top md phd programs in the us

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Considering an MD-PhD program? Here's what you should know

For potential medical students with a passion for science and research, an MD-Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dual degree program may hold some appeal. Because it’s a path that differs from the traditional medical school trajectory, here are a few things that students weighing this less-traveled road should keep in mind.

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Medicine can be a career that is both challenging and highly rewarding, but figuring out a medical school’s prerequisites and navigating the application process can be a challenge unto itself. The  AMA premed glossary guide  has the answers to frequently asked questions about medical school, the application process, the MCAT and more.

• Selectivity

There are fewer MD-PhD programs, and they accept fewer students than traditional MD programs. According to a recent survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)—"The National MD-PhD Program Outcomes Study”—in 2016 there were 1,936 MD-PhD program applicants, 649 matriculants and 602 graduates. 

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Looking over the past few years of medical school matriculation data, roughly 20,000 new students matriculate each year. Considering that there are significantly fewer spots, MD-PhD program applicants are likely going to need to apply to more programs.

Now in the first year of his PhD research—after completing two years of medical school—at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Drayton Harvey applied to 30 MD-PhD programs.

“It’s not just hard to get in, it’s hard to survive and thrive during the process to fulfill the requirements of both becoming a medical doctor and a PhD,” said Harvey, an AMA member. “If you don’t have the passion, it could be very daunting.”

Learn the pros and cons of pursuing a dual degree .

• Cost of attendance

Most MD-PhD programs grant entrants tuition-free training. In addition, most students in those tracks earn a stipend, which according to the AAMC report, can be as high as $38,000 annually. Harvey believes that the potential savings on education shouldn’t be your top motivation for entering an MD-PhD program.

“[The lack of tuition] is a very attractive aspect, especially with the cost of medical education being what it is,” Harvey said. “But it is an incredibly competitive process to get in and during that process it is really easy for interviewers to pick up on that you are doing this for the wrong reasons.”

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• Time commitment

The average MD-PhD program length, according to the AAMC report, is eight years. So, in attending an MD-PhD program, you’re doubling your time in medical school. When factoring in residency training and, for those who have aims on fellowship, an MD-PhD student’s training can extend well beyond a decade.

“The best advice I got was once you are accepted into a program and you show up on day one, you have started your career,” Harvey said. “You are at your job working every single day. You are not waiting to get to a career point. That is helpful for students, instead of focusing on how long-term the training process is, you can center yourself on the fact that [getting in] is an amazing accomplishment. You are in your career. It’s called professional school for a reason.”

Learn how research experience can strengthen your medical school application.

• Career paths

Of MD-PhD program alumni, according to the AAMC report, the vast majority either work as faculty members at U.S. medical schools or work for the for the National Institutes of Health, research institutes, industry and federal agencies–in the COVID-19 pandemic the value of these rules has been reinforced.

As far as specialty, a survey conducted by the AAMC of more than 4,600 MD-PhD physicians found that the most popular specialties among that group were:

• Internal medicine—25.3%.
• Pathology—13.2%.
• Pediatrics—12.6%.
• Neurology—8.2%.
• Surgery—7.1%.

It is worth noting that the list above excludes “other,” a specialty designation selected by 7.1% of respondents.

Within specialties, MD-PhD degrees were most common among physicians in:

• Medical genetics—with 18.4% of physicians who entered programs in that specialty holding an MD-PhD.
• Radiation oncology—16.8%.
• Pathology: Anatomic and clinical—14.3%.
• Neurology—10.1%.
• Neurosurgery—8.2%.

Have peace of mind and  get everything you need to start medical school off strong .

Table of Contents

• Choosing a Medical School
• Choosing a Specialty
• Catalog of Topics

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50 Best Medical Schools for 2024 Top US Medical Colleges Ranked

Ready to start your journey.

Created on August 1, 2023 Updated: December 12, 2023

This is a good time for medical school applicants. The best medical schools are beefing up their diversity programs and are seeing record numbers of women and minority applicants.

Understanding Medical School Admissions

We’re glad to be part of your search and have provided information on 50 of the Best Medical Schools in the country. It’s impossible to describe all parts of a medical school’s degree programs, curriculum, and in depth research opportunities. However, this list will give you an overview of each school’s academic and research endeavors.

Medical school admission is competitive. Currently, there are 156 accredited medical schools in the US that are seeing a record number of students applying ( AAMC ). Medical schools offer far more than a Doctor of Medicine degree. Many offer PhD and masters degrees in basic science, clinical, and research studies.

Methodology for How College Consensus Ranked the Best Medical Colleges

To create our ranking of the Best Medical Schools we averaged the results of the five most respected medical school ranking systems to come up with a Consensus Score for each school. Schools were then ranked from highest to lowest Consensus Score. This approach allows us to create a medical school meta-ranking, revealing the best of the best schools. Only medical schools in the US were considered. Data for this year’s ranking comes from the following national published rankings:

• U.S. News & World Report
• QS World University Rankings
• Shanghai Ranking
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings

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Harvard University Cambridge, MA

With a faculty exceeding 12,000, Harvard Medical School at Harvard University provides education and training for physicians, research PhD, masters, and postgraduate programs . The school also offers medical executive education for business professionals (MBA), as well as, online certification coursework.

Research opportunities exist in a variety of medical fields, including genetics, immunology, stem cell regenerative biology, and neurobiology. Clinical and research affiliations are represented by some of the nation’s most distinguished centers. These include the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and also Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Admission to H arvard Medical School is highly competitive. However, approximately 70% of HMS students receive financial aid with an average scholarship of around $59,500 for eligible students seeking a medical degree.

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD

Additionally, its dual medical and combination degrees allow students to expand their studies into areas of public health, medical science, and administrative business of medicine. This top medical school has a graduate Medical Education that offers residencies and fellowships in numerous clinical areas. Furthermore, the Medical School is committed to inclusivity and has a dedicated Office of Medical Student Diversity. Global health benefits from a diverse community. So JHSM encourages qualified international students from other countries who want to study medicine to apply.

A robust research commitment at JHSM features 902 research laboratories and an alumni and faculty that holds over 2,200 patents. Affiliated institutes that work with JHMS research and investigate brain science, biomedical sciences, genetics, and also cell engineering.

Stanford University Stanford, CA

The Stanford University School of Medicine offers seven, dual degree programs including masters studies in public health, medical science, business, law, and others. Admission to the medical school is holistic and determined by 15 Core Competencies in four areas of Science, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Thinking & Reasoning.

Faculty at Stanford University include seven current Nobel Prize winners and substantial membership in the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine. With laboratories and affiliated institutes, research at Stanford has the highest NIH funding level per researcher in the country. Research spans studies from basic science to disease-specific clinical trials. Stanford University also offers community-based training and research, population health, and global research and design innovation.

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania is home to the country’s oldest school of medicine (est.1765) and teaching hospital. Now known as the Perelman School of Medicine (PSM), the school concentrates on education, research, and patient care.

Medical students study an evidence-based curriculum emphasizing instruction in small groups to enhance interaction and self-directed learning. PSM offers combined degree MD programs with PhD (MSTP), MBA, Master of Law, Master in Public Health, and more. Research and Fellowship options are available.

Research is a crucial part of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and it’s affiliated with six acute care facilities and students earn experience working in free community clinics and other outreach programs. The medical school has 36 free-standing, interdisciplinary clinics in oncology, immunotherapy, diabetes, geriatric, cardiology, neurology, organ transplant, and more. Research funding is a staggering $891 million.

Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY

Students participate and run clinics in underserved communities in the university’s Washington Heights area as well as the  Columbia-Bassett track in a mostly rural population. VP&S utilizes state of the art simulation centers where you’ll gain experience with equipment, procedures, and patient-interaction with skilled actors in a variety of physician-patient scenarios.

The school is known for its research and development, receiving over $622 million in NIH funding and its faculty includes 3 Nobel Laureates, Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Faculty Scholars, National Academy of Medicine Members, and more.

University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA

Medical students have a choice of MD degree concentrations at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine with its HEALS curriculum. The school also provides a dual MD/Medical Scientist Training Program , a five-year MD+Masters, and the UCLA/Charles R. Drew Medical Education Program MD dedicated to having an impact on medically underserved communities.

US News and World Report also rank the SOM in its top medical research programs in the country. Faculty investigators conduct trials in a wide array specialties including genetic diseases, endocrine and metabolic, cancer, infectious disease, pediatric, genetic diseases, and several others. The research efforts encourage student participation and the institution provides several funding opportunities.

Yale University New Haven, CT

The school uses the “Yale System of Medical Education” (developed in 1920), which centers on no grades/rankings in the first two years, few examinations, and the encouragement of independent investigation. Yale offers several medical degrees, PhD and Masters programs. Educational departments range from Anesthesiology to Urology and all specialties in between. Furthermore, Yale has the finest medical library in the world with over 380,000 volumes.

Yale has a robust clinical investigation commitment and was on the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine trials in adults and children. Basic and Transitional Research faculty has received over 1,300 patents and ranks high in NIH funding. Faculty includes 3 Nobel Prize winners, Lasker Award winners, MacArthur Genius Grant recipients, and more.

Duke University Durham, NC

The Duke School of Medicine has an impressive offering of health professions training in the areas of medicine. Graduate students can enroll in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Masters in Biomedicine, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, and also the Master of Science Training Program (MSTP). Additionally, the university offers unique international experiences through the Duke-NUS Medical School , and collaborations with Duke Global Health Institute and Duke Kunshan University . The MD program is divided into Pre-Clerkship (1st Year), Clerkship (2nd Year), and  Research (3rd & 4th Year). Classes in year one cover basic sciences and the second year is clinical foundation experiences. During the last two years, students take advanced clinicals and an 8-month mentored research activity.

Long known for its clinical research successes, the Duke School of Medicine receives substantial NIH funding. It has conducted over 2,300 active clinical studies with over 17,000 enrolled patients. Duke has a strong commitment with community initiatives ranging from neighborhood clinics and also healthcare projects.

New York University New York, NY

With 29 academic departments, the University of New York has been training physicians since 1841 and enjoys a national and global reputation. Committed to a multidisciplinary approach to medical training, NYU in 2013, created the Institute of Innovations in Medical Education.  Dedicated to improving medical education models, the institute developed an accelerated three-year MD  as well as a four and five year dual MD/MS degrees .

Over 1,300 medical fellows and residents provide patient care across more than 156 different residency and training opportunities. Additionally, the school has supported leading-edge medical research for over 175 years and its faculty researchers include four Nobel Prize winners, four Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, and twelve National Academy of Sciences scientists.

Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, MO

In addition to the medical education program, WashU School of Medicine provides quality education in the fields of physical therapy and occupational therapy, and audiology and communication sciences. Over 1,200 residents and fellows train in close to 200 specialty and subspecialty areas. Clinical rotations are conducted with faculty in several of the school’s affiliated teaching hospitals in the Saint Louis Missouri area, including Shriners Hospital for Children-St. Louis and the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis.

The development of the  Division of Physician-Scientists  demonstrates the school’s commitment to research. Besides clinical trials participation, the school has developed groundbreaking work in areas of genetic testing, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and oncology among them.

University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, WA

You can choose from  five clinical pathways developed to meet specific career goals. The pathways provide the opportunity to arrange courses and clinical rotations for work concentrating on particular populations. The unique WWAMI partnership has led to an innovative approach providing mentors for students in areas such as patient care as well as clinical skills.

