md phd or md

• Medical School Application

MD-PhD vs MD: Which Path is Best For You?

Featured Expert: Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD, PhD

If you find yourself struggling between pursuing an MD-PhD vs MD degree, you've come to the right place. You may have really enjoyed research during your undergraduate degree, or you think a PhD will help you in your career goals. Either way, the decision to pursue an MD or a MD-PhD is an important one and should be considered carefully. In this blog, we'll explore the similarities and differences between medical doctors and physician-scientists to help you determine how to choose the pathway that is best suited for you.

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Article Contents 7 min read

Md-phd vs md.

An MD-PhD program is a dual-degree program that trains students to become both medical doctors (MD) and research scientists (PhD). It combines the clinical education of medical school with advanced research training in a specific scientific discipline.

Graduates are equipped to bridge the gap between medicine and research, often pursuing careers as physician-scientists who contribute to both patient care and medical innovation through scientific discovery. While MD graduates can and do participate in research, an MD-PhD is uniquely equipped to lead research programs and engage with academic medicine.

MD-PhD programs are more intensive than MD programs as they involve all of the normal program requirements of medical school combined with the rigor of a PhD program. While some MD programs involve research programs or theses, an MD-PhD involves independent research at the highest level.

Those with MD-PhD and MD degrees are both medical doctors and you may be wondering how long it takes to become a doctor . For MD-PhD programs, you will also complete a PhD which requires a different program structure and length compared to MD programs.

MD-PhD programs are generally 7-8 years in length and require attendance at both medical and graduate school concurrently. MD programs, on the other hand, will be completed in four years, half the time it will take MD-PhD students.

While both programs are classroom-based during the first two years, MD-PhD students will move on to graduate school to complete their PhD thesis for between 3-4 years. They will then return to medical school for a year or two to complete clinical rotations. There are many different program schedules depending on the school and the program so make sure you do your research into your desired program.

Following the completion of medical school, both MD-PhD and MD graduates will complete their residency training for between 3-7 years before being licensed to practice medicine.

Your medical school application preparation and timeline are not very different for MD-PhD vs MD programs, but you need to consider a few additional factors.

To apply for most MD-PhD programs, you’ll start by applying for the MD program and applying to the PhD program separately.

On the MD side, you'll apply to most programs through AMCAS , where you'll complete all sections of the application, including the AMCAS work and activities section and you'll upload your coursework, letters of evaluation, and medical school personal statement .

You should make sure even your general MD requirements like the personal statement still allude to your success in the PhD program. One of our experts, Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, gives some valuable advice on crafting a personal statement for an MD-PhD:

“In your personal statement you want to highlight your breadth and skillset in research and areas of interest. You also want to highlight how completing a PhD will make you a stronger clinician and how you see yourself fulfilling the roles of researcher and clinician.” -  Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, PhD, MD

Some components may matter more in an MD-PhD application than an MD. For example, it is unlikely you will get into an MD-PhD program with a low GPA , as GPA is a more important factor for your academic success. If you are also applying to a PhD program, make sure to emphasize your research experience in your medical school resume .

There may be additional application components in order to gain a place in an MD-PhD program. These can include an MD-PhD essay or a graduate school statement of purpose .

In general, for a joint program you need to apply to both an MD and a PhD program at the same time and gain admission to both. However, some schools, such as Stanford Medical School , allow you to apply for their PhD programs during your first year of medical school.

It's no secret that both MD-PhD and MD programs are extremely competitive, with medical school acceptance rates averaging under 5% and many schools having acceptance rates closer to 1%.

There are far fewer MD-PhD programs available compared with MD programs and the large benefit of reduced or waived tuition can make for stiff competition. However, generally there are far fewer applicants for an MD-PhD program, meaning it might not necessarily be as competitive to get in.

This is especially true if you have a stellar academic and research background .

Here are 5 quick tips on getting accepted to an MD-PhD Program!

