February 28, 2017

Where do Ph.D. graduates go once they complete their studies at the OHSU School of Medicine?

The Graduate Studies Office completed a rigorous review of 424 Ph.D. graduates from the last 10 years to answer just that question, compiling its first-ever database of graduate information.

Recently, it released outcomes. Read full report.

Per Figure 3 above, within 10 years, all graduates have transitioned out of postdoctoral positions.

While there are no clear trends in professional choice at the one year mark – academic versus industry versus other careers – it's notable that 10 years after graduation, 40 percent of the Class of 2007 graduates have accepted tenure-track faculty positions.   

"We're pleasantly surprised to see this, and it demonstrates the strength of our Ph.D. programs in preparing students for a spectrum of professional careers, including highly-competitive faculty positions," said Allison Fryer, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate studies, OHSU School of Medicine.

The study found that 35 percent of graduates take postdoctoral positions within OHSU. The rest accept postdoctoral positions around the world, including at prestigious universities, underscoring the global reach of the school's Ph.D. graduates. See Figure 4, below.

Five years after graduation, 35 percent of Ph.D. graduates are employed in industry. See Figure 5, below. Graduates are employed by 121 unique industry employers, of which seven have been started by OHSU Ph.D. graduates.

The Graduate Studies Office says it has established strong outcomes methodology unique among graduate programs and has received numerous inquiries from peer institutions around the country to learn its process.

The office intends to formally publish the study in an academic journal, contributing to the body of literature on this topic.

Graduate Studies leaders and faculty will utilize these findings. "We highly value data-driven research in order to guide and shape the future of our programs," said Jackie Wirz, Ph.D., assistant dean for student affairs in the Graduate Studies Program, OHSU School of Medicine.

Data were compiled from academic years 2007-2016 via current C.V.'s and confirmed by programs and mentors. Data is collected at the time the degree was awarded, one, five and 10 years after graduation. Additional information and raw data are available. Email the office.