UW Medicine supports vigorous, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and clinical research programs conducted by an award winning faculty. Faculty members include recipients of Gardiner, Nobel, Lasker awards and membership in the National Academy of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and National Academy of Sciences.

Weill Medical College of Cornell University New York, NY

Students can earn a Doctor of Medicine degree as well as opt for a joint degree. Weill Cornell Medicine participates in a  Tri-Institutional MD-PhD program in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University to train future researchers. The WCM has options in PhD programs in biomedicine as well as business administration. Graduate studies in biomedical science, computational biology, physician assistance, and public health are also offered.

WCM has an admirable grouping of medical centers and institutes dedicated to studies in Vascular Biology, Hepatitis C, Brain and Mind Disease, Stem Cell, Cardiovascular, and several others. Additionally, WCM has core research facilities   as well as shared facilities with other research studies located in the vibrant Upper East Side Medical Research Corridor.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI

A student-oriented medical curriculum provides for smaller group learning and collaboration and introduces you to clinical participation within the first month of study. The aim is to provide you a systems-based science curriculum, professional growth working with mentors, vigorous clinical setting education, as well as a healthy life balance.

This School of Medicine has a remarkable $1.58 billion investment in medical and scientific research making it the top public university with such a commitment.  U.S. News and World Report  ranks 12 of the school’s medical specialty and sub-specialty programs in its 2022 Best Graduate Schools categories.

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA

Among the available degrees are the MD , the   Clinical Scientist Training Program (CSTP) , and a multidisciplinary MPH. Students can also enroll in the Physician Science Training Program which is a collaborative effort between UPitt and Carnegie Mellon University. Several additional educational opportunities are offered in Clinical Research, Medicine & Bioethics, Medical Grand Rounds, and others.

US News and World Report regards UPSOM as one of the top, national schools for medical research and primary care training. The school has a robust investigational commitment with numerous, ongoing clinical studies and a unique student opportunity in research. For example, the Longitudinal Research Project (LRP)  allows students to work with faculty mentors on research projects throughout their four years of study.

Northwestern University Evanston, IL

The medical training at Feinberg SOM encompasses medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, and also prosthetics-orthopedics. Among the doctorate degrees are the Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience. Some of the available masters degrees are in areas such as Biostatistics, Genetic Counseling, and also Public Health.

Feinberg SOM has a substantial commitment to Basic, Clinical, and Transitional Research areas. It receives over $610 million in NIH research funding and has more than a quarter of a million enrolled patients in 4,500 clinical trials. Research is also conducted in Public Health and community engagement research to better understand and address healthcare and real world challenges.

University of Chicago Chicago, IL

Pritzker School of Medicine offers a range of medical and healthcare academic tracks including studies in Medical Education , Community Health, Basic Transitional Sciences, Clinical Research, Healthcare Delivery Services, Health Services and Data Science, and also Global Health. Four dual degrees are awarded in addition to the MD.

Approximately, 90% of medical students work in one of the 5 student-run free community clinics. Research opportunities for students exist through a summer research program, providing opportunities to work alongside faculty members in basic sciences, translational, or clinical studies. Numerous other research programs are available.

Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt’s medical curriculum focuses on core sciences. But it also pays attention to the students overall experience, communication skills, and cultural considerations. The school offers not only an MD, but a unique Medical Innovators Development Program,  MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), as well as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery MD. Vanderbilt also provides an Interprofessional Learning Program  which emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of medicine.

Medical research is a critical part of Vanderbilt’s mission and the school’s Basic Sciences Department  has been on the forefront of discovery and innovation. The school is in the top research universities to consistently receive NIH funding.

University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA

This school has a commitment to the medically underserved and is proud that around a quarter of each class are members of underrepresented groups in medicine. Additionally, UCSD supports students by providing iPads and developing professional skills through interactional training. It also offers Standardized or Simulated Patients (SPs) for training using simulations at its Simulation Training Center.

UCSD medical students can choose to combine a MD with other fields of study with numerous options for dual degrees . Basic and clinical research is also a critical part of the medical school’s mission. UC San Diego SOM is one of the top public schools receiving NIH research funding and is in the top schools with intensive research programs as ranked by US News and World Report.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY

In addition to the MD, there are three PhD degree programs in Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research, and also Neuroscience Studies. The Biomedical Sciences PhD offers six Multidisciplinary Training Areas (MTA) thesis options. You can choose from dual degree and specialty programs such as the MD/PhD with the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), MSW/MPH, or the MD/MPH. The school also provides unique programs such as the Global Health Scholars Program, Primary Care Scholars Program, and the Physician Scholars Program.

ISMSS supports groundbreaking, original research and receives over $400 million in NIH research funding. Research projects include epidemiology, translational research, clinical trials, technology, and more.

Boston University Boston, MA

Through clinical lectures, self-directed learning, small groups seminars, and patient contact beginning in the first year, students develop both clinical skills and foundational knowledge. Among the 33 medical centers with whom BUSOM is affiliated are Boston Medical Center , Boston Children’s Hospital , Bournewood Psychiatric Hospital , and also local veterans hospitals.

The school has 28 basic science and clinical science departments that support vigorous biomedical research and 19 research centers and facilities.  US News and World Report ranks BUSOM in its Best US Research Medical Schools.

Emory University Atlanta, GA

You can earn a MD degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  or choose from dual degree opportunities in public health, business administration, and bioethics. A Master of Science Anesthesiology (MMSc) degree is available as is a MMSc degrees in Emory’s Physician Assistant and others. Emory supports one of the largest medical training programs in the country with over 1,300 residents in a range of specialties, 100+ fellowship opportunities, and first-year positions.

Research centers  affiliated with this school are second to none, with studies conducted in AIDS, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Antibiotic Resistance, Translational Social Neuroscience, and more. The school is renowned for its research in brain studies, infectious diseases, pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, and others. Ranking in the NIH top 15 in funding, research is currently conducting over 1,200 clinical trials.

Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX

In addition to the MD program at BCM, students can opt to enter the dual degree programs in MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program), MD/MBA, MD/MP, and a MD/JD. BCM has a significant array of PhD offerings through the Baylor College of Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Other healthcare degrees include Doctor of Nursing Practice, Physician Assistant, and also Doctor of Nursing Practice Program-Nurse Anesthesia

BCM enjoys an international reputation for its cutting edge research programs in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and also Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Additionally, US News and World Report rank it in their Best Global Universities. The school receives significant research funding from the NIH as well as private, sponsor awards each year.

Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH

As with other medical schools, CWR SOM offers not only a MD degree program, but dual degrees of MD/MSTP and PhD and Masters Programs in areas of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Biochemistry, Anesthesia, and also Bioethics.

Medical research is at the core of CWR SOM’s mission to advance healthcare through education and scientific discovery. Reaching across five institutions, the school supports over 30 basic as well as clinical research areas and receives NIH and other supportive, research funding in pediatrics, oncology, neurology, urology, and radiology. The school has an imposing roster of renowned faculty. It includes Nobel Prize winners for their groundbreaking discoveries in diabetes, polio, DNA technology, development of MRI technology, and others.

University of California-San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Additionally, the University of California San Francisco SOM offers the Bridges Curriculum to train 21st century physicians. The MD program has an innovative curriculum developed around seven competencies of medical knowledge, patient care, evidenced-based learning, systems-based practice, communication skills, professionalism, and professional collaboration. Students must meet these competency goals to progress through the program. Other specialty curricula includes Doctor of Physical Therapy and a research based PhD in Rehabilitation Science.

Research is a core value for this school, with 18 departments receiving Top 10 NIH funding in 2018. Five of those departments earned a ranking #1 and twelve in the top five in NIH support and, overall, the school received $1.45 billion in funding from all sources. UCSF SOM also offers the  Physician-Scientist Scholars Program (PSSP) .

University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA

Medical education at this school includes the MD degree, but also many other fields. Students can earn a PhD in a wide range of Biomedical Sciences including Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, and also Neuroscience. The school also awards a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) . Over 800 students and fellows have the opportunity to train in various specialties and subspecialties through UVA’s Graduate Medical Education.

UVA SOM has a vibrant research program in a variety of affiliated centers. The institution studies cancer, lupus, Covid vaccines, and Parkinson’s disease. And it is considered one of the nation’s Top Centers in Biomedical Research by the Hartwell Foundation. UVA SOM receives over $140 million in NIH funding and $23 million for the statewide integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV).

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Rochester, MN

Globally recognized for its research programs, this medical school ranks in the top schools in the nation for research by US News and World Report. The school offers over 400 programs exploring the entirety of the medical fields in surgery, health sciences, and medicine. You can choose from the MD study or one of the eight MD-PhD tracks in the Medical Science Training Program (MSTP) program (available on three campuses).

The research reputation of the Mayo Clinic is unparalleled. Specialties are in areas such as Neuroscience, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Virology and Gene Therapy, and also Biomedical Engineering and Physiology.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN

You can earn a MD, a joint MD/PhD degree, or a PhD or MS in one of 10 graduate programs in Biomedical Sciences. All Biomedical Sciences PhD programs provide complete financial assistance  that include a stipend, tuition, and benefits. In excess of 120 residency and fellowship programs are available in specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and also Surgery.

With high levels of NIH research funding, research studies at MMS include premiere studies in transplantations of kidney, bone marrow, and pancreas. The first cardiac pacemaker was implanted as a result of MMS clinical research. Researchers also helped to develop evidence-based medical options for COVID-19.

Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR

Located in the Oregon city of Portland, OHSU has seven programs covering a range of medical education. Among the academic and training programs are the MD in Primary Care and dual degree options and specialty opportunities. Degrees include a dual MD/PhD, MD/MPH, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS), MD/Physician Scientist, and also Pathology Year Experience. The Oregon FIRST program specially addresses the issues of Oregon’s medically underserved population.

OHSU’s collaborative regional research studies have garnered $384 million in research funding and national recognition in professional journals. Among the innovations originating from OHSU research was the first West Nile virus vaccine, genetic therapies for eye conditions, and also creation of the first successful artificial heart value.

University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA

In addition to the primary MD degree, you have the option to earn a MD/PhD in Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), MD/MPH, MD/MBA in collaboration with UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, or the MS in Biomedical and Translational Science (MS BATS). UCI supports almost 700 residents and fellowships in its 64 accredited programs that represents the majority of medical specialties and subspecialties.

UCI has robust research programs in 11 specialties and is active in basic science, clinical and translational research studies. In 2021, the school received a record $592 million in NIH funding to support investigational studies. The School of Medicine’s nearly 700 faculty collaborate in primary research areas in a variety of diseases, conditions and innovations.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC

UNC offers an MD degree, as well as PhD, Medical Science Masters, and Allied Health programs. Students can can earn a dual degree in MD/PhD, MD/MPH. or MD/MBA. The School of Medicine also supports PhD and M.S. programs in some of the top Allied Health medical careers in: Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Physician Assistant Studies, Clinical Laboratory Science, Physical Therapy, and also Radiologic Science.

It’s hard to find a school with as strong of a research commitment than UNC. On an annual basis, the school receives more than $1 billion in research funding, with most of its research conducted in Chapel Hill. The school also ranks high in the US for federal research funding. Research faculty includes two Nobel Laureates as well as members of national societies and medical academies.