MD-PhD vs MD: Tuition and Cost

Your medical school tuition and overall cost of medical school can be very expensive. For both MD and MD-PHD students, during their four years of medical school tuition can cost between $40-60,000 at public universities and $60-80,000 at private schools. In general, MD-PhD students will pay reduced tuition in years where they are primarily working on PhD program requirements. Depending on your program you may get tuition fee waivers or graduate school stipends as well.

As a PhD student you may also be eligible for graduate school scholarships which can help ease the load of tuition. For example, students in MD-PhD programs are eligible to apply for funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) through the highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

Generally, MD graduates have a higher level of indebtedness upon graduation, ranging between $200-250,000. In contrast, MD-PhD graduates typically graduate with less than $100,000 in debt.

However, it is important to note that there is a big difference between programs here. Those in highly competitive programs at top schools might receive many scholarships and awards, whereas those in other programs may receive none and end up with more debt over a longer period than typical MD graduates.

MD-PhD vs MD: Career Outlook and Salary

As MD-PhD graduates possess two degrees there are many different potential career paths that they can take with many different outcomes.

MD-PhD graduates will also complete residency before they find a permanent career. The most common residency training programs for MD-PhDs are in internal medicine , pathology , pediatrics , and neurology , however, many other specialties are also represented. 

According to a study conducted by the AAMC, nearly all MD-PhD graduates enjoy careers as faculty members at medical schools or work for the National Institute of Health (NIH), other research institutions, industry, and federal agencies with many devoting a large portion of their time to research. While these positions may allow you to practice medicine in some way, most of them are much more based in theory or education rather than a clinical setting. The typical MD-PhD position is 70-80% research, with the rest being administrative or clinical work.

You can look up which medical specialties make the most money to help inform you on salary potential from an MD or MD-PhD program. Generally, MDs can expect to make $180,000 to above $280,000 when they finish residency. Average starting salaries of MD-PhD graduates are much lower, between $75,000 and $150,000.

However, the bottom line is that this is highly variable depending on your career path and MD-PhD career paths often have much more room for growth into positions of leadership. An academic administrator at a university with an MD-PhD will generally make much more than a family physician, while a specialized surgeon with just an MD could easily make more than both combined! 

Potential salaries are important, but you should also consider the impact on your work-life balance. Working in academia or research can be stressful, but usually the time demands will be less than that of a clinician or at least will be more predictable. Another recent study found that 86% of MD-PhD graduates were satisfied with their career path and 77% would choose the same career path if they could back. While career satisfaction differs across disciplines, on average 76% of MDs were satisfied with their career paths meaning MD-PhDs generally have a more positive career outlook.

So, what if you have a passion for both science and medicine? How can you choose whether to pursue an MD degree or a joint MD-PhD degree?

Find Out What Drives You

Start by thinking about what you're interested in and what motivates you to help you determine where your true passions lie. If you know that you are really interested in medicine and in helping others but only have a slight interest in research, then it's probably a good idea to pursue an MD or DO program on its own

If you are interested in those bigger questions and societal issues surrounding healthcare, maybe an MD-PhD is for you. 

You can find out what inspires you by participating in as many experiences as you can early on such as through early-stage high school internships . You can explore different research opportunities as an undergrad student.

Let Your Experiences Guide You

If you're struggling to decide between an MD and MD-PhD program, be sure to gain both clinical and research experience . This will be a great way for you to get hands-on experience in both fields to see which areas really spark your interest.

Learn how to ask to shadow a doctor , sign up for volunteering experiences that place you in the medical or research field, and partake in scientific experiments where you'll be testing hypotheses to gain research experience.

Not only will these experiences be essential when filling out your medical school applications, the key is that through a variety of different experiences, you'll be able to home in on your interests.

Consider the Cost

A major benefit of MD-PhD programs is the fact that most programs partially cover or completely waive tuition for enrolled students, and many also provide a stipend that can be used to cover the costs of living expenses. Now, this isn't to say that you should simply pick a program based on the cost but how to pay for medical school is an important factor to consider if you want to pursue either option.

This varies depending on the specific program and your research topic, but you can expect to take 7-8 years to complete the requirements of both an MD and PhD.

Yes! While not as intensive there are many other research opportunities for medical students such as master’s programs and internships.

