MD/PhD

What is an MD/PhD?

  • What is an MD/PhD?
  • The MD/PhD is a dual doctoral degree for physician scientists that combines the vocational training of a Doctor of Medicine with the research rigor of a Doctor of Philosophy
  • The MD/PhD programs are highly competitive, often taking 7-8 years to complete
    • Years 1-2: First two years of Med School
    • Years 3-6: Mostly Grad School/PhD Work
    • Years 7-8: Last two years of Med School

Who are Biomedical Research Scientists?

  • Upon earning their dual degree, MD/PhD candidates become biomedical research scientists
  • Biomedical research scientists are interested in researching the mechanisms that underlie disease in order to engineer patient-driven medical solutions
    • Example: A neurologist who studies brain plasticity in order to develop better treatment plans for epileptic patients
  • Biomedical research scientists are patient, creative, interested in biology, and persistent enough to see rigorous research projects through to conclusion

What are career outcomes like for Physician scientists?

  • The vast majority (~75%) become faculty at medical schools
    • At medical schools, physician scientists can continue to work on their research while practicing primary care
  • About 16% of physician scientists work in private medical practices
  • Physician scientists also work at research institutes, such as HHMI and NIH
  • Owing to their extensive education and technical skills, careers in physician science are well paid

How Much would an MD/PhD cost?

  • Since MD/PhD physician scientists are so valuable, many training programs receive extensive financial support
  • Since NIH supports MD/PhD students with grants and stipends, most students enroll tuition free
  • For more information on financial support for MD-PhD training, visit the American Association of Medical College’s web page on potential funding sources for MD/PhD students:

How competitive are MD/PhD programs?

  • Traditionally, MD/PhD programs receive fewer applicants than do medical schools, but they are usually more competitive
  • Matriculating student statistics
    • Mean GPA: 3.8
    • Mean MCAT: 515
  • The standards for admission will vary from school to school, so it is important to check with each offering program
  • Note: It is not always necessary to have at least a 3.8 GPA in order to be admitted. It is still possible to be a competitive MD/PhD applicant with a lower GPA if you have outstanding research and clinical experience.

What can I do to ensure that I’ll be a competitive MD/PhD applicant?

  • Demonstrate academic success in biology, physics, chemistry, and social science courses
    • For more information about which courses you should take as an undergrad in order to meet MD/PhD admission requirements, visit the Reed Yorke Health Professions Advising Office’s web page on pre-medicine coursework.
  • Score competitively on the MCAT (~515+)
    • Costs about $315
    • More information about the American Association of Medical College’s Fee Assistance Program.
  • Demonstrate interest in medical practice
    • Look for scribing positions and shadowing opportunities
  • Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service
  • Demonstrate a passionate commitment for research
    • Multiple summer projects
    • Consider a senior thesis project
    • In some cases, one or more years of research experience after undergraduate studies may be appropriate
  • Owing to the rigorous prerequisite expectations for applying to an MD/PhD programs, it is common for applicants to take one or more gap years after completing an undergraduate degree

How can I apply?

  • General Timeline
    • Applications open in the summer
    • Interviews begin in the fall/winter
    • Acceptances released in the winter
    • Matriculation in the summer
  • Components
    • Transcript/Coursework
    • MCAT score
    • Personal statement that explains your career goals/interests and how they are related to the intersection of medicine and research
    • For more information on constructing an effective and convincing personal statement, read this article written by the Director of Health Professions Advising at Princeton University.
    • Letters of recommendation, especially from research mentors
    • For more information about selecting appropriate recommenders, visit the University of Maryland’s Health Profession Advising Office’s web page on letters of recommendation.
  • Interview Tips
    • Demonstrate your personality, creativity, and motivation for applying to an MD/PhD program
    • Demonstrate strong verbal communication skills
    • Be able to describe all items from your application, especially your research
    • Ask specific questions about the MD/PhD program

Resources for prospective MD/PhD applicants