University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA

Students have three degree options with this program, in medicine (MD), Masters/PhD, and Post Doctoral. The four-year MD program concentrates on basic science and clinical studies in close association with faculty. PhD studies span across the biomedical spectrum including Cancer Biology and Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and also Pathogenesis. Additionally, the MS degrees are available in Health and Biomedical Sciences, with some of the programs are offered online.

Research reaches over 26 academic departments and 30 research centers and institutes. Keck School of Medicine received $350 million in research grant monies. Ongoing studies are conducted in several signature programs  with clinical investigations in cancer, biomedical imaging, cardiovascular and lung diseases. Six departments make up 10% in national NIH funding.

Brown University Providence, RI

Degree options at the Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School include medical studies in primary care. But additional disciplines include Primary Care Population Medicine (PC-PM) in its MD/ScM dual degree. You can also train as a Physician-Scientist in the MD/PhD studies in areas in Pathobiology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Ecology, Evolution, and also Organismal Biology.

Warren Alpert Medical School has been growing in the clinical research area, having grown 109% in outside funding since 2013. While, perhaps, not as much as other schools BAMS and its affiliated hospitals have received over $200 million in NIH funds. The Brown Institute for Translational Science (BITS) focuses on critical issues in healthcare and accelerating information into quality patient care. The school supports 11 research centers investigating in a wide geographic area.

Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO

In partnership with Colorado State University, UC opened a medical school branch in Fort Collins. The revised, Longitudinal Curriculum, includes elective track options in research, global, or rural health. Joint degrees exist in a Medical Scientist Training Program, MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and also MD/MS in Bioengineering. PhD programs are available in Biomedical Sciences, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The program has Residency and Fellowship opportunities as well.

You’ll find substantial research studies at UC SOM in numerous categories. Among the active investigations are studies in hematology, oncology, infectious diseases, pain and inflammation, genetics, and many more.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Worcester, MA

Additional degrees are available are a dual MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program which is a collaboration between the UMass Chan Medical School and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The school has a program in Population-Based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) dedicated to addressing health for the underserved urban and rural populations. A dual MD/MBA degree is also available and is a joint effort with UMass Lowell.

This school has a very robust research commitment with ongoing research in nearly all departments with an impressive roster of programs, institutes, and centers. With $254 million per year in funding, UMass Chan Medical School research efforts include a Noble Laureate, five Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, and two members of the National Academy of Sciences.

University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT

This method is used in the school’s dual MD/PhD, MD/MSPH, MD/MPH, or MD/MBA degrees. Residency and Fellowship programs are available in numerous specialties. You can also received a degree through the MS in Laboratory Science focusing on laboratory science and medical science offered in either a biomedical research or clinical tracks.

This is the only academic medical center in the Mountain West area and its research efforts  extend to clinical trials as well as research studies in genetics, ophthalmology, oncology, cardiovascular, among others. The innovative research program receives nearly $246 million on an annual basis in support.

University of Rochester Rochester, NY

Offering Medical Education, this school utilizes the Double Helix Curriculum—Translations and Transitions for its MD and MD/PhD (MSTP) students. This methods emphasizes a Biophysical Model of collaboration, technology, and also professionalism. URSMD has more than 30 PhD and Masters degrees in health sciences and biomedical training. The school’s Master in Public Health (MPH) is offered on-campus and online hybrid. You may also complete your Residency or Fellowship in one of the school’s eighty medical, surgical, or hospital disciplines.

More than 3,000 professionals are engaged in investigational studies in neuroscience, pediatrics, RNA biology, cancer, orthopedics, immunity and infection. Almost 700 graduate students and postdoctoral students are in training for research.

University of Iowa Iowa City, IA

UI’s medical college offers over 15 professional degrees. Among the degrees are a MD , MD/PhD (MSTP), PhD (Biomedical Science or Physical Rehabilitation Science), and combined degrees in MD/MBA in partnership with UI Tippie College of Business, and a MD/JD in collaboration with the UI College of Law. Carver College of Medicine also partners with UI’s College of Public Health a MD/MPH. There is also a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), masters studies in Clinical Nutrition, along with other Professional Training Programs.

Iowa University receives over $240 million in external research funding. The medical school supports multiple institutes and research centers in an array of medical areas as gene therapy, macular degeneration, oncology, etc. Carver Medical School has a robust clinical trials program, as well.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI

UWM offers options of choosing your medical career path with a MD and a Medical Scientist Training Program MD/PhD degree as well as a MD/MPH. The school also provides several MS/PhD degrees in a range of scientific studies. Other professional career training is available in physical therapy (DPT), a stand alone public health degree (MPH), physician assistant studies (MPAS), or genetic counseling (MGCS). Two special programs are available with the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) and the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) dedicated to training for medical service in rural and underserved communities.

You’ll find a vigorous research program at this school with a history of innovation in basic science, clinical, and public health science studies. With a research history that includes three Nobel Laureates, studies at UWM are generously funded.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine (HSM) provides programs for students interested in a primary care track , rural medicine , and dual MD/PhD degrees  in Medical Scientist Training Program, business administration and Public Health. The school has a unique Blaze to MD Program  for students who show promise to succeed in medical school, but need additional basic sciences preparation. Participation in the Blaze Program is made through the regular medical school admission process, with no additional application needed.

Students are given research opportunities beginning in the summer of their first year. The HSM research endeavors are supported by $256 million in NIH funding and ranks #8 among public schools receiving NIH research grants. Research areas include genomics, basic science, informatics, population health and disparities, and inflammation/infection/immunity.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH

UC offers medical students primary care medical education as well as residencies and fellowships opportunities in various specialties. Several PhD degrees are part of the academic program in biomedical sciences, environmental and industrial hygiene, genetics, and also epidemiology. And a MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program is a collaborative effort between UC’s College of Medicine and Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Medical research at UC is considered in the top 40 of medical schools for research. The school supports four institutes for research in cancer, metabolic health, cardiovascular disease, and neurosciences. Additionally, UC College of Medicine receives NIH funding of over $130 million in research grants and contract holdings.

University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Medical education at UF COM includes both a U.S. News and World Report’s  top ranked MD degree in over 100 medical general, specialties and subspecialties. as well as a MD/PhD or MS in biomedical science. The College of Medicine also provides a Physician Assistant program. Students can enroll in Masters and PhD programs through the College of Medicine. Vigorous Residency and Fellowship opportunities in a wealth of specialties from Anesthesia to Urology.

UF COM has an active, nationally recognized research arm and is one of the top public research institutions in the country. The school has a collaborative study in Alzheimer’s disease with Mount Sinai Hospital, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, chronic pancreatitis, cancer, and diabetes, among the investigations. UF supports 9 research institutes concentrating on genetics, aging, brain and neurological, cancer, and more.

Georgetown University Washington, DC

A bit unconventional, when compared to some medical schools, the curriculum at Georgetown is a Journeys  Curriculum  with three phases: Foundational, Core Clinical, and Advanced Clinical. The first and second year Foundational phase introduces scientific foundations and patient care, along with anatomical studies. The third year of study involves clinical  Clerkships  with the fourth year dedicated to two Acting Internships (one required, one selective).

Biomedical research at Georgetown covers over 20 institutes and centers, 6 basic science departments 19 clinical departments. Research at Georgetown Medical Schools concentrates around four research areas: cancer, population health, global health, and mind and brain. Students are able to conduct research at any level of their education.

University of California-Davis Davis, CA

Several degree options are available in the Doctor of Medicine featuring a revised curriculum known as the I-EXPLORE ( I ntegrated Ex plorative P atient and L earner OR iented E ducation) which has its foundation in Biomedical Science, Clinical, and Health Systems studies. A dual degree is available in a fully funded MD/PhD for students who demonstrate a commitment to basic and clinical research. Students in this program are fully funded. The MD/MPH is an interdisciplinary degree partnership with various UC Davis schools as well as departments of public health and nonprofit agencies. Stand alone masters programs include Health Informatics and Public Health.

The school received over $315 million in research funding. UC Davis SOM has ongoing studies in its Stem Cell Program, Clinical and Translational Science, Comprehensive Cancer Center, and also Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Medical Students have research opportunities  available through independent study, summer experience, and mentorships.

University of Miami Coral Gables, FL

Students can choose from a MD/MPH, a MD/JD offered in partnership with UM’s School of Law, and an MD/MBA with UM’s Herbert Business School. If genomics is your interest, you could earn a MD/MS in Genomic Medicine. Uniquely, this medical school also awards degrees in MD/MA in International Administration using academic and theoretical studies. This degree looks at security problems and emergency management strategies. A MD/MA in Medical Humanities and Bioethics focusing on the historical, ethical, legal, as well as cultural contexts of medicine is offered.

Through its Research Departments, UM SOM supports discoveries in its institutes and research centers. With Clinical and Translational Research, Basic Science Research, and has several, active Clinical Trials  programs.

Tufts University Medford, MA

Tufts has an impressive catalog of academic programs featuring programs in the Doctor of Medicine  and the Maine Track MD. The Maine Track is a unique degree for students whose home is in Maine and it concentrates on rural medicine with an immersive experience for students. There is also a MD/MSTP option for students with a strong research interest. Additionally, there are six PhD degrees in biomedical science in areas of Genetics, Immunology, Neuroscience, Molecular Microbiology, and also Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology. The school also offers a MPH and an online MS in Health Informatics and Analytics.

With seven research areas, Tufts has a strong commitment to research and sponsors four biomedical research labs and several centers in a variety of clinical areas. Five Core Research Facilities round out the department.

Dartmouth College Hanover, NH

Geisel awards six degrees covering the spectrum in biomedical, public health, and health research. You can earn an MD which offers first year simulated clinical experiences, a MD/PhD designed to train the physician-scientist, and a highly competitive MD/MBA. Also an MPH/MS through The Dartmouth Institute is offered and a MS/PhD through the Frank J. Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced studies. The PhD/MS in Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (QBS) blends health care, biomedicine, biostatistics, big data, and population health.

As with other medical schools of this caliber, basic science research plays an important role in the Geisel School of Medicine as does Primary Care research . The Geisel School of Medicine counts numerous institutes and centers in its clinical and research commitment.

University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD

While more than half of the school’s students pursue the MD degree, UM SOM also offers dual degrees. Students can choose from a MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program and a MD/MPH. The SOM has a dedication to allied health professions through its graduate program in Life Sciences which features PhD and MS studies in several areas. Some areas of study include Epidemiology and Human Genetics, Neuroscience, Physical Rehabilitation Science, and also Biochemistry.

The school boasts state-of-the-art research facilities covering nearly 2.5 million square feet. Additionally, its over $550  million in research funding and 3,500 faculty mean the research focus of the school is formidable. Investigative concentrations in patient-oriented studies include studies in Cardiovascular, Stem Cell Research, Genomics, Cancer, Global Health and Vaccinology, and Basic Sciences. Clinical Trials are provided through the  General Clinical Research Center (GCRC)

Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC

The MD program features an advanced curriculum ( Wake Ready!) which emphasizes an individualized learning approach and introduces clinical experience early and continued throughout the program. WF SOM established in 1969, offers a Physician Assistant Program students can complete in 24 months. Over 700 residents and fellows participate in the in 99 accredited and unaccredited Residency and Fellowships in hospitals, clinics, and primary or specialty care. Medical education at WF SOM includes Biomedical graduate program degrees such as PhD programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology PhD, and Biomedical Engineering PhD and MS as well as many others.