Not necessarily. While PhDs can lead to different positions, including high-paying administrative roles, they are not a guarantee for more financial success.

Often you can actually save money during an MD-PhD program. This is because many programs offer stipends or tuition waivers to MD-PhD students.

Yes, an MD-PhD will take longer than a regular MD program. You should not undertake one if you are interested in practicing medicine as quickly as possible.

Generally, yes. While some programs may allow you to apply for a PhD once you’ve been admitted to medical school, most require concurrent applications.

Yes and no, as both programs can be highly competitive with low admissions rates. While there may be additional components and limited spots for MD-PhD programs, it is not necessarily harder to get into an MD-PhD program if you have a strong research background.

Yes. Most students entering regular MD programs have research experience and given the research-intensive nature of MD-PhD programs it is essential to gain research experience before you apply.

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• PhD vs MD – Differences explained
• Types of Doctorates

A MD is a Doctor of Medicine, whilst a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. A MD program focuses on the application of medicine to diagnose and treat patients. A PhD program research focuses on research (in any field) to expand knowledge.

Introduction

This article will outline the key differences between a MD and a PhD. If you are unsure of which degree is suitable for you, then read on to find out the focuses and typical career paths of both. Please note this article has been written for the perspective of a US audience.

What is a MD?

MD (also seen stylized as M.D and M.D.) comes from the Latin term Medicīnae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Medicine.

MDs practice allopathic medicine (they use modern medicine to treat symptoms and diseases). A common example would be your physician, though there are numerous types of medical doctors, with different areas of speciality and as such may be referred to differently.

What is a PhD?

A PhD (sometimes seen stylized as Ph.D.) comes from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Philosophy.

A PhD can be awarded for carrying out original research in any field, not just medicine. In comparison to an MD, a PhD in a Medicinal field is focused on finding out new knowledge, as opposed to applying current knowledge.

A PhD in Medicine therefore does not require you to attend medical school or complete a residency program. Instead, you are required to produce a thesis (which summarizes your research findings) and defend your work in an oral examination.

What is the difference between a MD and a PhD?

Both are Doctoral Degrees, and someone with either degree can be referred to as a doctor. But for clarity, MDs are awarded to those with expertise in practicing medicine and are therefore more likely to be found in clinical environments. PhDs are awarded to researchers, and are therefore more likely to be found in academic environments.

This does not mean that MDs cannot pursue a research career, nor does it mean that a PhD cannot pursue clinical practice. It does mean, however, that PhDs are more suited to those who would wish to pursue a career in research, and that MDs are more suited to those who prefer the clinical aspects of medicine or aspire to become a practicing physician.

It should also be noted that a medical PhD doctorates possess transferable skills which make them desirable to various employers. Their familiarity with the scientific method and research experience makes them well suited to industry work beyond medical research.

Program structure and time

The standard MD program structure sees students undertake 2 years of coursework and classroom-based learning, before undertaking 2 years of rotational work in a clinical environment (such as a hospital). Getting an MD requires attending a medical school (accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education) and completing a residency program. Both of which prepare students to diagnose patients and practice clinical medicine.

The standard PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years and sees students undertake original research (monitored by a supervisor). Getting a PhD requires the contribution of novel findings, which leads to the advancement of knowledge within your field of research. With the exception of some clinical PhDs, a PhD alone is not enough to be able to prescribe medicine.

PhD doctorates are required to summarize the purpose, methodology, findings and significance of their research in a thesis. The final step is the ‘ Viva Voce ’ where the student must defend their thesis to a panel of examiners.

To summarize, a MD program usually lasts 4 years, whilst a PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years. Before being licensed to practice medicine, however, you must first complete a residency program which can last between 3 to 7 years.

What is a MD/PhD?

A MD/PhD is a dual doctoral degree. The program alternates between clinical focused learning and research focused work. This is ideal for those who are interested in both aspects of medicine. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, an estimated 600 students matriculate into MD-PhD programs each year .

