Over the past two decades only a handful of M.D./Ph.D. students have completed the program in six years (the average is seven or eight). Among them is Nicole McNeer, M.D. ’14, Ph.D. ’14, whose career path straddles pediatrics and biomedical engineering. While she was fast-tracking through the program, she also earned three prestigious awards—for the med school graduate who best exemplifies the qualities of a pediatrician; the most outstanding dissertation by an M.D./Ph.D. student; and exceptional achievement in engineering research.

McNeer has been working in science labs since she was 14. She focuses on using nanoparticles to deliver gene therapy, literally editing patients' DNA. Her focus is on diseases of childhood, including pediatric cancers, cystic fibrosis, and inherited anemias.

Physicians, Physical Health, Technology, Technology, Science and Technology Professionals Life Sciences, Cystic Fibrosis,