Medical Research is robust and covers a wide range of investigational areas. With 16 Institutes and Centers, researchers work in oncology, cardiovascular, pediatric trauma, geriatrics, etc. WF has an enviable, institutionally shared resources infrastructure and ongoing clinical trials . The WF faculty interests range from basic science, preclinical, and clinical researchers.

University of South Florida Tampa, FL

USF’s college of medicine offers three options for a MD. The MD Core which is an integrated curriculum in basic science and clinical experiences which are introduced early in your studies. If your interests are in becoming a physician leader, you’ll want to explore the schools SELECT program (Scholarly Excellence. Leadership Experiences. Collaborative Training.) You can also choose the MD/PhD program designed for the future physician-scientist. Also offered are studies in the Physician Assistant Program, MS or PhD in Medical Engineering in conjunction with USF College of Engineering, and Residencies and Fellowships. Additionally, the medical school has an Athletic Training Program.

If research is your goal, the Morsani College of Medicine is active in research studies in basic sciences, translational, and clinical investigations. The school encourages collaboration between departments and around 95% of medical students conduct research.

Indiana University School of Medicine Bloomington, IN

The four-year medical degree emphasizes clinical training. It integrates clinical practice with basic science studies in the first two years with the third and fourth years exclusively concentrating on clinical experiences. The required third year clerkships are clinical rotations in a variety of specialties. Dual degrees are available to pair your MD with a PhD in the Medical Science Training Program (MSTP), masters degrees in business administration, public health, biomedicine, or MS or MA studies in bioethics. Recognizing the stress medical students may have, IU offers free mental health and counseling services to all students, residents, or fellows on each IU campus.

IUSOM covers all the bases in  medical research  with its basic and clinical departments, institutes, research centers, and clinical trials. The research program at Indiana University receives funding from the National Institute on Aging and the US Departments of Pediatrics. It also receives over $200 million in NIH funding.

What Degree Do You Earn in Medical School?

There are two types of doctors or physicians, with similar degrees, a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) . Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery. But DOs place additional emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic or whole-person patient care. DOs are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.

In the United States, medical school students who complete their studies typically receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Some doctors earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. No specific undergraduate degree is required to enter an MD or DO program. However, many schools require certain classes such as biology, biotechnology , physical science, or healthcare and related fields.

What Do Physicians and Surgeons Do?

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. They examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and perform diagnostic tests. Additionally, doctors counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. In contrast, surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones. Operations may also be to treat diseases like removing cancerous tumors or to improve deformities.

What’s the Difference Between a Primary Care Medical School and a Research Medical School?

The days of medical schools only training physicians with some research study is a relic of the past. Today’s medical schools are multifaceted in their degree and program offerings. As you’ve seen with this ranking, schools train students as primary care physicians, but also extend the MD to add a PhD or Masters in ancillary areas. Popular dual degrees include business administration (MD/MBA), law (MD/JD), or training as a physician-scientist (MSTP). Some medical schools include public health, nursing, physician assistant, and other health professions under their educational umbrella.

Most medical schools offer primary care physician education and scientific research investigation opportunities for students. It may be more difficult to get into a research-focused medical school. However, if you have a deep scientific interest in cutting-edge medicine, technology, or development, you may want to find the best medical school with a strong research program.

What is the difference between a medical school and a medical college? Medical schools and medical colleges are the same thing. The only difference is the verbiage. 

What are Popular Medical School Specialties?

Med school can be a highly specialized field , which means that studying for a profession in medicine requires a great deal of dedication and hard work . Upon entrance into medical school , students can choose to specialize in many areas of medicine , such as emergency medicine , surgery , neurolog y , or an esthes iology . Cho osing a specialty can allow medical students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a certain area of medicine, and it can provide an opportunity to focus on specific interests or objectives .

Anesthesiology 

This specialty focuses on managing patients’ pain and administering anesthesia during surgery. 

Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine and critical care doctors provide urgent care to patients who have an illness or injury. 

Obstetrics & Gynecology

An OBGYN specialty focuses on providing care to women during pregnancy, delivery, and the post-partum period, as well as treating diseases of the female reproductive system. 

This specialty focuses on analyzing laboratory tests and tissue samples to diagnose disease.

Primary Care

The primary care specialty focuses on providing primary care such as preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. Examples include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. 

Doctors with a Psyche focus treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Examples include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. 

This specialty focuses on using imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. 

Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat diseases and injuries. Examples include general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastic surgery. 

What Kinds of Factors Make Med Schools Rank High?

One of the most recognized ranking services, the US News and World Report, looks at a variety of factors. Its program surveys rely in part on self-reported data from the schools. Among those are quality and peer assessments, student admission standards, acceptance rates, average GPA and MCAT scores, faculty qualifications, and resources. Tuition costs and graduation rates are also a factor when looking for the top medical schools. Research intensive medical schools are reviewed for funding levels and faculty accomplishments, as well as studies being conducted.

Increasingly, diversity and inclusion rates are considered in a medical school’s overall ranking. Race and gender have become an important factors in a school’s ranking as medical schools work to include students more representative of the country’s population.

How Long is Medical School?

Attending medical school is, in itself, only four years in length. But graduating from a top medical school is step one in the process of becoming a physician. All medical schools offer the MD Primary Care degree which includes two years of clinical rotations. However, before you can practice medicine, you’ll complete three to seven years of a residency program. If you pursue a specialty or subspecialty, you’ll need more residency and fellowship participation. So, the overall time commitment can extend to 7-10+ years.

Medical students are also required to take the three part United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become a licensed physician. The USMLE is commonly referred to as the medical “boards” and all states require you have a license and also meet the individual state’s licensing requirements.

This ranking concentrates on top medical schools awarding the MD. But, students can also choose to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care, or the mind-body-spirit connection. DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) .

What are the Basic Medical School Admission Requirements?

Med school students currently apply to an average of 16 schools using the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) . The average GPA and MCAT scores for med schools applicants varies by school. But overall, recent medical school students who applied and then later enrolled in a program have scores that offer insight. The most recent cohorts of med school students have an average GPA of 3.75 and average MCAT scores of 511.9 ( AAMC ).

The specific admission requirements vary from school to school. However, below are some of the most common requirements for medical school admission.

• Complete an application and pay the application fee.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, most schools prefer a degree with a focus in the sciences.
• Meet the required minimum grade point average specific to each medical school. A good GPA for medical school is typically 3.5 or higher. Like any other graduate school, the higher your undergrad GPA, the better.
• A competitive score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). MCAT scores range from 472-528.
• At least two years of coursework in the biological and physical sciences.
• Letters of recommendation from people who have had exposure to your academic and professional performance.
• Participation in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to a medical career.
• A personal statement that outlines your motivation and commitment to becoming a doctor.
• An interview with a panel of medical school faculty and admissions committee members.

What is a Good MCAT Score for Medical School? 

The average MCAT scores for medical schools are typically in the range of 510 and higher. There are many factors that play into admissions, but a great MCAT score is certainly needed for most of the top medical schools. For more competitive medical schools, applicants should aim for a 520 or higher.

Do You Need a License to Be a Medical Doctor?

Yes, all medical doctors must receive a license from their state medical licensing board in order to practice medicine. The licensing requirements vary from state to state and require medical school graduation, successful completion of licensing examinations, and a determination of good moral character.

Licensure requirements include passing standardized national exams. MDs take the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state’s medical board.

Board certification in a specialty is not required for physicians and surgeons. However, it may increase their employment opportunities. MDs and DOs seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 9 years in residency training,. The length of time varies with ech specialty. 

To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from a medical certifying board. Examples of certifying boards include the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

What are the Other Important Qualities Medical School Grads Need?

In addition to completing medical school and a residency, there are other qualities that MDs need. Below are some of the other important qualities med school graduates need.

• Empathy : Doctors must be able to listen to patients and show understanding and compassion. 
• Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and reactions is important for a doctor. 
• Collaboration: Working with patients, colleagues, nurses, and other healthcare professionals is a key part of a doctor’s job. 
• Instructional Skills: Doctors must be able to explain medical conditions and treatments to their patients. 
• Attention to Detail : A physician must be precise and accurate in diagnosing and treating people. 
• Interpersonal Skills :  Doctors must be able to establish good relationships with their patients. 
• Adaptability : Doctors must be able to adapt to different situations quickly and effectively. 
• Professionalism : all medical professionals must routinely display professional conduct and behavior. 
• Communication Skills : Excellent communication skills are vital in order to talk to patients clearly and professionally. 
• Decision-Making Skills : Physicians need to be skilled in making sound and ethical decisions on a regular basis.

How Do You Choose the Right Medical School?

It is not always easy to enroll in the right school for you. But generally you should choose the school that fits all your needs and has the best opportunities for you. First, determine your areas of interest within healthcare. Then consider what areas of medicine you might want to specialize in for your career. Think about the characteristics that define the school. Consider which characteristics are important to you in choosing a medical school, including factors like location, cost, size, curriculum, and supportive learning environment. 

Next you should Research the school. Explore the school’s amenities, accreditation, faculty, and graduate success rates. Also look into the requirements needed for admission, such as transcripts, content exams, and the medical school’s acceptance rate . If you have time, it never hurts to schedule a visit to the school. Make an appointment to visit and meet with staff and faculty. It helps to get a feel of the campus if you take a tour. 

How Much Does it Cost to Attend Medical School?

The cost of attending medical school depends on the school you attend , the degree you pursue , and whether or not you qualify for grants or scholarships . On average , a four – year medical school program can cost between $ 150 , 000 and $ 275 , 000 . This estimate includes tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Because the cost of medical school is expensive, it is often one of the biggest factors when prospective medical students choose a school. Typically private universities costs more than public medical schools. Additionally, in-state tuition at a public universities is much more affordable than tuition for out-of-state students. Also full time tuition includes a certain number of credit hours. 

Student and Professional Resources:

• Association of American Medical Colleges ( AAMC )
• American Board of Medical Specialties ( ABMS )
• US Medical Licensing Examination ( USMLE )
• American Board of Physician Specialties ( ABPS )
• Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination ( COMLEX-USA )
• American Osteopathic Association ( AOA )
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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.

Stanford Med News

Stanford med twitter feed.

Harvard University | Harvard Medical School | MIT | Contact Us

Program Overview

Welcome from the director and program overview.

MD-PhD Mission

Our mission is to train the next generation of premier and diverse physician-scientist leaders, who represent a rich spectrum of clinical disciplines and research areas from basic and translational sciences to bioengineering to the social sciences.

MD-PhD and the HMS MD Curricula

Our MD-PhD students benefit from the choice of applying to two Harvard Medical School educational tracks, namely Pathways and Health, Sciences, and Technology (HST).  The Pathways track features a large and diverse class of students whose interests span the gamut of liberal arts education. The Pathways curriculum starts with a 14 month intensive introduction to the essentials of medical education with prompt entry to the wards by October of Year 2. In Years 3 and 4, hospital-based experiences are balanced with classroom-based educational components that emphasize an intimate linkage between pathophysiology and patient relevance. For a more quantitative, engineering, and research-focused approach to learning medicine, there is the HST track , which features a much smaller class that is exquisitely focused on the science behind the medicine, emphasizing mechanism and innovation.  The HST curriculum follows a more traditional sequence with didactic class work that runs through Years 1 and most of Year 2, with the transition to the wards beginning in the spring of Year 2. Years 3 and 4 follow a hospital-based clinical rotations schedule. Roadmaps and timelines for MD-PhD education for both Pathways and HST tracks can be found here .