The typical length of a MD/PhD program is 7 to 8 years, almost twice the length of a MD alone. As with a MD, MD/PhDs are still required to attend medical school and must complete a residency program before being able to practice medicine.

In comparison to PhD and MD programs, MD/PhD positions in the United States are scarce and consequently more competitive. The tuition fees for MD/PhD positions are typically much lower than MD and PhD positions are sometimes waived completely.

Those who possess a MD/PhD are commonly referred to as medical scientists. The ability to combine their medical knowledge with research skills enables MD/PhDs to work in a wide range of positions from academia to industrial research.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

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Why Pursue an MD-PhD?

New section.

Just some of the reasons why people choose a career as a physician-scientist.

• The career of a physician-scientist is unique. There are few comparable careers that allow one to experience the passion of solving a patient's medical struggles while pursuing research that may define the mechanism of that patient’s disease and may ultimately translate into a clinical cure for the disease.
• MD-PhD trainees are research scientists who solve mechanisms underlying disease, combined with their passion to treat patients in a clinical setting.
• MD-PhD training efficiently integrates the scientific and medical education of the physician-scientist.
• During the PhD training years, MD-PhD students take the coursework and formal training in research methodology that are important for the development of the research scientist.
• Most MD-PhD programs provide trainees with a stipend and tuition scholarships. This financial support recognizes the time that a student must spend in training for the MD-PhD career. The extent of financial support varies among programs and may only support U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Areas of Research Interest for MD-PhD Training

• Most MD-PhD candidates earn their PhD in biomedical laboratory disciplines such as cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering.
• Some MD-PhD Programs also allow trainees to do their graduate work in fields outside of laboratory disciplines, including computational biology, economics, epidemiology, health care policy, anthropology, sociology, or the history of medicine.
• The spectrum of graduate degree programs offered is an important element to consider when applying to specific MD-PhD Programs.
• @AAMCpremed

Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.

Information about applying to MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the application process during COVID-19.

Information about MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the career and application process.

Learn about MD-PhD Programs from program leaders.

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

Emily battled viral encephalitis for years during college, and now as a MD/PhD student, she reminds premeds that it's okay to ask for help.

Cesar couldn't apply to medical school when he first graduated from college due to his undocumented status. Now he's in a MD-PhD program and hopes to practice in the Southwest where there's a high need for Spanish-speaking physicians.

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M.D. vs. PhD. Degrees: What Are the Differences? 

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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Chances are, when you hear PhD and MD, you at least know that there is a difference between them. Since both are the titles of doctors, there’s still a lot of ambiguity as to what those specific differences are. In this article, we will look at how MDs and PhDs differ from one another and which one might be a better fit for you. Let’s jump in!  

Doctor of Medicine (MD)  

We’ll start by taking a separate look at MDs. An MD is a medical doctor. Their primary job is to work with patients in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and a variety of other places where having medical staff is necessary. 

In order to become an MD, students must complete their undergraduate degree and then attend a four year medical school. Medical School is then followed by a residency, where a new doctor completes training under a senior physician. From start to finish, becoming a doctor takes around 8-12 years to finish undergrad, medical school, and residency.  

Area of study  

As a medical doctor, you will generally choose one area of medicine that you would like to focus on. Specialties can be based on a certain part of the body, such as cardiology, podiatry, or neurology. Aspiring medical doctors can also specialize in working with a select group of people, such as geriatrics or pediatrics, or finally, you can specialize in researching things like oncology. The possibilities are plentiful for MDs! 

Where they work  

Where you work will depend on what you choose to specialize in. Again, this could be in a hospital, a smaller clinic, or even across the globe with various organizations that work to provide medical care to underserved populations. Medical expertise is needed in many capacities, meaning that there is never a shortage of places that a medical degree could take you! 

A word about DOs  

Before we move on to PhDs, we have one more thing to clear up that you might have questions about. In addition to MDs, there is another type of doctor called a DO, or a doctor of osteopathic medicine . DOs perform largely all the same functions as MDs, but with a more holistic approach. They attend undergrad just like MDs and then attend a four year DO program structured very similarly to a regular medical school.  

