MD/DO-PhD FAQ

Our own answers to many common MD/PhD and physician-scientists can be found below. We also encourage you to check out a number of other FAQ answers from institutions, programs, and MD/PhD students.

The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a helpful FAQ here.

The national American Physician Scientists Association (APSA) organization prepared a document with many answers to FAQs here.

Penn's MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Lawrence Brass, answered common MD/PhD applicant questions here.

A lot of additional questions can be answered on the AAMC's MD/PhD website that provides great information on MD/PhD applications, interviews, training, and careers here.

Our own attempt at answering many of these questions can be found below. Be advised that some of the questions are inherently subjective, so our answers do not reflect the absolute truth for these particular questions.

What is an MD/PhD or DO/PhD?

An MD/PhD is a dual degree program that allows students to earn M.D. and Ph.D degrees at an institution or two partner institutions. These programs are operated by medical schools for the most part and produce aspiring physician-scientists.

Why should I do an MD/PhD or DO/PhD?

You should pursue MD/PhD training if you're interested in a physician-scientist career. An MD/PhD program offers the unique opportunity to combine medical, clinical, and research training alongside other like-minded and motivated students. This cross-training allows students to prepare for careers as skillful and compassionate clinicians, independent research investigators, and leaders in science and medicine. Additionally, programs typically are tuition-free and provide students with a stipend for living expenses during their entire education in the program.

Is the application process different compared to MD only applications?

Generally, the application process is very similar, but there are some key differences. MD/PhD applicants must take the MCAT (and CASPer in some cases) just like MD only applicants. MD/PhD applicants also apply during the same time period as MD only applicants (in the summer about a year before intended matriculation). On AMCAS, MD/PhD applicants must complete two additional essays explaining "Why MD/PhD?" and their "Significant Research Experience" along with listing their total number of research hours. Many schools also ask additional questions of MD/PhD applicants on supplemental (secondary) applications and MD/PhD interviews typically require an additional day compared to MD only interviews. The application process is made different so that students can demonstrate their interest and goals as scientists in addition to their passion for medicine and goals as a physician. MD/PhD applicants are also strongly advised to include letters of recommendation from all research mentors in their applications.

What subjects could I earn a PhD in as an MD/PhD?

This depends largely on the institution where you complete your MD/PhD. Smaller and newer MD/PhD program most often only offer PhD's in the biomedical sciences such as cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, neuroscience, chemistry, pharmacology, pathology, anatomy, biochemistry, and genetics. Many programs also give students the option of pursuing PhD's in biophysics, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, and/or clinical research. Some large and established programs may also allow students to pursue PhD's in disciplines not in the field of science or medicine such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, or potentially other topics. To pursue a PhD in a discipline in the social sciences or business, schools sometimes require additional entrance exams like the GRE. Review school's websites and contact them accordingly to find out this information.

How does MD/PhD training work?

MD/PhD training can vary by institution, but the most common training structure is as follows: (1) 2 years of medical school, (2) graduate school classes and thesis research, (3) 2 final years of medical school. The graduate school coursework and research typically separates pre-clinical education and clinical education in medical school. The program takes an average of 7-8 years to complete. Some programs differ in curriculum structure (e.g. 3-4-1 instead of 2-4-2)

Are there others ways to become a physician-scientist?

As long as you're a physician interested in science and research, you can be a physician-scientist. This means that MD and DO students can have physician-scientist careers as well. Medical students can conduct laboratory or clinical research while in medical school without being part of an MD/PhD program. There are also a number of medical schools that offer MD degree programs with an additional year for research built in. Also, there are a number of advanced medical training options that allow interested students to integrate research into their residencies and fellowships.

What can I do after earning an MD/PhD?

Conduct research and/or practice medicine. Hopefully do both together. Most often, MD/PhD graduates enter academia, join research institutes, work in industry, or work exclusively as clinicians in private practice. What you do after earning an MD/PhD largely depends on what further training you pursue. If you enter residency and complete further medical education, you can practice as an attending physician. If you immediately pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and do not complete any more medical training, then you can become an independent investigator and run a lab. An MD/PhD dual degree is a key that can open a lot of doors and will allow you to practice as a clinician, lead research projects, teach medicine, and teach subjects in the biomedical sciences.

What do MD/PhD admissions committees look for in an applicant?

This varies for each school and for each applicant. The expectations and requirements may depend on your prior education and work experience. For example, an admissions committee will expect far more research experience and technical ability from a student that has taken multiple gap years than a student that is applying as an undergraduate. In general, admissions committees are looking for (1) research experience, critical thinking ability, understanding of experimental techniques and study design, and reasons for pursuing graduate education and a scientist career; (2) clinical exposure, passion for medicine, and reasons for pursuing medicine; (3) an understanding of what a physician-scientist career entails and well developed reasoning for pursuing a physician-scientist career; (4) strong academic ability and potential as a student; (5) good verbal and written communication ability, collaborative and leadership abilities, and professionalism; (6) compassion, thoughtfulness, and cognizance of injustice and social inequalities; (7) self-awareness and an internal motivation for pursuing academic interests and/or science and medicine; and (8) humanity, personality, and unique interests, attributes, experiences, identities, or backgrounds. Generally, factors 1-4 are the most important. Some schools may not emphasize or care about particular factors from 5-8, but a failure to convincingly demonstrate some of these attributes may limit your chances of admissions, especially for certain institutions.

What is the difference between MSTPs and MD/PhD programs?

There are no large differences between MSTPs and MD/PhD programs. MSTPs are a subset of MD/PhD training programs which have NIH funding support through T32 MSTP grants. MSTPs guarantee stipends for all years of training, and while MD/PhD programs generally do as well, their funding is not secured through the NIH and stipends may vary for each school or program.

Do MD/PhD programs consider international applicants?

Some do, and some outright do not. Being an international student can complicates the application process. At some schools, you must be citizen or permanent resident to be considered for a program and NIH funded positions are only granted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, larger, more prestigious MSTPs generally have additional resources to fund international students and non-MSTP MD/PhD programs have less restrictions. Use MSAR, explore the program website, and contact program admissions to get a sense of which programs interview, actually accept international students, or already have international students in their program.