MD-PhD courses

Students begin their training in the summer before the first year of medical school by taking a course called “ Investigations of Human Disease .” This class is especially designed to introduce the entering MD-PhD students to current disease-oriented research problems, and to develop their critical thinking skills. Throughout the MD-PhD training experience, our program offers an expansive paracurriculum that includes noon clinical case conferences, MD-PhD grand rounds, an evening seminar series on MD-PhD careers, alumni mixers, and so much more. To ease the transition back to the hospital, the program offers a Reintroduction to Clinical Medicine , which is a “boot camp” style course that includes clinical didactics, simulations, rounding with inpatient care teams, and one-on-one supervised patient encounters with a clinical faculty mentor.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of MD-PhD training at Harvard and MIT is the essentially unlimited options for PhD training across the campuses of Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, MIT, the Whitehead Institute, the Broad Institute of Harvard/MIT, and all of the affiliated Harvard hospitals, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Joslin Diabetes Center, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and so many more.  The faculty embedded in this enormous diversity of clinical and research environments offer you tremendous choice, but more importantly, unmatched opportunities to conduct innovative research that transcends disciplines and technologies.  What’s more, the environment of innovation in the Cambridge biotechnology sector affords real world opportunities to translate your innovations into next-generation diagnostics, devices, and therapies.  Our MD-PhD students can train in essentially any department and specialization that Boston has to offer from the basic and engineering sciences, to the broad spectrum of social sciences spanning history of science, epidemiology, economics, medical anthropology, health policy, and more.

The Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program at Harvard Medical School (HMS) has been sponsored in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through its Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) since 1974.  All MD-PhD student applicants to our program compete on equal footing for MSTP support, regardless of scientific interest.  That is, we provide full and equal MSTP support to our basic and social science MD-PhD students. And, for those students who matriculate to Harvard Medical School without MSTP funding but decide to pursue both degrees, we have an “open tent” policy that welcomes you into our community, with formal MD-PhD matriculation upon acceptance to a Harvard or MIT graduate program.  We also do our very best to help you garner at least partial support for your MD-PhD training; in recent years, full support has been available to fund the third and fourth years of medical school for our affiliated students.  The bottom line is this: we do not distinguish between those students who do and don’t have MSTP support when it comes to providing our MD-PhD students with administrative and advisory support, and our robust menu of academic and social activities.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance we place on community.  We are a large program with approximately 197 students who train across an array of hospitals, campuses, and research institutions.  The MD-PhD Program provides the glue that brings this community together making what may at first seem large feel intimate.  Our MD-PhD office staff and faculty leaders are dedicated to getting to know you personally and advising you at each and every step of your training.  To build and sustain this community spirit, we feature a hearty array of community-based activities, including our annual summer barbecue, weekend-long retreat, MD-PhD happy hours and community breakfasts, meet-the-investigator series, noon clinical case conferences, MD-PhD grand rounds, dinners of 8 (featuring a student from each stage of training), and dinner parties at my home for our admissions revisit celebration and our annual holiday bash.  We work hard and play hard recognizing that while you are training as a physician and a scientist for 7 to 9 years, you also need to live your life, cherishing friends, family, and time off.

I hope you will enjoy browsing our website and learning more about our program.  As a pediatric oncologist, chemical biologist, and MD-PhD program director, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic and optimistic about the impact of physician-scientists on our society.  By harnessing the arts of medicine and research, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference for our patients, always striving to identify and then tackle the most formidable challenges of human disease.  We hope to inspire you to fully engage this art of the possible.

Best, Loren Walensky, M.D., Ph.D. Director

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The Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program at Harvard Medical School (HMS), sponsored primarily by the  National Institutes of Health (NIH)  through its  Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)  since 1974, provides fellowship support for selected and highly qualified students who have elected to pursue both the MD and PhD degrees. The overall mission is to train the next generation of premier and diverse physician-scientist leaders, who represent a rich spectrum of clinical disciplines and research areas from basic and translational sciences to bioengineering to the social sciences.

MD-PhD Website MD-PhD Curriculum Maps Policy in the Student Handbook Affiliate Program - Students who enter HMS as MD students and decide after admission to pursue both the MD and a PhD degree are eligible to apply for affiliate status in the MD-PhD Program.

Loren Walensky, MD, PhD

Elizabeth barks, johnathan cheng, phd, jennifer deangelo, halie nicolosi, steve obuchowski.

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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

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. A combined curriculum leading to both MD and PhD degrees 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 automatically 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, admissions, and  student mentorship .  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.  Students may select a thesis mentor from faculty in the Schools of Medicine and Public Health.

The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, It also 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 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 separate  MD-PhD Review 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. 

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.  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.  

Financial Support.  The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is supported by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health. A number of exceptional students with unusual accomplishments and commitment to a career in the medical sciences will be selected for traineeships under this program. Such fellowships provide stipend and tuition support for combined medical and graduate study. All students who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program will be considered for these awards. 

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 these programs may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Director of the MD-PhD Program.

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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MD-PhD Programs: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Everything you need to know about md-phd programs and how to get in, including example md-phd essays and complete lists of md-phd and mstp programs by state.

Learn what it takes to get into top md-phd programs

(Note: We recommend using this resource alongside our free, 102-page comprehensive guide to medical school applications,  Get Into Medical School: 6 Practical Lessons to Stand Out and Earn Your White Coat .)

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: an overview of md-phd programs, part 3: how to apply to md-phd programs, part 4: how to write md-phd essays (examples included), appendix a: complete list of medical scientist training program (mstp) institutions, appendix b: complete list of md-phd programs.

If your career goals include both practicing medicine and diving deep into scientific research, you may have your eye on MD-PhD programs. You might also wonder if applying to MD-PhD programs differs from the traditional medical school admissions process .

The two processes are distinct in several ways. Yet, while the majority of medical schools offer these dual-degree programs, the differences between MD and MD-PhD admissions are neither widely discussed nor well understood—largely because far fewer students apply to become “physician scientists.” In the 2023–2024 admissions cycle, there were 52,577 MD applicants vs. just 1,795 MD-PhD applicants —nearly 30 times fewer.

Because the number of MD-PhD applicants is comparatively small, there’s also less information available to help prospective applicants navigate the MD-PhD admissions process. That’s why we created this guide, which will answer the many questions that we commonly receive about MD-PhD applications.

We’ll provide information to help you decide whether these programs are right for you, strategies you can use should you choose to apply, discussions of the required MD-PhD essays (including examples), and complete lists of MD-PhD and MSTP programs so you can maximize your odds of getting in.

What are MD-PhD programs?

MD-PhD programs are joint (i.e., dual-degree) programs that allow you to receive medical training and develop expertise in a research area. Most MD-PhD students complete dissertation research in biomedical sciences like biochemistry, genetics, and neuroscience, to name just a few examples. However, some may specialize in other fields, including anthropology, public health, bioengineering, and bioethics. Different schools will offer different options for the fields you might focus on for the PhD portion of the degree.

What are Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP)?

MSTP programs are a subset of 50 MD-PhD programs that are funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). While MSTP admissions are very competitive, these programs come with significant benefits including full tuition coverage, a living expenses stipend, and professional development opportunities such as seminars, conferences, and mentorship. The MSTP initiative is meant to encourage the development of physician scientists to advance the medical field through research. The NIH began awarding the MSTP designation in 1964, with Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Northwestern University, and New York University being the original three MSTP programs. A number these programs also allow students to complete the PhD portion of the program at an allied institution outside of the home university. For example, the MSTP program at the University of California, San Francisco allows students to complete their PhD work at University of California, Berkeley.

It should be noted that many non-MSTP programs will also provide some of the aforementioned benefits, such as tuition remission and living stipends. Each program’s resources and offerings will differ, so we recommend looking into each of them individually.

How many MD-PhD programs are there?

As of March 2024, there are 122 MD-PhD programs in the United States and 13 in Canada. You can find the full list of current programs at the end of this guide, as well as on the AAMC website .

How long are MD-PhD programs?

MD-PhD programs are designed to be completed in 7 to 8 years. A minority of students complete the program in 6 or 10 years.

Here’s what the typical MD-PhD curriculum looks like:

Years 1–2 will be spent mostly on completing medical school coursework.

Years 3–6 will consist mostly of PhD research.

Years 7–8 will be spent mostly completing clinical rotations.

Following the completion of your MD-PhD program, the majority of MD-PhD grads go on to match into medical residencies and fellowships—this means another 3–7 years of training, depending on what field you enter. As you can see, earning an MD-PhD is a substantial time commitment.

What are the benefits of having MD-PhD attached to your name?  

Physician scientists are uniquely equipped to investigate diseases because of their extensive scientific and medical training. This type of work has the potential to impact the lives of millions of patients. While MD physicians can also pursue meaningful research, they typically don’t receive specialized training unless they seek it out.

MD-PhD graduates, on the other hand, develop the necessary research skills during their graduate studies to eventually pursue independent research projects, run their own labs, and so on. Moreover, in some circles, MD-PhD graduates enjoy additional prestige because they’re seen as research experts simply by virtue of going through such a rigorous program.

What kind of residencies do MD-PhDs enter?

MD-PhD graduates have traditionally entered medical residencies in internal medicine, pediatrics, or pathology. While those are still the most common choices, the range of specialties chosen by MD-PhDs has widened. Other relatively popular specialties include psychiatry, general surgery, anesthesiology, neurological surgery, and neurology.

There are also a growing number of “research residency programs.” Specifically designed with physician scientists in mind, these programs integrate research alongside clinical training. This often shortens specialty training by a year.

No matter what residency you match into, MD-PhD grads are generally considered desirable candidates for programs at top academic institutions due to their additional training.

What is the average MD-PhD salary and career?

The average physician scientist salary is currently $207,635. However, your salary will depend largely on whether you work in the public or private sector, and what medical specialty you choose.

One thing to keep in mind is that, although some programs are fully funded, MD-PhD programs take 3–4 years longer to complete than an MD program. Therefore, MD-PhD graduates will not begin earning a salary until several years after their MD counterparts.

Your typical career path as an MD-PhD graduate will be to become a faculty member in an academic medical center, such as a medical school or teaching hospital, where most of your time will be spent on research activities; other duties usually include teaching, administrative work, and clinical service. A large portion of your compensation will come in the form of research grants. Around 75% of MD-PhD grads follow this path.

Another sizable portion of physician scientists—around 16%—work as physicians in private practice.

These two career paths account for the vast majority of MD-PhD grads. Still, there are those who earn a comfortable living in the private sector working for pharmaceutical or biotech companies. Others work in governmental or nonprofit research organizations like the NIH and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

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How competitive are MD-PhD programs? Is it harder to get into an MD-PhD program than an MD program?

The competitiveness of MD-PhD programs vs. MD programs depends on how you look at it.

Comparing programs at the same school: At some highly competitive medical schools, less than 3% of applicants are admitted to the MD program, whereas about 10% of MD-PhD applicants get in due to a smaller applicant pool.

Comparing overall acceptance rates: During the 2023–2024 application cycle, 707 out of 1,795 applicants (39.4%) matriculated into an MD-PhD program . This number is slightly lower than the overall admissions percentage to MD programs during the same cycle (43.7%).

Comparing stats: In the most recent admissions cycle, the mean GPA and MCAT score for MD-PhD matriculants were 3.82 and 516.0. For MD matriculants , the mean GPA and MCAT score were 3.77 and 511.7.

