md phd program requirements

• final two years

md-phd program requirements

MD-PhD students are expected to function as full time students in the program throughout the MS4 year (eg minimum of 35-40 hours a week).  The program considers a wide range of activities to be acceptable for maintaining full-time student status (and receiving that paycheck!), as long as the student provides monthly updates to the staff . These include all the typical MS4 activities: clinical coursework, preparing residency applications, interviewing, taking step 2, and completing other MD graduation requirements. In addition, we anticipate that nearly all students will Return to Research (R2R) during the MS4 year.  You can do this by extending your thesis work, or by choosing to explore a new topic or type of research, and working with a new mentor. Global health activities are also fine.  The program is pretty much open to anything that is academic in nature, adds up to a full time work load, and fits well with the student’s long term career goals. If a student is interested in an alternate activity of some type (eg an internship or research at another institution), this may also be acceptable but the student must seek approval from the Program Director several months in advance. 

Note that students may hear MD classmates saying that they only need to be registered for activities for two out of every four months.  This is true in terms of formal enrollment as an MD student.  But the requirements for receiving your MD-PhD fellowship and paycheck are continuous full time enrollment .  You are expected to truly be full time throughout all of MS4.  Please complete paperwork for the Registrar’s office to document research or other non-clinical activities.  Of course students are also expected to take some vacation time this year!  A week or two here or there is fine, and it is understood that students who Match outside of Philly will need to time for a housing search in another city in the spring.  But for the most part, MD-PhD students should be in school full time throughout the year. 

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., tips for applying to md-phd programs.

If you can’t imagine a medical career without helping patients and participating in research, you’ve probably considered the MD-PhD track. Learn all about applying to MD-PhD programs and get our expert tips for strengthening your application.

Is an MD-PhD Program right for you?

The MD-PhD is a dual doctorate degree program for students who are interested in careers as “physician-scientists." By graduation, you’ll have fulfilled requirements for both the MD and PhD degrees. The MD-PhD takes about 8 years to complete during which you receive medical training AND become an expert in a specific research field. The program also requires dissertation research in your field of graduate study, which can range from biomedical laboratory disciplines like biochemistry or genetics to fields like economics, sociology, or anthropology . After graduation, MD-PhD students usually work as researchers or as faculty members at medical schools and universities.

Learn more about MD combined degree programs .

What are Medical Scientist Training Programs?

Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP) are MD-PhD programs that are funded by the National Institute of Health. Students who are admitted to these highly-competitive programs receive full tuition coverage, living expenses, and a stipend. There are currently 45  NIH-funded MSTP programs .

Are all MD-PhD programs free?

Over 60 medical and osteopathic medical schools  maintain their own MD-PhD or DO-PhD programs that are not funded by the NIH. Depending on the school, these programs offer full or partial financial support for their students.

Applying to MD-PhD Programs

Nearly all MD-PhD programs use the same application process as MD admissions—via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application . One key difference? MD-PhD applicants submit two additional essays: the MD-PhD Essay and the Significant Research Experience Essay:

• The MD-PhD Essay asks you to explain your reasons for pursuing the combined degree program.
• The  Significant Research Experience Essay asks you to describe your key research experiences, including your research supervisor's name and affiliation, the duration of the experience, the nature of the problem studied, and your contributions to the project.

Read More: Guide to Your Med School Applications

Do you need to take the GRE Test to apply for the Md-Phd Program?

Programs have different policies, so some schools may require both the MCAT and the GRE for combined degree applicants. For example, an MD-Phd in Anthropology at one school may require the GRE, while the MD-PhD in Immunology may not. Check with your prospective med schools to make sure you’re covered.

Timeline for MD-PhD Admissions

The MD-PHD application timeline is virtually the same as for MD admissions. (Remember you are using the same application service!) Here are the important dates for MD-PHD admissions:

• Early May: AMCAS opens and begins accepting transcripts
• Early June:  AMCAS begins accepting application submissions
• October–March: MD-PhD applicant interviews
• December–March: Admissions decisions sent to applicants
• March–April: Md-PhD applicants make their final decisions
• June–August: MD-PHD programs begin!

Tips for Boosting Your Md-Phd Application

Competition for MD-PhD applicants is fierce. After all, you have to convince medical schools to invest significant time and financial resources in you. Of the total 1,936 MD-PhD applicants in 2016–17, only 649 matriculated in a U.S. med school. Here’s what you can do to strengthen your overall application.

1. You need strong MCAT scores and a high GPA

If your grades and scores aren’t where they need to be, address it before you apply!  Check out these admissions stats for MD-PhD matriculants to U.S. medical schools from 2016-2017:

SOURCE:  Association of American Medical Colleges

Make a smart MCAT prep plan and retake the exam if necessary. Consider completing additional grad school work to raise your GPA and take advantage of our online tutors for pre-med requirements!

2. You need sustained research background + a clear picture of your future in research

3. you need the right recommenders.

Most letters of recommendation should come for your research mentors, professors who run the labs you work in, and the postdoctoral fellows you work with. Make sure your recommenders know that you are applying to MD-PhD programs as this will affect the letters they write.

Want to get an edge over the crowd?

Our admissions experts know what it takes it get into med school. Get the customized strategy and guidance you need to help achieve your goals.

Med School Admission Counseling

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Admissions and Application Process

Submission deadlines and admission timeline

Prerequisites and requirements

Before you begin the application process, review the  academic and test prerequisites and technical standards required of all students applying for admission to the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

Please note, transfer students are not accepted.

Location enrollment options

Applicants can choose to apply and enroll in the M.D.-Ph.D. Program at either the Minnesota campus or Arizona campus .

How to apply

Online application and application fee .

The first step of the application process is to apply online to Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine through the  American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) .

Within the AMCAS online application, you’ll be able to indicate your desire to apply for the Combined Medical Degree-Ph.D.

Applications are accepted from June 1 through Oct. 1 of each year. After the initial application is received, applicants will be contacted regarding the M.D.-Ph.D. secondary application.

Early submission of application materials is strongly encouraged, as the deadline for completed applications is Oct. 15.

A completed application is composed of:

• Verified AMCAS application
• $120 processing fee (unless granted a fee waiver by AMCAS)
• Secondary application
• Letters of recommendation

After submitting an initial AMCAS file, select candidates will be invited to submit a secondary application. This secondary application includes campus selection.

If selected to complete a secondary application, please note that within the secondary application, there is a checkbox at the bottom to indicate your interest in consideration for the M.D.-only program at Mayo Clinic . If you check this box and you are not selected to interview for the M.D.-Ph.D. Program, you may be considered for the M.D.-only program.

The deadline for submitting the secondary application is Oct. 15.

The Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program requires a minimum of three individual letters of recommendation, or one committee letter submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service. Additional letters of recommendation may be submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service or be sent directly to the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program as outlined below. It is particularly important to include recommendations from research mentors or supervisors. The deadline for receipt of letters of recommendation is Oct. 15.

• Upload through AMCAS Letter Service
• Fax to 507-293-0838 (Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program)
• Email to:  [email protected]  (must come directly from the recommender's email address)
• Mail directly to the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program at the below address:

Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program Attn: Lisa Hurley Guggenheim Building, Room 2-24 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905

Selection criteria and application review process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The review of your application occurs after all materials of a complete application have been received. A complete application includes a verified AMCAS application, secondary application, letters of recommendation, and processing fee.

The Admissions Committee takes into consideration the many factors that make up an applicant, including:

• Depth and breadth of research experiences
• Exposure to and the exploration of medicine
• Leadership experience, community and volunteer service, artistic and athletic endeavors, along with work experiences
• Academic performance and GPA
• MCAT score/percentile
• Personal statement

Campus interviews

The second step of the admissions process is the interview. 

Interview process

Prospective students selected for an interview are contacted via email starting in early October. Candidates are invited to interview for either the Minnesota or Arizona campus on one of the scheduled M.D.-Ph.D. Program interview dates. Interviews are conducted virtually.