The only difference between these two is where they receive their medical school training and how they approach studying medicine and treating patients. If you are thinking about becoming a medical doctor, you should take some time to explore DOs and what they do!  

Doctorate of philosophy (PhD)  

Okay, now onto PhDs! A doctorate of philosophy, known also as a PhD , doesn’t actually have anything to do with philosophy in most cases. Students earn PhDs in pretty much any field, and is the highest level of education that one can receive.  

In order to complete your PhD, you will need to first complete your undergrad, then a master’s program, and finally apply to PhD programs. Not all PhD programs require that you finish your masters. There are some schools that offer programs that allow you to complete both your masters and your doctorate at the same time.  

Generally, schooling for your PhD takes anywhere from four to eight years to complete. The first year or two of your PhD is spent on coursework, while the remaining years are spent doing research and completing your dissertation.  

There are endless areas of study that offer PhD programs. You can study everything from physical therapy, business management and psychology to health administration, engineering, social work, and so much more. The gist is pretty much that if you can think of a field of study, you can earn your PhD in it!  

Based on the examples of fields you can study, it’s safe to say that what you study will determine where you decide to work. PhD holders are highly educated people; finding a job when you hold a PhD in your field looks pretty good to most employers.  

Common places where you find a high concentration of PhDs are in hospitals, corporate offices, college campuses, and other educational institutions. Remember, though, that’s not a full list of where you could work–the list of places you could work is endless! 

Tuition and Costs  

It’s true, pursuing either one of these degrees is not the cheapest thing, but don’t let numbers scare you off! If anything in this article sounds like it is right for you, explore it thoroughly. There are lots of ways that you can pay for your education, including scholarships, organizations, and programs out there that want to help you do it!

Okay, so for some real talk, the price of either of these degrees can vary a lot. Medical school will generally cost between $276,000 and $375,000 a year (including living expenses and fees). PhD programs cost on average about $81,900 . But, again, this does not mean you have to be able to pay these costs out of pocket. There are a lot of programs for PhDs that work with you to help you pay for some of the costs. There are even some fully funded PhD programs !

Similarly, there are tons of medical scholarships and even tuition free medical schools that you can apply to help offset the costs of a medical degree. There are also options for student loans that you can take out as well. The point is, there are tons of ways to find your education. If a degree like this is right for you, it is possible to achieve with proper planning and determination.

Related: Top scholarships for graduate students

Shadowing  

Before jumping all the way in with either of these degrees, shadowing is a great tool that can help you explore your intended field or job. Students who want to attend medical school should shadow at least a few different MDs and DOs prior to applying to medical school.  

But the benefits of shadowing are not just for the medical world. You can ask to shadow just about anyone . Maybe you’d like to shadow a professor who you had during undergrad, a social worker, or someone you know of who works in business. There are no rules about who you can and can’t shadow, you simply have to ask and go from there!  

What is right for you  

Below are some basic questions to help you get your mind started thinking about whether an MD or PhD is right for you. The first set of questions pertains more to MD or DO degrees.  

If you’re thinking about an MD or DO degree…  

Questions to consider.

• Do you like working with people and helping them during difficult times?  
• Do you love studying biological sciences ?  
• Does working in a hospital or clinic sound like an environment you would enjoy? 

If you’re thinking about a PhD…  

• Is there a specific area or field you would like to study? 
• Do you have a specific job in mind that you would like, and does it require a PhD? 
• Have you already earned your undergraduate and master’s degree?

The answers to these questions won’t instantly help you decide, but they should help you think a little deeper about these degrees. 

Key Takeaways

• Both MDs and PhD holders are highly educated in their fields of study, holding the highest degrees that you can earn 
• The only way to become a practicing MD is to first obtain your bachelor’s degree, then attended a four year accredited medical school, and then successfully complete all the proper exams to practice medicine 
• To earn a PhD, you do not have to attend medical school, but you will need to attend a PhD program, complete your undergrad, and usually complete your master’s degree before doing so 
• There are lots of ways to fund both a PhD and an MD, including scholarships, grants, loans, and partially and fully funded programs for each 

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