Overall, it’s fair to state that MD-PhD admissions are more difficult than MD admissions. However, because MD-PhD programs so heavily emphasize your research track record, you may be more or less competitive for them depending on your stats and extracurricular profile .

(Suggested reading: Average GPA and MCAT Score for Every Medical School )

Do MD-PhD programs require that I take the GRE in addition to the MCAT?

It depends on the specific medical school and PhD discipline you’re applying to conduct research in. Non-medical disciplines (e.g., sociology) are far more likely to ask for your GRE score in addition to your MCAT score . You should review application requirements as early as possible to ensure that you have adequate time to prepare for the GRE if it’s required for your particular program.

How should I prepare differently to apply for MD-PhD programs?

The key differentiator between MD-PhD and MD programs is their research emphasis. If you’re considering applying to MD-PhD programs, make sure you will be able to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to research, preferably in one to three different labs. Moreover, aim to become an author on multiple publications to boost your admissions odds. Finally, make sure to develop strong rapport with your labs’ PIs so that you can secure strong recommendation letters when the time comes to apply.

With regard to coursework, the same courses that satisfy MD program requirements will satisfy MD-PhD programs’ requirements. In other words, you won’t need to take additional prerequisites to qualify for MD-PhD programs.

How many MD-PhD programs should I apply to?

It depends on several factors, including:

Your stats and extracurricular background: The higher your stats and the stronger your extracurricular—especially research—background, the greater your overall odds.

The competitiveness of your school list: The more selective the school, the lower your admissions odds there.

The number of concurrent MD applications: The more schools you apply to overall, the greater your total admissions odds.

Overall, we recommend that you apply to 20–35 schools across MD and MD-PhD programs.

Can I apply to MD and MD-PhD programs at the same time?

Yes. Simply indicate on your AMCAS application application which schools you’d like to apply for as an MD candidate vs. an MD-PhD candidate. For most schools, if they reject you for their MD-PhD program they will still consider you for their regular MD program. This point, however, is important to confirm with each individual school.

What is the MD-PhD application timeline like?

It mimics the MD application timeline . Ideally, you’ll want to submit your primary application as soon as possible after AMCAS opens for submissions in late May/early June. You should then aim to pre-write your secondary essays so you can submit your supplemental applications within two weeks of receiving them, usually sometime in July. MD-PhD interviews typically take place between October and March, with most interview invitations sent out during that same period.

Do I face a disadvantage if I apply MD/PhD, get rejected, and essentially lose out on the early rolling admissions benefit?

In our experience, we have observed no such disadvantage. We have students who get into some MD/PhD programs, while others get deferred but are ultimately accepted into MD programs. Therefore, we encourage you to apply MD/PhD wherever you hope to attend such programs.

How does the MD-PhD application differ from the MD application?

You’ll have to submit two additional essays through AMCAS—on top of your personal statement and Work and Activities section —for MD-PhD consideration:

The MD-PhD essay, which asks for your reasons for pursuing the dual-degree program

The “significant research experience” essay, which asks for details about the scientific research you have conducted

Below, we’ll go over how to approach each MD-PhD essay, show you full-length examples, and discuss what makes them successful.

MD-PhD essay

In this essay, you’ll explain why you want to enter a dual-degree program. Your essay should thus focus on why you need to complete both an MD and a PhD, and why you wouldn’t be fulfilled by a career that didn’t include both research and clinical work. This essay will be forwarded only to your designated MD-PhD programs and it is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces).

To explain their reasons for applying, applicants sometimes write about how they love both research and medicine, and simply couldn’t decide which to focus on. A weakness of this approach is that these essays often end up describing research and medicine in isolation from each other, which highlights that the applicant hasn’t really thought through how they interact. This might inadvertently suggest to adcoms that you actually would be better off in a standalone MD or PhD program.

Instead of this, we suggest discussing how you can’t envision not having both in your life. In other words, focus on why the combination of research and medicine is important to you. How have you and how will you apply research to your clinical work and vice-versa? What does their integration offer you that a standalone program won’t? By showing how the two areas cross over and impact each other, you’ll be able to make the case that an MD-PhD program is right for you.

Here’s an example that discusses this successfully:

My clinical work and research during college seemed separate. As a longtime psychiatric emergency department (ED) volunteer, I worked firsthand with patients and families in medical and psychological crises. As a researcher, I initially organized patient files before creating and managing a new patient database for a project identifying risk factors for stroke and cerebrovascular disease in underserved Latino populations. It wasn’t until my postgraduate years that I began to integrate my passion for mental health treatment with research.

After graduating from college, I accepted a research associate position in the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, where I worked in Dr. Joan Stephenson’s autism assessment lab. I trained to reliably evaluate individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using behavioral observation and clinical interview methods to determine their eligibility for study participation. While my experiences in the Stephenson Lab were markedly different from working in the psychiatric ED, I realized that the importance of empathic care transcends the acuity of a patient’s condition. For instance, I distinctly remember a mother who feared that her 2-year-old son would receive an ASD diagnosis like his older brother, despite her and her husband praying for years that they would have one child with typical development before they were unable to have other children. When the lead psychologist confirmed their younger son’s ASD diagnosis, the mother broke down in tears. Before providing information on the boy’s prognosis and ASD treatment options, the psychologist and I spent the next 15 to 20 minutes validating the mother’s concerns. At that point, we figured the mother needed someone to tell her that her feelings were normal and that she wanted the best for her children. Doing so helped the mother be more receptive to our treatment recommendations.

My fascinations with mental health and cognitive psychology stem from believing that differences among human beings are not limited to the physical or social or mental aspects of development, but encompass their interaction. Reflecting on the challenges of living with Tourette Syndrome and coming from an immigrant family, I realize that the distinct combination of life events we experience, referred to simply as “environment,” is what truly makes each of us unique.

My life and research experiences have collectively taught me how conditions aren’t merely something you study in a lab out of curiosity, but rather how they dramatically impact patient life and outlook. Moreover, these experiences helped me realize my desire to become a physician scientist and pursue translational research that directly improves peoples’ lives on a larger scale.

Why does this essay work?

This applicant does an excellent job of explaining how he came to realize that his passions for clinical work and psychiatric research, once separate, actually complement and benefit each other. For example, he discusses an experience in which empathy, which is typically thought of a trait of physicians rather than researchers, came into play while working as a research assistant.

He also writes about how research doesn’t exist in isolation in a lab or purely for the pursuit of knowledge but, rather, has a real-life impact on people’s lives. By incorporating specific examples, including his own experiences of living with Tourette Syndrome, he convincingly makes the case that he has a firsthand understanding of the practical importance of research.

The essay ends with the applicant’s goals for his career. In your own essay, you might go one step further than this applicant did by providing greater specificity—for instance, if you have a particular research interest you hope to pursue, mention it. That said, it’s not necessary to know yet exactly what problem or topic you hope to research so long as you can mention a broad field of interest, as this applicant did. 

Struggling to write your med school essays?

Thank you! Your guide is on its way. In the meantime, please let us know how we can help you crack the the medical school admissions code . You can also learn more about our 1-on-1 medical school admissions support here .

Significant research experience essay

Your significant research experience essay is where you’ll provide details about your notable research experiences. This should include:

The durations of your research experiences

Your research supervisors’ names and affiliations

The nature of the problems you studied

Your contributions to the research efforts

In writing about their research projects, applicants are sometimes unsure of how technical or detailed their descriptions should be. You don’t want to include so much jargon that your essay reads like a scientific manuscript submission, but it’s okay to include technical details so long as they’re at a level that any scientist will be able to understand.

While describing your experience is your main goal in this essay, you might also take on the secondary goal of communicating what kind of student and researcher you are and hope to develop into. Remember that adcoms are looking for candidates who will be able to handle the strenuous challenges of an MD-PhD program. So, this essay can be a space to convey personal qualities like resolve, problem-solving, initiative, leadership, and the ability to absorb lessons and grow. You’re given 10,000 characters (including spaces) to work with in this essay.

Here are a few ways that you might incorporate personal qualities into your significant research essay:

Write about what you learned from specific research experiences and how you’ll apply those lessons going forward.

Describe not only your successes, but also your failures and what they taught you.

If you played a leadership role in some of your research experiences, make sure to highlight that you weren’t simply taking directions from someone else.

Let’s take a look at an example:

I have had X significant research experiences:

1. Professor Sean Guo, MD/PhD, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, March 2016 - August 2018

The Guo Lab investigates the development of child psychiatric conditions through imaging genetics. My project focuses on conducting cross-modal imaging genetics analyses between genes in the catecholamine system, including ADRA2A, 5-HTTLPR, DAT1, and DRD4, and functional and connectivity imaging data to unravel the genetic bases of neural networks underlying response inhibition (RI) in children. Alongside Dr. Guo, I found that youth with greater levels of impulsivity and inattentiveness, based on standardized behavioral rating scales, displayed greater latency on a computerized RI task.  Moreover, impulsive and inattentive traits, as well as performance on the RI task, was negatively associated with functional anisotropy (FA) and functional coupling between the presupplementary motor area (preSMA), interior frontal cortex (IFC),and subthalamic nucleus. Atypical connectivity and functional coupling among these brain areas were observed to be fixed and nonprogressive regardless of age. Furthermore, we found a positive association between the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal (BOLD) and FA in the preSMA, right IFC, STN, and occipital lobe.

Identifying genetic effects on neural function and connectivity related to RI have helped us begin elucidating neural pathways of inhibitory control. This project is translational by virtue of its integration of previously unexplored genotypes and behavioral data with functional and white matter connectivity. Our next step is to apply these early causal models of RI to develop targeted interventions. This is particularly relevant given that RI deficits are associated with numerous conditions of clinical, public health, and economic significance, including substance disorders, addiction, and obesity. 

I co-authored these findings in two manuscripts published in [Journal] and [Journal]. I also co-designed and presented a poster at the [Year, Conference]. Moreover, my colleagues and I plan to submit a paper to [Journal] in the coming weeks. If accepted, this would be my third first-authored publication.

Through this project, I learned a number of neuroimaging research techniques, including recruiting, consenting, and imaging study participants, processing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, conducting statistical analyses, and writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. It was extremely gratifying not only to learn these new skills, but also to take greater ownership over a project than I have in the past. This experience helped me to better understand what goes into a study from start to finish and has prepared me for future leadership.

(Note: The applicant goes on to include additional significant research experience entries using the format above.)

Let’s analyze what’s working in this essay:

The applicant provides all the relevant details about a specific research experience. Note that it’s not always necessary to go into this level of detail—given that you can use up to 10,000 characters, how much detail to include will often depend on how many significant research experiences you want to convey. This excerpt uses about 2,800 characters, meaning that the applicant has room to add 2–3 more experiences at this level of detail.

He uses an entry format, which is a great strategy to provide clarity and structure to your essay. If you wish, you can also discuss your experiences in narrative form.

He concludes the entry by talking about what he learned both in terms of specific skills but also in terms of lessons that he will apply to future work. This helps adcoms get a glimpse of the human behind the accomplishments.

Final thoughts

For the aspiring physician scientist, MD-PhD programs will provide the training you need to integrate research and clinical work. The MD-PhD admissions process is challenging and differs from that of traditional medical school admissions. In addition to completing medical school prerequisites and earning excellent grades and MCAT scores, you’ll want to ensure that your research experience is robust going into application season. Then, plan to devote significant time to your required application materials, including the two MD-PhD supplementary essays, in order to give yourself the best chances of acceptance.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.