Interview events

Interview events are held in November, December, January, and February. During interview events, candidates receive an in-depth orientation to the program, participate in interviews with members of the M.D.-Ph.D. Admissions Committee, have the opportunity to meet faculty members of their choice, and spend time talking with current students.

Admissions offer and in-person visit

If offered admission, you may elect to make an in-person visit to campus. During this visit, you may meet potential thesis mentors, tour the campus and community, and gather more information to help you decide among the programs to which you have been admitted.

In-person visit travel expenses are supported up to a predetermined limit.

Acceptance of offer is required as outlined in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) ‘Traffic Rules’.

Admissions FAQs

Does the mayo clinic m.d.-ph.d. program require a secondary application.

Yes. You will be contacted regarding a secondary application for the M.D.-Ph.D. Program.

What constitutes a complete application?

A complete application includes:

• The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application
• Processing fee (unless granted a fee waiver by AMCAS)

The deadline for a complete application is Oct. 15.

What are the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) requirements?

You must have a current MCAT exam (within three years of matriculation). MCAT scores from 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be accepted for the 2025 admissions cycle.

Are Advanced Placement (AP) credits accepted?

The Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program accepts AP credits if they are accepted by your degree-granting institution and are applied toward your degree requirements.

Are Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores required?

No. GRE scores are not required to apply to the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program.

Are international students eligible to apply?

No. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada at the time of application. Foreign nationals, regardless of visa status, are currently ineligible for admission.

If I am not selected for the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program, will I be considered for the M.D.-only program at Mayo Clinic?

If you are not selected to interview for the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program, you may be considered for the M.D.-only program at Mayo Clinic. There is a checkbox at the bottom of the secondary application to indicate your interest. 

Does the Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program participate in NIH partnership programs?

No. The Mayo Clinic M.D.-Ph.D. Program does not participate in the NIH M.D.-Ph.D. Partnership Training Program (Track 1 [OxCam], Track 2, or Track 3) nor the NIH Graduate Partnership Program (GPP).

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MD-PhD Program

Our mission.

Our mission is to provide students with integrated training in clinical medicine and research that qualifies them to perform at the highest standards as rigorous clinicians and scientists; to create a diverse and inclusive physician-scientist community to support and mentor trainees along axes of personal identity, clinical discipline and research domain; to cultivate the characteristics of curiosity, creativity, compassion and service in our trainees; and to develop skills associated with success in a broad range of physician-scientist research careers through experiential learning.

Our commitment to diversity & inclusion

Director's welcome: yale md-phd program, message from the director.

Whether you are a prospective or current student, alumnus, faculty or staff member, you are here because of a shared interest in how physician-scientists can advance patient care through their unique and rigorous training in both clinical medicine and research.

Here at Yale, we have world-class scientists and clinicians engaged in basic, translational and clinical research that runs from sub-atomic bonds to the bonds that hold society together, and everything in between. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, with different scientific and clinical interests, but share the desire to make an impact through their work and practice. Our program has didactic, clinical and research opportunities within divisions, departments and schools that span the entire University. I am glad to report that the Yale System still lives and continues to promote a culture of independence of thought, creativity, mission and service among our collaborative students and faculty. I am very proud of our past and current students who do groundbreaking research that leads to advances in medicine.

I hope you take a moment to learn more about our program from these web pages, or by contacting any of our students, faculty or staff. If you are a student who is ready to accept the challenges, responsibilities and rewards of preparing for a career that makes a positive impact on human health and well-being, I invite you to apply to our MD-PhD program. We hope that you will become part of the Yale MD-PhD family, and join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2020!

With warm regards,

Barbara Kazmierczak, MD PhD Professor of Medicine & Microbial Pathogenesis Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation MD-PhD Program Director

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M.D. Program

Prerequisites, requirements and policies.

Online Courses

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the School of Medicine has changed the policy regarding prerequisite courses taken online. We will now accept online prerequisite courses completed at an accredited college or university, whether these were taken prior to the pandemic or any time afterwards. 

Medical school studies build on a strong foundation in the sciences and mathematics at the premedical level. Beyond the successful fulfillment of these basic prerequisites, the Committee on Admission considers the overall quality and scope of an applicant’s undergraduate educational experience. The field of concentration for undergraduate studies and the selection of additional science and mathematics courses are the student’s personal choice and will not affect the admission process.

In addition to the academic requirements detailed below, we seek candidates who evidence the following characteristics:

• Academic Excellence
• Service, compassion and humanism
• Ability to work in a team (or as part of a team)

Requirements for Admission

State Authorization Disclosure Regarding Educational Prerequisites  (PDF)

The following general requirements must be met by all applicants:

I. Standardized testing.

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for acceptance. The MCAT must be taken no later than September in the year the application is submitted. The oldest MCAT considered will be four years prior to date of expected matriculation. For students entering in Fall 2023, the oldest acceptable MCAT is 2019.

Note for graduates of foreign institutions: Successful passage of the TOEFL examination is additionally required for all students whose undergraduate instruction was conducted primarily in a language other than English.

II. Required academic work from an accredited institution.

(As listed on “Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education,’’ authorized and published by the American Council on Education, One DuPont Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.)

The School of Medicine accepts prerequisites completed at the community college level. In order to be competitive in the selection process, we encourage prospective applicants with community college prerequisites to supplement these courses by taking advanced courses in related subjects at their four year institution. A holistic review process is used to select applicants to interview at Hopkins and many factors are considered in this review. These factors include the rigor of the applicant’s course of studies, grades, MCAT scores, clinical and research exposure, letters of recommendation, personal statement and the applicant’s understanding of medicine. In addition, we consider the path the applicants have taken which led to their desire to apply to medical school and become a physician.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate credits acceptable to the student's undergraduate college may be used to satisfy the prerequisites in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus/Statistics and up to one-half of the Humanities/Social, Behavioral Sciences. AP and IB credits must be documented on an official transcript. Please note the additional requirements for Biology and Chemistry listed below.

Please note:

• Extension or evening courses taken in fulfillment of premedical course requirements are not acceptable unless they are identical to courses offered in the college’s regular academic program
• Preparation in foreign universities must be supplemented by a year or more of work at an accredited university in the United States.   Please note that this is not a requirement for applicants whose bachelors degree was received in Canada.
• Prerequisites do not need to be completed to apply but must be completed by August 1, just prior to matriculating at Johns Hopkins. Until successful completion of the requirements, acceptance is considered conditional
• All coursework submitted in fulfillment of admission requirements must be evaluated on the basis of a traditional grading system. Such a system must employ a range of numbers or letters to indicate the comparative level of performance
• CLEP credits may not be substituted for any course requirement

Specific premedical course requirements are:

College biology with laboratory, one year (8 semester hours).

A separate course devoted to the principles of genetics (4 sem. hours) is recommended.  Individuals who have not completed their studies in biology within the past four (4) years are strongly encouraged to take an additional course in mammalian or molecular biology.  If using AP or IB credit, an additional semester in advanced biology, such as cell biology, genetics, physiology, molecular biology, etc., is required.  

i. General college chemistry with laboratory, one year (8 semester hours).

If using AP or IB credit, an additional semester in advanced chemistry is required .  Acceptable advanced chemistry courses include the following:  a second semester of organic chemistry; a second semester of biochemistry; analytical chemistry (quantitative or qualitative); physical chemistry, applied chemical equilibrium and reactivity, etc.

 ii. Organic chemistry with laboratory, one semester (4 semester hours) are required.

iii. Biochemistry. Minimum of 3 semester hours . Lab is not required.

The student should have knowledge of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, the nature of ions in solution and redox reactions, the structure of molecules with special emphasis on bio-organic compounds, reaction rates, binding coefficients, reaction mechanisms involved in enzyme kinetics and other applications to the understanding of living systems. Also important is a basic understanding of the structure of nucleic acids, including how they store and transfer information.

Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences

The study of the humanities and social and behavioral sciences is an essential foundation for the study and practice of medicine. These disciplines foster a broad understanding of humankind and the increasingly diverse cultural and social environment of our world.  A minimum of 24 semester hours is required in areas of humanities (English, History, Classics, Foreign Language, Philosophy, Arts, etc), social science (Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, etc.)  and behavioral science (Psychology, etc.).  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.  Required course work will include at least two writing-intensive courses which can be in the humanities or the social/behavioral sciences and may be counted as part of the twenty-four (24) semester hour requirement for the humanities/social sciences.  AP or IB credit acceptable to the student's undergraduate college is allowed for a maximum of twelve (12) credits .  Please see Communication Skills under Additional Requirements below. 

Mathematics

Calculus   and/or   Statistics Minimum of 6 semester hours .

Mathematics courses should enable the student to develop equations, to interpret graphical representations of function and to evaluate probability involved in testing hypotheses in the study of natural phenomena. AP or IB credit for calculus or statistics, if acceptable to the student’s undergraduate college, may be used in the fulfillment of the math requirement. Regardless of such credit, it is strongly recommended that applicants take at least one semester of statistics or epidemiology .

General college physics with laboratory, one year (8 semester hours).

The student should have an understanding of the constants and units of physical measurement, Newtonian mechanics, the physical properties of various states of matter, such as liquids, solids and gasses, and the basic aspects of electricity, magnetism and optics, and their applications to living systems.  AP or IB credit for physics, if acceptable to the student’s undergraduate college, may be used in fulfillment of the physics requirement. The laboratory portion of this requirement is expected to equip the student with practical understanding of the process of scientific inquiry and to gain insight into how scientific knowledge is discovered and validated.

III. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from an accredited institution.

Additional requirements, i.  communication skills..

Required course work will include at least two writing-intensive courses, which can be in the humanities or the social/behavioral sciences and may be counted as part of the 24-semester hour requirement for the humanities and social sciences. It is expected that the student will have demonstrated precise and fluent communication in spoken and written English. It is strongly recommended that the student achieve basic conversational skills in a foreign language.

II. Teamwork skills.

Medicine is a strongly collaborative endeavor. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to work successfully with others toward a common goal. A significant experience requiring teamwork is therefore expected in the course of the applicant’s academic and/or extracurricular activities and should be documented in the application.

III. Conditions of admission.

Students admitted to the School of Medicine on a conditional basis (i.e., requirement(s) yet to be completed) must fulfill those conditions prior to matriculation in the School of Medicine.

IV. Letters of recommendation:

• Committee letter (required if your college/university has an officially designated committee or advisor). Authored by a pre-health committee or advisor and intended to represent your institution's evaluation of you. A committee letter may or may not include additional letters written in support of your application; - OR -
• Letter packet: A packet or set of letters assembled and distributed by your institution, often by the institution's career center. - OR -
• Two (2) letters from faculty members in science departments who taught you are required if the college/university you have attended does not have a Committee/Advisor AND one (1) letter from a non-science faculty member who has taught you. In addition to the letters, applicants with advanced degrees or significant postgraduate work experience of one year or more, are required to send recommendations from each component of their education and major work experience.

In addition to those letters required for application to the MD Program, two additional letters of recommendation are required for all MD-PhD applicants. These letters are typically from faculty with whom the applicant has done research.

V. Non-U.S. citizen applicants.

Official transcripts are required from all colleges attended outside the United States and Canada for matriculating students.

VI. Application Review.

Following receipt of all required credentials, the Committee on Admission will review applications and make interview decisions. Applicants selected for interview will be notified by the committee.  Virtual interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Assistant Dean for Admissions. Notification of acceptances are made between late fall and mid spring.

Visiting Students

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has limited availability for students at other medical schools to participate in rotations.

Directions for Applying

Transfer Students

Due to the intensity and integration of our four-year curriculum, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is unable to accept transfer students.

Admitted students may request to defer their matriculation by April 15. The Deferral Committee will consider requests individually and will typically grant deferrals for research, academic programs (graduate studies, scholarship) or service programs. Deferrals are usually allowed for one or two years.

Technical Standards

Please review the  updated technical standards . 

For additional information, applicants should contact [email protected] .

Life at Hopkins Resources

MD-PhD, Combined Degree

School of medicine, md - phd, combined degree program.

From its inception, the physician-scientist has been a hallmark of Johns Hopkins medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Indeed, the Hopkins tri-emblem represents the three core values of the institution: teaching, patient care, and research.

The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers a variety of opportunities for the training of medical scientists, including a combined curriculum leading to both MD and PhD degrees.  This enables students who aspire to careers in academic medicine to obtain intensive training in specialized areas of the biomedical sciences in addition to top-flight medical training. The traditional diversity and flexibility of the educational opportunities at Johns Hopkins permit the design of individualized programs to meet the needs of students with a variety of interests, educational backgrounds, and career goals.

To accomplish our training goals, we expect students to fully commit to medical training while in medical school and research training while in graduate school.  However, we also take important steps to ensure that students are exposed to the intersection of both worlds early in their training, as well as given the professional and career development advice they need to succeed.

In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to complete the first two years of medical school before they begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work (see the Timeline below). However, students who want more first-hand experience in clinical medicine before beginning graduate work can elect to complete three years of medical school, followed by their graduate training, and then the last year of medical school. This can give them a better appreciation of the potential clinical relevance of their research. In making a choice, trainees consult extensively with the Program Director, the Dean of Students, members of the MD-PhD Committee, prospective research mentors, and their faculty advisors. Students in the MD-PhD Program are accepted to all graduate programs, so decisions regarding graduate training programs can be made with a strong understanding of each program.  The MD-PhD Committee is responsible for program oversight and admissions.  Students complete MD-PhD training on average in eight years.

Johns Hopkins interdisciplinary organizational structure means each faculty member may be affiliated with several clinical departments, research sections, and graduate programs. 

Formal graduate programs in the School of Medicine encompass the following areas: Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology; Biological Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Molecular Biophysics; Functional Anatomy and Human Evolutionary Studies; Cell Biology; Cellular and Molecular Medicine; History of Medicine; Human Genetics; Immunology; Neuroscience; Pathobiology; Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Students are also eligible to obtain their PhD in one of the 11 graduate programs at the Bloomberg School of Public Health or the School of Arts and Sciences on the Homewood Campus.  

The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, and maintains a dedicated library, the Paul Talalay MD-PhD Library, to enrich the educational opportunities of all MD-PhD students. Efforts are made to acquaint MD-PhD candidates with the major advances, concepts, and cutting-edge techniques in contemporary medicine and biomedical sciences.  We also create an environment that promotes  collegiality and a more intimate personal contact with successful medical scientists in this institution.

Admission Procedures.  Individuals who wish to apply for admission to the combined MD-PhD Program of the School of Medicine must submit an application through AMCAS  in which they will indicate the MD-PhD Program.  Once the AMCAS application has been verified and submitted to Hopkins, the applicant will receive an invitation to complete the Hopkins Secondary Application.  Here the applicant will submit the additional materials required for the combined degree.  Johns Hopkins does not allow applicants to apply to both the traditional MD program and the combined program during the same cycle.   

All combined-degree applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the  MD-PhD Committee , which is comprised of faculty from the basic sciences and clinical arena, as well as faculty from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.  A separate Graduate School application is not necessary. The MD-PhD Committee determines whether or not an interview is indicated.  In general, the committee is looking for students with a passion for research and a commitment to medicine.  This assessment is based on the applicant’s research experience, letters of recommendation, academic performance and extracurricular activities. The Committee considers standardized test scores only in the context of the applicant’s other credentials. If an interview is granted, the applicant is notified by the MD-PhD Office and after the applicant accepts, the process for scheduling an interview begins.  Interview visits generally occur over two days. Applicants are interviewed by members of the MD-PhD Committee and other faculty members who share their research interests. Applicants have many opportunities to meet with current students and tour the campus during their visit. 

Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year. Students who matriculate to the traditional MD Program but have a clearly demonstrated interest and experience in scientific research, are eligible to apply to the combined MD-PhD Program.  These students may apply for admission during the fall of their first or second year of medical school.  These qualified applicants are evaluated and placed in the pool for the current application cycle and will be considered for MSTP funding.  

All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are funded by the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Award.  This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and medical and dental insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.  

Graduates of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MD-PhD Program have gone on to become leaders in many areas of academic medicine.  Advice on the scope and opportunities offered by the MD-PhD Program may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Director.

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MD-PhD Dual Degree Program

Immerse in clinical and scientific education, conduct research, and learn to translate scientific findings to clinical practice in our MD-PhD program, also known as Columbia’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Students who pursue this path prepare to join the ranks of future biomedical leaders. More than 60 percent of graduates who have completed their residency and fellowship training are full-time faculty members in basic science and clinical departments worldwide.

The curriculum includes 1.5 years of basic science courses in the medical school and one major graduate school course, followed by three to four years of graduate study supplemented by an ongoing clinical tutorial and a final 14-month "clinical year." Students often complete both degrees in seven years with some taking an extra year and a rare few completing the degree in six years.

Program Alumni Win NYCPS 2020 Resident Research Awards

Congratulations to two alumni of the MD-PhD program for their research accomplishments! Joseph Stujenske and Youngjung Kim are recipients of the NYCPS 2020 Resident Research Awards. 

Alumnus Chosen as Chief Resident

Alumnus Mohammed Shaik, Class of 2019, has been selected as a Chief Resident in Pediatrics for 2022-2023 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Congratulations Mohammed!

14th Annual MD-PhD Student Research Symposium

The MD-PhD program's 14th Annual Student Research Symposium will be held on April 25th, 2019. 

There are currently no upcoming events.

How to Apply

Sidebar application.

MSPP funding applications will open July 8, 2024. GPP applications for fall 2025 admission will open August 2024

Are you starting medical or clinical school this year?

If yes , you are a Track 2 applicant

If no , please answer the next question.

Are you planning to attend medical school BEFORE you begin PhD research?

If yes , you are a Track 1 applicant

• Basic Eligibility Requirements
• Application Components
• Letters of Recommendation
• Frequently Asked Questions

The NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program application process has changed. Students who are either applying to or enrolled in a U.S. medical program or Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) are eligible to apply for the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Program. A general overview of the new application process is provided below. 

The first step in the application process is to determine whether you are eligible for the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program. The second step is to identify which of the two tracks apply to you. The third step is to submit a MSPP funding application. The last step is to apply to the appropriate track/pathway via the NIH GPP application portal. The components of the standard NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) application are listed below. More detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process is listed on the individual track pages.   

I.  Eligibility Requirements

• United States citizenship or permanent residence
• Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
• MCAT scores
• Currently enrolled in or applying to a United States clinical degree program, medical school, or Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) 
• Research experience with a focused plan for PhD training at both the NIH and a partnering university

II.  To determine your track, please answer the following question(s):

• If yes, you are a  Track 2  applicant.
• If no, please answer the next question.  
• If yes, you are a  Track 1  applicant.  

III.  Application Process

• Candidates who are applying to or enrolled in any U.S. clinical program, medical school, or MD/PhD program may participate in the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Program  
• The funding application opens July 8, 2024 and closes August 8, 2024.  
• Track 1 applicants should contact NIAID staff to receive specific instructions on how to apply at least 90 days before the submission deadline by sending an email to [email protected]   
• Track 2 applicants should contact their school's business or grants administration staff at least 90 days before the submission deadline  
• The NIH GPP application portal will open August 19, 2024 and close December 2, 2024.  
• There is no application fee for the NIH GPP application  
• MCAT scores are required for Track 1 admission only; Track 2 applicants are not required to provide MCAT scores for consideration

A few helpful hints are provided below.

• NIH GPP applications for the NIH MD/PhD training open every year in August and close in December. GPP applications for fall 2025 admission will open August 19, 2024 and close noon ET on December 2, 2024 .  
• To submit an application, visit the  NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) Application Center .  
• Prospective students must first submit the NIH GPP Application for admission consideration. If desired, interested candidates may delay submission of the UK University application until notification of program acceptance. Please note that students seeking consideration for external scholarships such as Rhodes or Gates-Cambridge must submit the UK application by the University deadline. If interested, a list of University fellowships are provided here .   
• It is highly recommended that prospective students read the FAQs prior to submitting an application.  
• There is  no  application fee for the NIH GPP application.   
• MCAT scores are required for Track 1 applicants only. Track 2 applicants are not required to provide MCAT scores.  
• Students selected to interview will be notified by late-January.  
• Candidate interviews will be held in person February 2025 . Invited interviewees are expected to participate all three days.  
• Interviews may occur virtually or in-person at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. If candidate interviews are held in-person, the program will cover the individual's transportation and lodging costs during interviews.  
• Students admitted into the program will be notified by the end of February.  
• Students admitted to the NIH MD/PhD Program must obtain approval from their medical school/MSTP Director in order to participate.   

NIH GPP  Application Components

CV/ Resume:

• Field(s) of research in which you are interested (e.g., neuroscience, imaging, immunology, biostatistics)  
• Research project title and aims
• Research internships
• Independent undergraduate research
• Major accomplishments and findings
• Research techniques learned  
• Papers with complete author list and citation
• Thesis, abstracts, poster and oral presentations at meetings, etc.  
• Undergraduate awards and recognitions
• Dean’s lists
• Research fellowships
• Community citations  
• Leadership roles
• Memberships in professional associations  

Additional Information:

• List any scholarships (Marshall, Rhodes, Gates-Cambridge, NIH Cambridge Trust, Churchill, Fulbright, Gilliam etc.) for which you are currently applying.  
• List potential mentors at the NIH and partnering universities in whose research interests you are interested. You can search for NIH faculty members on the individual NIH institute web sites, which can be found through the NIH Intramural Research Program site.

Letters of Recommendation:

• Requests for letters of recommendation will be sent to individuals as soon as you enter their contact information and save your application. It is not necessary for the applicant to submit the final application in order for these requests to be sent.  
• Letters must be written and dated within the last 12 months.  
• Only letters uploaded to the online application site will be accepted.  
• Applications with less than three letters of recommendation are incomplete and will not be considered for admission.

Questions related to the NIH MD/PhD Program application may be directed to the program administrators at  [email protected] .

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Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)

Welcome to the umn mstp.

The University of Minnesota’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) combines rigorous scientific training with world-class medical education to cultivate the complete  physician-scientist .

Our MD/PhD program is funded by the National Institutes of Health to develop the next generation of physician scientists. Our mission is to train and support a diverse community of dedicated students to become physician scientists who are able to integrate their scientific, clinical, and leadership skills to promote human health. We bring together outstanding, motivated student-leaders and experts in the field for a supportive training experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

Successfully pursuing the physician scientist career path through an MSTP requires a true passion for scientific investigation and patient care.

Want to learn more?  See a complete  program overview .

MD/PhD students get a broad range of training opportunities through our  graduate programs . Considering the degree program for yourself?  Learn more  about eligibility requirements, research opportunities, clinical training, and other key details.

Find quick links to the resources you need most as a current student, including forms and instructions, upcoming events, and more.

2024 MATCH DAY RESULTS

Our soon-to-be grads found out the site of their upcoming residency training during the UMN Match Day ceremony on March 15, 2024 at McNamara Alumni Center. Congratulations to the 2024 MSTP graduating class!

