3. What are some of the admissions criteria that will be considered when I send in my application?

Overall academic excellence
Previous research experience
Depth of background in relevant fields, including (but not limited to) biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology, physics, and physiology
Evaluation of the Statement of Interest that details the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine and explains why this program is particularly well-suited for the applicant
Designation on the student’s application of an interest in being considered for admission to the Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine
Students who have previously obtained the MD degree and have outstanding potential as investigators in basic, translational, or clinical investigation, may also be well suited for this program

4. Why should I choose the HBTM track instead of Leder or HILS?

The proposed Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine (PHBTM) is created as a partner to the new Leder Program in Medical Sciences, within the Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) and within the overall structure of the Harvard Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) and Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS). The Leder Medical Sciences Program is a new program that provides graduate students in current HILS programs with additional course work in pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, as well as an exposure to patients. These enrichment experiences provide a biomedical context for graduate students selected from current HILS programs; the students then pursue their thesis work in established basic research laboratories. The Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine assumes a different but complementary paradigm: the central research focus for students and faculty in this program is the study of human disease states and the identification of improved means for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thus, the Leder Medical Sciences Program and the proposed Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine have distinct if complementary goals, and leaders from both programs have worked closely together in the formulation of this proposal for the creation of the PHBTM.

5. Who should apply to this program?

We anticipate interest from students with both basic molecular and clinical backgrounds. Those with basic molecular backgrounds will need to learn the fundamentals of human biology, and those with clinical backgrounds will need to acquire a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of disease. This diverse student body should both challenge and enrich the program. The Human Biology and Translational Medicine Program may also be of great interest to students in the Harvard-MIT MD-PhD Program, whose interests may be well served by graduate training in human biology and disease-oriented research.

6. What kind of careers are available to graduates of the HBTM program?

Both academic and industrial groups are extremely keen to recruit scientists with training in human biology and disease-oriented research. Graduates from this Program should have exceptional career opportunities.

7. What are the extracurricular activities tied into the program? Are they required of all students to participate?

In addition to these courses, students in the Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine (PHBTM) are involved in a broad range of ongoing paracurricular programs that will be developed with the Leder Medical Sciences (LMS) Program, and will be available to interested students in BBS and throughout HILS. These activities include a monthly dinner seminar, “Recent Advances in Human Biology and Translational Medicine,” featuring a lecture and discussion led by a member of the PHBTM, BBS, or LMS faculty or by visiting scientists. The students in these programs are encouraged to attend the periodic Clinical Champions Lecture Series organized by the PASTEUR program at HMS. Students attend selected Medical Grand Rounds presented by investigators who pursue work using approaches related to Human Biology and Translational Medicine. Students and faculty from the PHBTM and LMS programs participate in an annual retreat (open to all interested BBS students and faculty) that will highlight student research, and will include a lecture by a leading faculty investigator. This retreat features poster presentations by the students, and may include a competitive award for the best posters. Most importantly, the annual retreat presents opportunities for both scientific and social interactions between the students and faculty, and for broader discussion of educational and programmatic issues.

8. Where can I find information on faculty involved in the HBTM program?

If you are looking for a specific person, you can find them in the BBS faculty listing. For your convenience, a list of the entire HBTM faculty—along with their areas of interests—can be found here.

9. Who is the best person to contact for more information about the program?

Program Director: Thomas Michel, M.D., Ph.D. email: HumanBiology@hms.harvard.edu)

10. Are there any websites of organizations or associated programs that I should refer to when researching a future in the HBTM program?

HMS-affiliated hospitals:

HMS departments

FAS departments:

11. Is there an informational session some time during the year where prospective applicants can meet the HBTM faculty?

An interview is not required, but students are encouraged to visit Boston and to talk with HBTM faculty about their interests. These visits can be coordinated by contacting the HBTM Program Head, Dr. Thomas Michel or by emailing : HumanBiology@hms.harvard.edu)