Note: This list contains MD-PhD programs funded by the NIH for award period 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022​​​​.

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine

Stanford University School of Medicine

University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine

University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine/California Institute of Technology (Joint Program)

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences

University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine

Connecticut

Yale University School of Medicine

University of Miami School of Medicine

Emory University School of Medicine

Northwestern University School of Medicine

University of Chicago School of Medicine

University of Illinois College of Medicine

Indiana University School of Medicine

University of Iowa College of Medicine

University of Kansas Medical Center

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Massachusetts

Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Joint Program)

Tufts University School of Medicine

University of Massachusetts School of Medicine

University of Michigan Medical School

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

University of Minnesota Medical School

Washington University School of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York University School of Medicine

Stony Brook University School of Medicine

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Weill Cornell Medical College/The Rockefeller University/Memorial Sloan-Kettering (Tri-Institutional Program)

North Carolina

Duke University School of Medicine

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine

Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon University (Joint Program)

South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/MD Anderson Cancer Center (Joint Program)

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

University of Virginia School of Medicine

University of Washington School of Medicine

Medical College of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Note: This is an exhaustive list of MD-PhD programs.

University of Alabama School of Medicine

University of South Alabama College of Medicine  

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine - Phoenix

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

University of Arkansas College of Medicine

Loma Linda University School of Medicine  

University of California, Davis School of Medicine  

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine  

University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine  

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine  

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine  

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California  

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center  

University of Connecticut School of Medicine  

Yale University School of Medicine  

District of Columbia

Georgetown University School of Medicine  

Howard University College of Medicine  

University of Florida College of Medicine  

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine  

University of South Florida College of Medicine  

Emory University School of Medicine  

Medical College of Georgia  

Morehouse School of Medicine  

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Loyola University of Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine  

Northwestern University Medical School   

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Chicago Medical School  

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MSTP)

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MD-PhD)

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine  

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Medicine  

Indiana University School of Medicine  

University of Iowa College of Medicine  

University of Kansas School of Medicine  

University of Kentucky College of Medicine  

University of Louisville School of Medicine

Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine  

Louisiana State University, Shreveport School of Medicine  

Tulane University School of Medicine  

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine  

National Institutes of Health Intramural MD-PhD Partnership  

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences  

University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine  

Boston University School of Medicine 

Harvard Medical School  

Tufts University School of Medicine 

University of Massachusetts Medical School 

Michigan State University College of Medicine  

University of Michigan Medical School  

Wayne State University School of Medicine  

Mayo Medical School

University of Minnesota Medical School  

Mississippi

University of Mississippi School of Medicine  

Saint Louis University School of Medicine  

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine  

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine  

Washington University School of Medicine  

Creighton University School of Medicine  

University of Nebraska College of Medicine

University of Nevada School of Medicine  

New Hampshire

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth  

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School  

Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School  

University of New Mexico School of Medicine  

Albany Medical College  

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University  

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons  

Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine

Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program  

Mount Sinai School of Medicine  

New York Medical College  

New York University School of Medicine  

SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine  

SUNY at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center  

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine  

SUNY Upstate Medical University  

University of Rochester School of Medicine  

Wake Forest School of Medicine  

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University  

Duke University School of Medicine  

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine  

North Dakota

University of North Dakota School of Medicine  

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine  

Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine  

Ohio State University College of Medicine  

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine  

University of Toledo College of Medicine  

Wright State University School of Medicine  

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center  

Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine  

Drexel University College of Medicine  

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University  

Penn State University College of Medicine  

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine  

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine  

Temple University School of Medicine  

Rhode Island

Brown University School of Medicine  

University of South Carolina School of Medicine  

South Dakota

University of South Dakota School of Medicine  

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine  

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine  

University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine  

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine  

Baylor College of Medicine 

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/MD Anderson Cancer Center/University of Puerto Rico Tri-Institutional Program

Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine College 

Texas Tech University School of Medicine 

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 

University of Texas Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine 

University of Texas, Southwestern Med Center - Dallas 

University of Utah School of Medicine 

University of Vermont College of Medicine 

Eastern Virginia Medical School 

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine 

University of Virginia School of Medicine 

University of Washington School of Medicine 

West Virginia

Marshall University School of Medicine 

West Virginia University School of Medicine 

Medical College of Wisconsin 

University of Wisconsin Medical School 

McGill University Faculty of Medicine 

McMaster University of Faculty of Health Sciences 

Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine 

Universite de Montreal Faculte de Medecine 

Universite de Sherbrooke Faculte de Medecine 

Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine 

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry 

University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine 

University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine 

University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine 

University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine 

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine 

University of Western Ontario 

(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Canada: How to Get In )

You can't harvest the fruit unless you grow the trees.

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. given is a list of schools offering a combined md-phd degree, with links to their web sites..

University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E Heersink School of Medicine Birmingham, Ala.

University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Ariz.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Phoenix, Ariz.

University of Arkansas College of Medicine Little Rock, Ark.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine   Loma Linda, Calif.

Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, Calif.

University of California, Davis School of Medicine   Davis, Calif.

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine   Irvine, Calif.

University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine   Los Angeles, Calif.

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine   La Jolla, Calif.

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine   San Francisco, Calif.

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California   Los Angeles, Calif.

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center   Denver, Colo.

Connecticut

University of Connecticut School of Medicine   Farmington, Conn.

Yale University School of Medicine   New Haven, Conn.

District of Columbia

Georgetown University School of Medicine   Washington, D.C.

Howard University College of Medicine   Washington, D.C.

University of Florida College of Medicine   Gainesville, Fla.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine   Miami, Fla.

University of South Florida College of Medicine   Tampa, Fla.

Emory University School of Medicine   Atlanta, Ga.

Medical College of Georgia   Augusta, Ga.

Morehouse School of Medicine   Atlanta, Ga.

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Augusta, Ga.

Loyola University of Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine   Maywood, Ill.

Northwestern University Medical School   Chicago, Ill.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Chicago Medical School   North Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MTSP)  Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MD/PhD) Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine   Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Medicine   Urbana, Ill.

Indiana University School of Medicine   Indianapolis, Ind.

University of Iowa College of Medicine   Iowa City, Iowa

University of Kansas School of Medicine   Kansas City, Kan.

University of Kentucky College of Medicine   Lexington, Ky.

University of Louisville School of Medicine   Louisville, Ky.

Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine   New Orleans, La.

Louisiana State University, Shreveport School of Medicine   Shreveport, La.

Tulane University School of Medicine   New Orleans, La.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine   Baltimore, Md.

National Institutes of Health Intramural MD-PhD Partnership   Bethesda, Md.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences   Bethesda, Md.

University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine   Baltimore, Md.

Massachusetts

Boston University School of Medicine   Boston, Mass.

Harvard Medical School   Boston, Mass.

Tufts University School of Medicine   Boston, Mass.

University of Massachusetts Medical School   Worcester, Mass.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine  East Lansing, Mich.

University of Michigan Medical School   Ann Arbor, Mich.

Wayne State University School of Medicine   Detroit, Mich.

Mayo Medical School  Rochester, Minn.

University of Minnesota Medical School   Minneapolis, Minn.

Mississippi

University of Mississippi School of Medicine   Jackson, Miss.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine   St. Louis, Mo.

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine   Columbia, Mo.

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine   Kansas City, Mo.

Washington University School of Medicine   St. Louis, Mo.

Creighton University School of Medicine   Omaha, Neb.

University of Nebraska College of Medicine   Omaha, Neb.

University of Nevada School of Medicine   Reno, Nev.

New Hampshire

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth   Hanover, N.H.

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School   Newark, N.J.

Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School   Piscataway, N.J.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine   Albuquerque, N.M.

Albany Medical College   Albany, N.Y.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University   Bronx, N.Y.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons   New York, N.Y.

Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine Hempstead, N.Y.

Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program   New York, N.Y.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine   New York, N.Y.

New York Medical College   Valhalla, N.Y.

New York University School of Medicine   New York, N.Y.

SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine   Buffalo, N.Y.

SUNY at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center   Stony Brook, N.Y.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine   Brooklyn, N.Y.

SUNY Upstate Medical University   Syracuse, N.Y.

University of Rochester School of Medicine   Rochester, N.Y.

North Carolina

Wake Forest School of Medicine   Winston-Salem, N.C.

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University   Greenville, N.C.

Duke University School of Medicine   Durham, N.C.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine   Chapel Hill, N.C.

North Dakota

University of North Dakota School of Medicine   Grand Forks, N.D.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine   Cleveland, Ohio

Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine   Rootstown, Ohio

Ohio State University College of Medicine   Columbus, Ohio

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine   Cincinnati, Ohio

University of Toledo College of Medicine   Toledo, Ohio

Wright State University School of Medicine   Dayton, Ohio

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center   Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine   Portland, Ore.

Pennsylvania

Drexel University College of Medicine   Philadelphia, Pa.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University   Philadelphia, Pa.

Penn State University College of Medicine   Hershey, Pa.

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine   Philadelphia, Pa.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine   Pittsburgh, Pa.

Temple University School of Medicine   Philadelphia, Pa.

Rhode Island

Brown University School of Medicine   Providence, R.I.

South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina  Charleston, S.C.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine   Columbia, S.C.

South Dakota

University of South Dakota School of Medicine   Vermillion, S.D.

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine   Johnson City, Tenn.

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine   Nashville, Tenn.

University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine   Memphis, Tenn.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine   Nashville, Tenn.

Baylor College of Medicine   Houston, Texas

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/MD Anderson Cancer Center/University of Puerto Rico Tri-Institutional Program   Houston, Texas

Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine College   Station, Texas

Texas Tech University School of Medicine   Lubbock, Texas

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston   Galveston, Texas

University of Texas Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine   San Antonio, Texas

University of Texas, Southwestern Med Center - Dallas   Dallas, Texas

University of Utah School of Medicine   Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Vermont College of Medicine   Burlington, Vt.

Eastern Virginia Medical School   Norfolk, Va.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine   Richmond, Va.

University of Virginia School of Medicine   Charlottesville, Va.

University of Washington School of Medicine   Seattle, Wash.

West Virginia

Marshall University School of Medicine   Huntington, W.Va.

West Virginia University School of Medicine   Morgantown, W.Va.

Medical College of Wisconsin   Milwaukee, Wisc.

University of Wisconsin Medical School   Madison, Wisc.

For questions, comments or more information, please contact [email protected].

• Scholarships
• July 12, 2018
• Top Colleges & Universities

Top MD PhD Programs in the U.S.

Want to earn an MD-PhD degree from a top-ranked university? To find the right school or university for your academic interests, you’ll need to consider the education costs, academic programs, financial aid and a number of other factors in all of the schools you’re considering.

To help you, we have compiled a list of the best medical colleges and schools in the USA. Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the Ph.D. in areas pertinent to medicine.

Start the search for your future education right away! Below is a list of medical schools that offering a combined MD-PhD degree program, with tuition fees, contact info, and links to their websites. Good Luck!!