CTSI RESEARCH FUNDING FOR STUDENTS

MSTP students are eligible for research funding from the University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) through its Translational Research Development Program.

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• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• About the Program
• MSTP Admissions
• MSTP Students
• Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Research Opportunities
• LCME Accreditation

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

The UMN Medical School Center of Multicultural Affairs and Engagement recently interviewed current medical students about their experiences at the UMN and "why Minnesota." A full list of UMN Medical School student profiles can be found here , or click the links below to learn hear from MSTP students.

• Ifeolu Akinnola  
• Sara Bolivar Wagers  
• Dominique Earland  
• Edith Hernandez
• Roberto Lopez Cervera
• Fathima Mohamed
• Elizabeth Okafor   
• Sinibaldo Romero Arocha  
• Brian Trieu

2022 COMMENCEMENT

Medical School Commencement was held on May 6, 2022, returning to an in-person format. Congratulations to our ten 2022 graduates! View pictures of this year's ceremony on Facebook .

Tools for MD-PhD Applicants

New section.

Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.

Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine.

Information about MD-PhD programs and possible careers in the social sciences and humanities.

Find medical research opportunities for undergraduates on medical school campuses.

The American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) is the AAMC's centralized medical school application processing service. Most U.S. medical schools use the AMCAS program as the primary application method for their first-year entering classes.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of MD-PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Recommendations to help ensure that all MD and MD-PhD applicants receive timely notification about the outcome of their AMCAS® application. These guidelines are not intended to supersede the policies, timelines, or discretion of individual schools or programs. Each applicant is expected to become familiar with the procedures and requirements of each school to which they apply.

Learn about NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences research training programs for undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty.

This Google calendar lists interview and revisit days for MD-PhD programs.

Applying to the Hopkins MSTP

MCAT information: The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for acceptance.  Applicants wishing to be considered for admission to the MD-PhD Program class entering in Fall 2024 must take the MCAT  no later than September in the year the application is submitted.  The oldest MCAT considered will be four years prior to date of expected matriculation. For students entering in Fall 2024 , the oldest acceptable MCAT is 2020 .

Fall 2024 Schedule of Application Deadlines

Submission of AMCAS Application : October 15, 2023

Submission of JHU SOM Secondary Application: November 1, 2023

Virtual Interview Dates :

September 27-28, 2023

October 11-12, 2023

October 18-19, 2023

November 8-9, 2023

November 29-30, 2023

December 13-14, 2023

January 10-11, 2024

All Decision Letters Mailed by : Mid-February 2024

Second Look Weekend : April 10-14, 2024

April 15, 2024: Admitted applicants must narrow acceptances to 3 MD-PhD Programs

April 30, 2024: National Reply Date. Accepted applicants must choose a single MD-PhD Program to attend

. The deadline for submitting an application to AMCAS for the class entering in Fall 2024 is October 15, 2023 . Letters of recommendation should be submitted with the primary application and must be received at Johns Hopkins no later than November 1, 2023 . 

In addition to the three letters of recommendation required by the Johns Hopkins SOM, the MD-PhD Program requires an additional two letters. These letters should be from science faculty with whom the applicant has done research. The letters may be part of the committee packet if your institution provides one. MD-PhD applicants should send all letters of recommendation via the AMCAS letter service .

Any additional supplemental material (manuscripts, awards, etc.) pertaining to the MD-PhD application, not already included with the primary or secondary application, may be sent via e-mail to:

E-mail: Ms. Martha Buntin [email protected]

Link to Prerequisites, Requirements, and Policies

Admissions Process

Interview visits generally last for two days. Applicants are interviewed by members of the MD-PhD Committee and other faculty members who share their research interests. Applicants have many opportunities to meet with current students and tour the campus during their visit. To see a map of the campus, click here . For directions to the campus, click here .

All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are considered for funding under the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program Award. Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year and receive the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) award. This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned; your flight gets delayed, the elevators aren’t working, or the lunch caterers don’t show up (thanks for the disappointment, Chipotle). We will do everything we can do make your visits smooth and enjoyable! Here is the impromptu lunch scene at a Baltimore exclusive and student favorite, Kabobi!

• UNC Chapel Hill

Process and Criteria

Now is an exciting time to pursue your passion for medicine and science. An MD-PhD degree will provide you with the training you need to become a leader in the areas of research and medicine and the insight required to build a bridge between the disciplines.

The UNC MD-PhD Program welcomes applications from any students interested in a career in medicine and biomedical research. Our program supports students who are pursuing graduate degrees in traditional biomedical fields as well as graduate departments that are usually considered “non-traditional” for MD-PhD programs.  (Please note: for some “non-traditional” PhD programs, an applicant to the MD-PhD program must apply separately to the UNC department from which he or she aims to earn a PhD.  For more information please contact the MD-PhD Program Office).

You can find a list of graduate programs with which we currently work with here .

Please note: We have made changes to our admissions process in order to comply with a mandate from the North Carolina General Administration. From this point forward, all applicants applying to the UNC School of Medicine must complete a supplemental application in addition to a military survey. The Committee on Admissions will continue to pre-screen the AMCAS applications to select candidates for interviews. It is important that you take into consideration the admissions policies, guidelines, and criteria we have indicated on our website to ensure that your academic credentials meet our criteria. Keep in mind that the process for receiving a supplemental is automated, and you need to make sure that your academic metrics are within the parameters we require.

* The MD-PhD Program has the same prerequisite academic and technical standards requirements as the MD Program. Please find more information about these requirements by visiting the Educational Prerequisites and MCATs page or the Technical Standards page on the Medical School’s Admissions website .

How to Apply to the UNC MD-PhD Program

To apply to the UNC MD-PhD Program, you must submit an application through the American College Medical School Application Service (AMCAS) .

MD-PhD Combined Degree Designation: In the application, you have to choose MD only or combined MD-PhD only, when asked to indicate the program to which you are applying. If you choose MD-PhD, your application will not be considered by the MD Program, however, you will still be required to interview with the MD program as part of the Multiple Mini Interview if invited.

The UNC MD-PhD deadline for submission of the AMCAS application is October 1st, 2024.

Once we receive your AMCAS application, the staff of the UNC MD-PhD Program reviews it. All applicants who submit an AMCAS application to the UNC MD-PhD Program will receive an email invitation to submit a Supplemental Application. We encourage your submission within 2 weeks of that invitation. If you would like to be considered for an interview we strongly suggest you to complete the process as soon as possible.

*Note: Please make sure you are checking your Spam/Junk folders for correspondences from UNC that may have been pushed there.

The final deadline for submitting your Supplemental Application is Friday, October 4th.

Please note: for some “non-traditional” PhD programs, an applicant to the MD-PhD program must apply separately to the UNC department from which he or she aims to earn a PhD.  For more information please contact the MD-PhD Program Office.

Our MD-PhD Program does not interview on a rolling basis. However, we review all applications as they are completed September – November. Your application is not considered complete until you have paid the Supplemental Application fee and we receive your verified AMCAS, including your latest MCAT score and all letters of recommendation.

Invitations for interviews for local applicants may be issued as early as September.  All interview invitations will be issued by early December. Applicants who are selected for interviews will choose one of three interview weekends in December or January.

For 2024-25, our interview weekend dates are:

• December 8-10*
• January 12-14
• January 26-28

On interview dates, applicants will spend their interacting with current students and faculty members in a relaxed social environment. Then, on Monday and Tuesday, the formal interviews are held in conjunction with both the Medical School and the Graduate School. MD-PhD applicants participate in Multiple Mini Interviews, Experience UNC , for one day and the other day is spent interviewing with research faculty on campus.

You can find a full admissions timeline on our Deadlines and Key Dates page .

*Local Interview Day

Admissions Criteria

Applicants to the UNC MD-PhD Program should possess:

• An excellent academic record
• A strong motivation to pursue a career as a physician-scientist
• Research experience outside of the required laboratory courses
• Leadership skills and the drive to be a leader in your field

We evaluate each application in its entirety, taking into consideration engagement in research, academic achievement, MCAT scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. There is no age limit for applicants to our program.

