The present disclosure is generally directed to a monitor photodiode (MPD) submount for use in optical transceivers that includes a body with a conductive trace pattern disposed on multiple surfaces of the same to allow for vertical mounting of an associated MPD and simplified electrical interconnection with TOSA circuitry without the necessity of electrical interconnection. The MPD submount includes a body defined by a plurality of sidewalls. At least one surface of the body provides a mounting surface for coupling to and supporting an MPD. The MPD submount further includes a conductive trace pattern that provides at least one conductive path that is disposed on the mounting surface and on at least one adjoining sidewall. The portion of the at least one conductive path disposed on the adjoining sidewall extends substantially transverse relative to the surface defining the transceiver/transmitter substrate when the MPD submount is coupled to the same.