A complete and competitive application should showcase these qualities, while also meeting the following requirements:

Accepted Students

MCAT Requirements

Information About the New M CAT: The Admissions Committee will use the MCAT scores from the current exam in the same way they have used previous scores – in conjunction with other academic information presented on the AMCAS application and the letters of recommendation. Because these scores are new to Admissions Committee members, they will use the percentile ranks for the new scores to determine how individual applicants compare to others who took the new exam.

 The latest exam scores we will accept for the 2025 application cycle will be from the September 14th, 2024 test administration. 

If you submitted your AMCAS application prior to taking the MCAT, please note that your application will not be reviewed until the scores have been reported by AMCAS. For all applicants, MCAT scores below 510 (new MCAT) are typically not considered competitive. If your initial MCAT score does not meet our criteria and you plan to retake the exam, make sure you indicate your next MCAT exam date on your AMCAS application and we will review your application after we receive the new scores. There is no need to call us to give us your new scores, because AMCAS will automatically upload them to your application as soon as they are available.

Undergraduate GPA Requirements

Your GPA should reflect strong academic ability, especially in the natural sciences. Applicants whose cumulative GPA is 3.3 or higher will meet our minimum requirements for consideration.

Our ideal candidate has not just taken the hardest classes and made good grades, they have also sought out experiences that enrich their education and give them opportunities for real-life application of the concepts learned in the classroom. They are self-starters who are internally motivated to challenge themselves.

Research Experience Requirements

Successful applicants to the UNC MD-PhD Program have pursued research experiences outside of their required laboratory coursework. Please make sure that your AMCAS application clearly defines the type of research experiences you have had and the amount of time you spent doing each activity. Please put these experiences in both the “Experiences” section of the AMCAS application and the “Research Description” essay that is a required component of our Supplemental Application.

Competitive applicants have a minimum of 12 cumulative months of full-time research experience at the time of their application.

Letters of Recommendation

As you consider who to ask for a letter of recommendation, keep in mind that the purpose of these letters is to shed light on the character and ability of the applicant. Choose someone who knows your character and ability well and can help reviewers gain a deeper understanding of you.

The MD-PhD Program requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation and will accept up to six letters. We request that at least one letter be written by a research mentor from the experience you designate as most meaningful in your AMCAS application. If your undergraduate institution has a Pre-Health Committee, it would be preferable to have letters from this committee and the compilation would meet our requirement.

You should begin requesting your letters of recommendation well in advance of the deadline to give your professors, advisors, and mentors enough time to compose and submit their letters. Our deadline for the submission of all letters of recommendation to AMCAS is October 1st.

All letters are to be submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service . Please remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that you designate the UNC School of Medicine as one of the schools to receive your letters (within AMCAS). If you have questions about how to do this, please contact AMCAS directly or refer to the online instruction manual.

Updates to AMCAS and or Supplemental Applications

We do not accept updates to your AMCAS or Supplemental application post-submission (e.g. publications, new experience, etc.). The only exception is if an official from the Office of Admissions has requested that you do so. If you are offered an interview and you have a significant change or an added activity, you may share that information with your interviewer at the time of your interview and post interview. Updates can be sent to [email protected].

Notification of Withdrawal from Consideration or Declination of Acceptance

Pre-interview: If you decide to withdraw your application from consideration before you interview with UNC, please notify us using the Withdrawal/Declination Form.

Post-interview: If you decide to withdraw your application from consideration after you have interviewed with UNC, please contact the MD-PhD Program directly .

For a breakdown of key dates in the application process, head over to the Deadlines and Key Dates page .

Commitment to Diversity

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is strongly committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding trainees from a variety of diverse backgrounds. This includes individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; individuals from minority groups that are under-represented in science and medicine; first generation college graduates; students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds; women; and individuals with disabilities of all forms (learning, mental impairment, and physical). We recognize the specific challenges that students from these backgrounds and with any form of disability face on a daily basis as well as the special needs that they have. It is our goal as a program to create, foster and sustain an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for all members of our community.

Specific to applicants with disabilities: To ensure your access to this class and to the medical school program, students with disabilities may contact the ARS ( [email protected] ). There you can engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with ARS as soon as they begin the program. More information can be found online at http://accessibility.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-8300.

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Resources for Applicants with Disabilities

The UNC MD-PhD Program recognizes that our training environment is positively enriched by trainees with diverse backgrounds and needs, and welcomes students with disabilities. We strive to create, foster and sustain an inclusive environment that incorporates Universal Design and that provides equal opportunities for all members of our community. Students from all backgrounds who are US citizens or permanent residents are encouraged to apply. Our program gives full consideration to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, veteran status, disability, national origin, creed, marital status, age, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. We make every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take full advantage of the programs available at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Applicants under consideration for admission to the MD-PhD Program may disclose a disability and request accommodation during the admission process. Disclosure is not required. Applicants who choose to disclose a disability during the admission process should write, call, or visit the MD-PhD Program Office ([email protected]) to make arrangements.

Our policies and guidelines apply to students who self-identify a documented disability before or after formal acceptance as well as those who become disabled after enrollment. The School of Medicine and the MD-PhD Program encourages students with disabilities to identify themselves as easily as possible so that reasonable accommodations for which they may be eligible can be determined and provided through the Accessibility Resources and Service (ARS) office. Please keep in mind that the disclosure of a disability is completely voluntary and will be kept confidential. All enrolled students must possess the intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities described in the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine Technical Standards for the Doctor of Medicine Degree ( http://www.med.unc.edu/admit/requirements/requirements ). Accommodations and assistive technologies will facilitate, but not eliminate, the need to meet these standards.

The UNC MD-PhD Program is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who are disabled in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, as well as applicable state regulations and federal and state privacy laws.

If you believe you may need and qualify for reasonable accommodations, please visit https://accessibility.unc.edu/ for detailed information and procedures. The knowledgeable staff in the Accessiblity Resources and Service (ARS) office serve UNC’s undergraduate, graduate and professional students, trainees, employees, and faculty as well as the public, in support of The University of North Carolina efforts to ensure an accessible, hospitable working and learning environment for people with disabilities. Through ARS, UNC ensures consistent processes for requesting accommodations, evaluating needs, and determining appropriate response, and the ARS serves as a clearinghouse for disability-related information, procedures and services available at UNC, in Chapel Hill and in North Carolina.

Is an MD/PhD Program Right for You?

MD-PhD programs may be right for you if you are interested in a career path that melds both clinical practice and in-depth scientific research. MD-PhD graduates aren’t simply doctors; they are “physician-scientists” or “medical scientists.”

MD-PhD programs offer a dual-degree track that combines the clinical training of a standard MD degree with the added coursework of a PhD. The PhD training is particularly rigorous and includes classes usually in the realm of biomedical sciences, as well as advanced research training, lab rotations, and intensive investigative work.

The payoff for choosing an MD-PhD program is that these clinical medicine graduates are equipped to treat patients while also participating in the discovery and development of innovative healthcare solutions. 

Here are a few reasons you might want to pursue an MD/PhD career:

• You want to participate in cutting-edge medical research.
• You want career options beyond clinical medical practice.
• You want to help train future generations of medical doctors.
• You want more collaborative research opportunities with colleagues.
• You want funding opportunities only available to MD/PhD students.

The Difference Between MD & MD/PhD

The difference between MD and MD-PhD is that graduates with an MD-PhD receive PhD training and hold a PhD degree in addition to their MD degree.

The cost of an MD-PhD program varies widely depending on the institution. Still, the stipend and tuition-free training make many of these programs significantly less financially burdensome compared to standalone MD or PhD programs.

MD/PhD students will complete graduate school and medical school qualified to hold positions in academic medicine and biomedical research (in addition to being qualified to practice clinical medicine. 

What Is an MD?

A medical doctor has earned a standard medical degree or MD and is skilled to practice clinical medicine. Medical students must complete 4 years of medical school to earn their degree, followed by 3-7 years of residency and fellowship training to practice medicine.

What Is a PhD?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy in reference to their critical knowledge and research experience in a particular field of study. A PhD is the highest possible academic degree.

Earning a PhD is often considered harder than earning an MD due to the scientific research required to stimulate original thought and develop quality hypotheses.

How Competitive Are MD/PhD Programs?

Physician-scientist programs are slightly more selective and competitive than the average medical program.

Between 2018 and 2023, a little more than one-third of students who applied to an MD/PhD program (37.7%) were accepted. The acceptance rate for medical school applicants in general was 41.2% for the 2022-23 application cycle.

The test scores of these programs also indicate how much more competitive these programs are. The average MCAT score of MD/PhD matriculants in the 2022-23 cycle was 516.2, and their mean GPA was 3.82. In comparison, medical school matriculants overall had an average MCAT score of 511.9 and average GPA of 3.75 during the same cycle.

How Long Are MD/PhD Programs?

The MD-PhD dual degree takes approximately 7-8 years of coursework to complete, followed by an additional 3-7 years of residency to be eligible to practice medicine. 

Generally, MD coursework is emphasized in years 1-2, followed by research training in years 3-5, and ending with medical training and clinicals in years 6-8. 

Requirements for MD/PhD Applicants

If you are considering applying to an MD/PhD program , know that having strong essays and letters is more important than incrementally higher MCAT test scores and GPAs. Numbers get your foot in the door; storytelling gets you a seat at the table. 

In general, the requirements for MD/PhD applicants include:

• MCAT score in the 90th percentile: Specific MCAT requirements for MD/PhD programs vary by school. However, in general, most students have the best chance at success with an MCAT score in the 90th percentile or higher. In the 2022-23 application cycle, MD/PhD applicants had an average MCAT score of 511.3, while matriculants averaged 516.2.
• GPA of 3.7 or higher: Like MCAT scores, the GPA requirements for MD/PhD programs differ by program. But your chances are highest with an average GPA of at least 3.7. In the 2022-23 application cycle, MD/PhD applicants averaged a science GPA of 3.61 and overall GPA of 3.68, while matriculants averaged a 3.78 science GPA and 3.82 overall.
• Compelling personal statement: Your personal statement essay should explain why you want to become a physician and is required for both MD & MD/PhD applications . All prospective doctors must write a personal statement that stands out, and this is doubly true for MD/PhD applicants.
• 2 additional essays: You’ll write one essay conveying your personal interest in pursuing an MD/PhD dual degree specifically, and one essay covering your substantive experiences in the field of research . These may include multiple summer projects, senior thesis research, or 1+ years of post-undergrad research programs and activities.
• 2-3 letters from research mentors who can praise your scientific potential.
• 1-2 letters from clinical mentors who know your aptitude for patient care.
• 1 letter from the premed committee.
• 1 letter from a mentor who can discuss your leadership skills and personal traits in an extracurricular setting.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering an MD/PhD Program

By answering these questions, you can choose the graduate program that is the best fit for you over the next 8 years.

• What skills do you want to develop? Choose a program that has ample opportunities to explore your field of interest and in which you can identify potential mentors for rotations and thesis projects.
• What is your preferred MD/PhD program size? Choose a smaller program of MD-PhD students if you prefer hands-on guidance with individualized attention and a larger program if you prefer a larger community with more networking opportunities. 
• Where do you want to live for 8 years of medical school ? Choose a location that fits your needs for cost of living, housing, transportation, extracurriculars, as well as opportunities for fun and making friends. 
• Does the program offer financial aid? Choose a program that meets your financial needs in the form of stipends and tuition waivers. It’s important to note that if you drop out of an MD-PhD program, some schools require you to pay back the investment that the school made in you. 
• Will you fit into the school’s culture? Choose a program after you’ve visited the campus, talked with the current students and faculty, and asked about opportunities in your field of interest as well as other’s experiences at the school and living in the city.
• Does the MD/PhD Program align with your timeline? Choose a program with coursework that allows you to graduate in your preferred timeline, which could be sooner or longer than eight years.

Possible Career Paths for MD/PhD Graduates

A career choice often depends on an individual’s specific interests, such as which medical specialties they are drawn to, whether they prefer working with patients or in a laboratory, and how they want to contribute to advancing medical science.

The salary range for MD/PhD graduates varies significantly by position and type of work. Policy analysts’ starting salary is around $57,000 per year, while attending physicians who do research can make upwards of $500,000.

Below are careers someone with an MD-PhD might pursue:

Attending Physician with Research Responsibilities

An MD/PhD holder in this position would have a traditional medical role seeing and treating patients, but they might also have dedicated time for research. This role allows one to continue practicing medicine while contributing to academic or clinical research. 

Individuals in this role often split their time among patient care, research activities, and instructional duties. Typically, they are found in educational hospitals or medical schools.

Physicians’ salaries can vary significantly based on specialty and experience, but generally, they are well-compensated. An attending physician in a specialized field can expect to earn upwards of $200,000 to $500,000 or more, especially if they have dual responsibilities that include research.

Translational Medicine Specialist

These specialists work at the intersection of basic research and patient care, focusing on turning research insights into practical medical applications. 

This role may exist within academia, industry, or clinical settings and is tailored for those who understand both the clinical and research aspects of medicine.

The salary for this role can also vary based on industry, location, and level of experience but would likely fall in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 or more.

Biomedical Researcher

Those with MD-PhD qualifications commonly secure jobs as researchers within biomedical science. Employment settings can range from academic institutions and drug companies to governmental agencies like the NIH.

Salaries for biomedical researchers typically fall somewhere between $85,000 and $104,000 per year.

Clinical Research Director

These are medical doctors responsible for overseeing clinical trials and research projects, usually within a hospital, academic institution, or pharmaceutical/biotech company. This role leverages both the clinical insights from an MD and the research methodology of a PhD.

Salaries can vary widely depending on the setting (academia, private industry, etc.) and geographic location. In general, a Clinical Research Director could expect to earn a six-figure salary, often ranging from around $150,000 to $250,000 or more per year.

Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Professional

A significant number of MD-PhDs join the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors. Responsibilities might include roles in the development of new medications, overseeing clinical trials, regulatory compliance, or managing medical affairs.

The average salary for this position will likely differ quite a bit depending on the exact role and company, but the average is generally between $125,000 and $133,00 per year.

Medical Director

In this capacity, a person is in charge of the medical elements of a healthcare facility or a specific department within a hospital. The role usually calls for expertise in both medical practice and research.

This position is likely to be one of the most lucrative of the MD/PhD field, with an average salary from $319,000 to $329,000 per year.

Science Policy Analyst/Advisor

Individuals in this role often find themselves in governmental or nonprofit settings, where they influence policy decisions related to scientific research and healthcare.

The typical salary for a science policy analyst starts at around $57,000 per year. Advisors have a slightly higher upper salary range and may make as much as $75,000.

Public Health Official

Some MD-PhDs opt for roles in the public sector where they focus on health concerns at a societal level. They may be employed by organizations such as the CDC or WHO.

In many cases, public health officials can expect to make a yearly salary of between $101,000 and $111,000.

Medical Science Liaison

This role typically serves as an intermediary between pharmaceutical enterprises and medical professionals. These liaisons disseminate information about new treatments and scientific advancements to doctors, researchers, and other medical stakeholders.

This role also typically commands a six-figure salary, usually ranging from approximately $100,000 to $200,000, depending on experience, location, and the hiring organization.

Medical Educator

Professors teach medical students, residents, and fellows in an academic setting while also conducting research. These doctors often have clinical responsibilities as well. An MD/PhD is especially well-suited for this role due to the dual focus on clinical care and research.

They may teach various medical subjects like pharmacology or genetics and actively participate in the educational goals of their institutions.

In academia, salaries can vary widely based on rank (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Full Professor), institution, and geographic location. Salaries may range from $100,000 to well over $200,000 for senior roles or those at prestigious institutions.

Best MD/PhD Programs in the US

There are 122 different American Universities that offer MD/PhD degree programs, according to the AAMC list of MD-PhD Programs by State . A further 13 Canadian programs also use the AMCAS application system.

Some MD-PhD programs in the United States are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This means that students receive full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend throughout their training.

Medical schools with fully funded MD-PhD programs :

• Dartmouth University, Geisel School of Medicine
• Duke University School of Medicine
• Harvard/M.I.T MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School
• John Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science
• University of Florida College of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
• University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine
• Yale University School of Medicine

Medical schools with the most MD-PhD spots historically: 

• Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• University of Illinois College of Medicine
• Weill Cornell Medical College
• Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
• University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical School
• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School
• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Ohio State University College of Medicine
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
• New York University School of Medicine
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine

Medical schools with MD/PhD programs that accept international students:

• Emory University School of Medicine
• Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine/California Institute of Technology
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
• Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

The MD/PhD Application Process

The application process for MD-PhD programs is similar to that of typical MD programs. The two major differences are that you’ll designate yourself as an MD/PhD candidate on the AMCAS application, and you’ll submit 2 additional essays on that primary.

The Application Timeline

• AMCAS (submit by end of May): You’ll fill out a primary application through AMCAS in the spring of the first year of your application cycle (e.g., to matriculate in fall 2026, you’ll submit AMCAS in spring 2025). AMCAS opens at the end of May each year. Aim to submit the primary application no later than the end of June, as early applications are more likely to be reviewed and accepted.
• Secondaries (submit by end of August): You’ll respond to secondary applications in the summer after your primary application is reviewed by each school you submitted it to. Each program sends secondary applications to students who generally meet their minimum requirements.
• Interviews (October-March): You’ll then attend interviews as invited between October and March. Some schools won’t contact you at all to reject your application; others will offer conflicting invites. You must prioritize your options and prepare for the opportunities that do come. 
• Final decisions (December-March): Final decisions are made by schools between December and March. Schools with a rolling admissions cycle (most of them) accept students after completing interviews and determining a student is a fit. A smaller number of programs wait to send acceptances until after all interviews are complete.
• Choose your program (March-April): Students choose where to matriculate between March and April.
• Programs start (June-August): Programs begin between June and August, depending on the school.

How to Prepare for an MD/PhD interview

You should prepare for your MD/PhD interview by practicing mock interviews to rid yourself of the jitters and fine-tune your responses in various scenarios. In addition to developing your personal narrative, you must be able to explain your research training at multiple levels.  

If you’re interested in participating in a mock interview with a physician who has served on an admissions committee, consider a mock interview with MedSchoolCoach .

What to Do if You Get Waitlisted

Finding out that you’ve been waitlisted for the MD/PhD program of your dreams is never a good feeling. However, you are not helpless in the wait. It’s a good idea to remain in contact with program leaders and administrators by sending a Letter of Intent or a Letter of Interest.

Listen: An MD/PHD’s Journey to Medicine [PODCAST]  

What is a Letter of Intent vs. a Letter of Interest? 

A Letter of Intent is a formal statement that you would commit to matriculating into a program if you are accepted. A Letter of Interest conveys that you are strongly interested in the program, but it does not indicate any commitment or explicitly state that a program is your first choice.

Both letters should summarize why you believe the program and school are a great fit for your interests and how you will be able to uniquely contribute to the school, in under one page.

Finding Out You’ve Been Accepted!

The day you receive that phone call or email — the one from the MD-PhD program director contacting you to say you have officially been offered acceptance into their program — provides a feeling of joy worth being patient for!

Our Physician Advisors can support you through the application process for your best shot at getting into the school of your choice.

What specialties can MD/PhD graduates earn their PhD in?  

PhD students commonly choose to specialize in topics such as:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

What is the salary range for an MD/PhD graduate? 

MD/PhD graduates can expect an average annual salary of about $100K, depending on the type of work and place of employment.

What is the difference between a PhD and a Postdoctorate? 

A Postdoctoral Fellowship is a temporary period of mentorship and research training for graduates with doctoral degrees, offered by the National Institutes of Health, to acquire skills needed for a chosen career. A PhD thesis must be successfully defended, whereas a postdoc is a non-defendable temporary employment assignment from an organization such as a university.

Can an MD/PhD be a doctor? 

Graduates who earn an MD/PhD are fully qualified doctors and may practice medicine in a clinical setting upon completing their residency training.

Can an MD/PhD graduate be a surgeon? 

While an MD/PhD graduate CAN be a surgeon if they choose surgery specialties in their residency programs, a surgical resident is not required to obtain a PhD in addition to their MD.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with MedSchoolCoach to learn how we can help boost your chances of success getting into medical school .

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MSTP MD-PhD Program

MSTP 2021 Entering Class

Message from the Directors

Welcome to the Stanford MSTP MD-PhD program where you will find a rich environment and unparalleled opportunities for developing a career dedicated to biomedical research.

You may already be familiar with Stanford's tradition and reputation for academic excellence, scientific innovation, and stunning environment; in addition, there are some very special aspects to the program. Stanford is a true University, with Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities & Sciences located on a single campus that facilitates and encourages interaction between scientists from different disciplines. It was the thesis work of a former MSTP student that helped provide the impetus for the development of the Bio-X program and the Clark Center, which bridges the life, physical, and mathematical sciences to address current challenges in medicine and biology with new ways of thinking.

Medical school at Stanford—for MD-PhD and non-MD-PhD students alike—is also unique. With major clinical training centers in tertiary care, county hospital, and HMO settings, our students learn about different types of patient care and how best to care for their patients. Most Stanford students spend an extra year pursuing interests in laboratory research, public health, or community service; as a dual degree student you will be surrounded by colleagues whose interests go beyond a traditional curriculum.

Finally, Stanford has a well-deserved reputation for interaction, cooperation, and collegiality that extends across educational levels (staff and faculty), training programs (departmental and interdisciplinary), and Schools (medicine and computer science). On a bike ride through campus, or a walk to the "Dish," you will encounter fellow students, Deans, and Nobel laureates, all of whom hold in common a love for an intellectual environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and discussion.

Stanford MD-PhD students join a community of scientists dedicated to biomedical research; the group is global but the degrees of separation are few. Welcome to that community!

MSTP Directors

Katrin Chua, MD, PhD

Co-Director, MSTP MD-PhD Professor, Medicine - Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism

Dean Felsher, MD, PhD

Associate Director for Admissions, MSTP MD-PhD Professor, Medicine - Oncology, and Pathology

Catherine Blish, MD, PhD

Co-Director, MSTP MD-PhD Professor, Medicine - Infectious Disease

Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD

Associate Director, MSTP MD-PhD Professor, Pediatrics - Pediatrics Stem Cell Transplantation

Taia Wang, MD, PhD

Associate Director, MSTP MD-PhD Assistant Professor, Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology

Ellen Yeh, MD, PhD

Associate Director, MSTP MD-PhD Associate Professor of Pathology and of Microbiology and Immunology

Carolyn Bertozzi wins 2022 Nobel Prize in chemistry. 

Stanford chemist Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD, was awarded the Nobel Prize for her pioneering work establishing the field of bioorthogonal chemistry, which allows researchers to study biomolecules and their interactions in living organisms without disrupting natural biological functions.

Dean Felsher , Associate Director of MSTP, is a recipient of the  2020 NCI Outstanding Investigator Award .  NCI Outstanding Investigator Award Recipients was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.

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