Table of Contents

Harvard/M.I.T MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School

The Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program at Harvard Medical School (HMS) provides medical education combined with research training in laboratories at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The overall mission is to train the next generation of premier physician-scientists, with representation across a rich diversity of clinical disciplines and research areas from basic and translational sciences to bioengineering to the social sciences. Sponsored primarily by the National Institutes of Health through its Medical Scientist Training Program, the program provides fellowship support for selected and highly qualified students who have elected to pursue both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees.

The MD-PhD Program seeks to provide entering students with a thorough and up-to-date medical education combined with research training in laboratories of premier investigators at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This class is specially designed to introduce the entering MD-PhD students to current disease-oriented research problems and to develop their critical thinking skills.

Ranking : 1st Tuition Fees Approximately : $28,110/year Contact Information : 617.432.0991, Fax: 617.432.2791, [email protected] Official Website : https://www.hms.harvard.edu/md_phd/

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at UT Southwestern Medical Center trains the next generation of leaders in academic medicine by offering a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. Each year we enroll approximately 10 outstanding students from around the world who have substantive experience in laboratory research and a strong desire to pursue a research career related to medicine. A highly integrated program, a dedicated and collegial faculty, and an unusually intense hands-on clinical experience await the prepared student.

UT South-western’s MSTP recognizes the special niche the M.D./Ph.D. scientist occupies by providing a rigorous but supportive program of clinical and research training. During clinical training, M.D./Ph.D. students master clinical skills and develop the same compassion and commitment as all UT Southwestern medical students.

Ranking : 2nd Tuition Fees Approximately : $19,091 (in-state) and $32,191 (out-of-state). Contact Information : 214-648-3111 Official Website : https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/medical-school/academics/combined-degrees/mstp/

Dartmouth University, Geisel School of Medicine

The MD-PhD program at Dartmouth combines systematic and rigorous research preparation for the Ph.D. degree with the full MD curriculum. The MD-PhD Program is unique in that it encompasses the entire campus and thus offers our students doctoral programs in a wide variety of disciplines. The training provided to the MD-PhD student is unique as it provides for developing basic science analytical skills coupled with the acquisition of highly diagnostic clinical skills.

The MD-PhD program at the Geisel School of Medicine offers opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding for students who are committed and motivated. Dartmouth financially and academically provides the support and guidance needed by students pursuing the MD-PhD degrees. The program is organized to permit students to achieve the full potential of both degrees in an efficient and effective manner while also developing an understanding of the healthcare system as a whole.

Ranking : 3rd Tuition Fees Approximately : $63,080 Contact Information : (603) 653-9958 Official Website : http://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/mdphd/

Duke University School of Medicine

The Duke Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the Duke University School of Medicine trains highly qualified students as physician-scientists. Duke’s Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program seeks to prepare a diverse student body to pursue a spectrum of medical career options in order to become physician leaders who can advance biomedical research and improve local, national, and global health. The program, which leads to both the MD and Ph.D. degrees and typically takes seven to eight years for completion, combines graduate education in a basic biomedical science with the full clinical curriculum of the School of Medicine.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/ Ph.D.) and the Primary Care Leadership Track are both programs that must be applied to during the initial School of Medicine Admissions process. The Duke Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), trains highly qualified students as physician-scientists, equipping them for solving problems in human disease using the approaches and techniques of the basic biomedical and social sciences.

Ranking : 4th Tuition Fees Approximately : $57,100 Contact Information : 919.684.2985, [email protected] Official Website : https://medschool.duke.edu/education/degree-programs-and-admissions/doctor-medicine-md-program

John Hopkins University School of Medicine

Approximately 10 percent of students at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine pursue a combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree, which offers unrivaled preparation for careers in academic medicine, government or private research. This six- to the eight-year course of study offers extraordinary flexibility and can be individualized in numerous ways depending on the student’s goals and interests. Ph.D. programs in other divisions of the University, such as The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (including Health Policy & Management, Bioethics, Health Communication, Epidemiology, and International Health to name a few) are also open to MD-PhD students.

In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to do the first two years of medical school then begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work. 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 the medical school. 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.

Ranking : 5th Tuition Fees Approximately : $51,900 Contact Information : 410-955-8008, [email protected] Official Website : http://mdphd.johnshopkins.edu

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Mayo Graduate School) is one of the schools of higher education within the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. The school offers world-class graduate education leading to Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. degrees, as well as master’s degree programs for Mayo Clinic residents and fellows. Their Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. candidates have access to more than 200 faculty members, providing opportunities for close collaboration with internationally recognized researchers.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is an M.D.-Ph.D. program offered by Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. MSTP is an M.D.-Ph.D. training program that prepares students to translate scientific discoveries into applications that improve patient care. Through the MSTP, you become a highly skilled physician-scientists engaged in leading advances in science and clinical practice.

Ranking : 6th Tuition Fees Approximately : $31,000 Contact Information : [email protected], [email protected] Official Website : https://www.mayo.edu/mayo-clinic-graduate-school-of-biomedical-sciences

University of Florida College of Medicine

The MD-PhD Program at the University of Florida has been training clinician-scientists continuously for over 30 years through intramural funding. The MD-PhD program trains clinician-scientists for a career in academic medicine with the full expectation that our MD-PhD students will become future leaders at academic medical centers worldwide. Three to four years are usually required to undertake and complete a Ph.D. program. Thus, MD-PhD students typically require seven to eight years to obtain their combined degree. The goal of the MD-PhD Training Program is to enable scholars to obtain the best training in their intended research areas while working closely with an outstanding faculty.

The MD-PhD Training Program offers a full stipend scholarship and tuition waiver for up to 4-8 new students each year for the entire period of their training. During the graduate portion of the training, MD-PhD students are appointed as Graduate Research Assistants and receive tuition remission and a stipend ($28,277/year) which may be funded by the mentor’s research grant, an NIH training grant, or other institutional funds. MD-PhD students are eligible for free graduate student health insurance during their Ph.D. training.

Ranking : 7th Tuition Fees Approximately : $32,744 Contact Information : 352.273.8926, Fax: 352.846.3446, [email protected] Official Website : https://mdphd.med.ufl.edu

The University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

The Penn State College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program is supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, awarded to the top MD/ Ph.D. programs in the country. Through the MD/ Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program at Penn State College of Medicine, you’ll gain the tools and training you need to become a successful physician-scientist. You’ll experience the breadth of clinical science while designing experiments and conducting biomedical research with modern technology. The program, typically completed in eight years, will prepare you for a successful career in medical research, academic medicine, or a related field.

The Perelman School of Medicine and the Penn Medical Scientist Training Program seek students from diverse backgrounds. MD-PhD dual-degree programs are intended for students with a passion for research who wishes to work as physician-scientists within the field of medicine.  Following approximately eight years of training, the student may go on to medical school faculty positions, while others choose to work in industry or as full-time researchers at institutions such as the NIH or the Wistar Institute.

Ranking : 8th Tuition Fees Approximately : $55,928 Contact Information : 717-531-8521 Official Website : http://www.med.upenn.edu/mstp/

University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine

The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California offers students pursuing medical and biomedical graduate degrees a dynamic and diverse learning environment on the USC Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles. The Keck School of Medicine’s MD-PhD Program is a fully funded joint program of the University of Southern California (USC) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The program is designed for individuals who aspire to a career in academic medicine or a leadership role in the biomedical industry. The MD-PhD Program provides for the development of research expertise and academic excellence while fulfilling the requirements for a Ph.D. degree in a variety of subject areas.

The mission of the program is to train a qualified and diverse group of students to become the next generation of physician-scientists that are enabled to make important breakthroughs in medical science. This program integrates the medical school curriculum with graduate curricula in the basic sciences, to provide a unified course of study leading to both the MD and Ph.D. degrees. MD/ Ph.D. candidates have the option of pursuing a laboratory experience before beginning the Year I medical curriculum through a laboratory rotation at either USC or the California Institute of Technology.

Ranking : 9th Tuition Fees Approximately : $61,428 Contact Information : (323) 442-1100 Official Website : https://keck.usc.edu/md-phd-program/

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine has been awarding combined MD and Ph.D. degrees since 1975. The VCU MD-PhD program is a medium-sized program, admitting six to eight people on average each year. Full medical school and graduate school tuition is provided by the VCU MD-PhD program and Ph.D. dissertation adviser. The MD-PhD program at VCU prepares students for careers that encompass aspects of both patient care and scientific discovery. Graduates become physician-scientists who advance the medical field through direct patient care and innovative research.

The VCU MD-PhD Program encourages students with disabilities, underrepresented minorities, and students who are disadvantaged to apply. Students will receive a minimum annual stipend of $31,265 each year for all years enrolled in the program. Each student receives an additional $1,000 added to their stipend after passing their Ph.D. candidacy exams. To be considered for the VCU MD-PhD Program, prospective students must apply to the medical school through the American Medical College Application Service.

Ranking : 10th Tuition Fees Approximately : $23,016 per year Contact Information : (804) 828-0673, Fax: (804) 827-1469 Official Website : https://mdphd.vcu.edu

Yale University School of Medicine

The Yale School of Medicine (YSM) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the US. The MD-PhD Program at Yale University was established in 1969 and graduated its first students in 1973. They welcome students who are ready to accept the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards of preparing for careers that make a positive impact on human health and well-being. A special feature of their Program is the requirement that at the end of the second year in the Program, all students participate in 6 months of clinical rotations prior to entering the Ph.D. phase of their training, usually in January of their 3rd year.

The MD/ Ph.D. Program at Yale encourages individuals with disabilities or who may be from an economically, socially, culturally or educationally disadvantaged background to apply to our Program. All students in Yale’s MD-PhD Program are supported fully with a stipend, tuition and basic health coverage for the duration of training.

Ranking : 11th Tuition Fees Approximately : $86,647 Contact Information : [email protected], 203.785.4403/5422 Official Website : https://medicine.yale.edu/mdphd/

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MD-PhD Programs: The Definitive Guide

Including a list of md-phd programs in the us and canada.

Featured Expert: Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD

An MD-PhD program might be the right choice for you if the question “ Why do you want to be a doctor? ” leaves you feeling excited but a little unsure. Are you inspired to work in medicine but not interested in concentrating exclusively on clinical work? MD-PhD programs accept applicants who want to become physician-scientists, a career path that focuses on scientific innovation and research. 

In this definitive guide to MD-PhD programs, you will learn everything you need to know about applying, medical schools in North America that offer this program, admission requirements, funding for MD-PhD programs, and tips to help you get accepted!

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 1 min read

List of md-phd programs.

Many schools offer the MD-PhD program in Canada and the United States, and the number of available programs is growing. Here is an up-to-date list, which is also available on the AAMC website. Schools funded through MTSP are starred.

·       University of Alabama School of Medicine*

·       University of Arizona College of Medicine *

·       University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

·       University of Arkansas College of Medicine

·       Loma Linda University School of Medicine

·       Stanford University School of Medicine*

·       University of California, Davis School of Medicine *

·       University of California, Irvine School of Medicine*

·       University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine*

·       University of California, San Diego School of Medicine*

·       University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine*

·       Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

·       Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

·       University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

·       University of Colorado Denver*

·       Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences*

·       University of Connecticut School of Medicine

·       Yale University School of Medicine*

·       Georgetown University School of Medicine

·       Howard University College of Medicine

·       University of Florida College of Medicine

·       University of Miami Miller School of Medicine*

·       University of South Florida College of Medicine

·       University of Central Florida College of Medicine

·       Emory University School of Medicine*

·       Morehouse School of Medicine

·       Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

·       Loyola University of Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine

·       Northwestern University Medical School *

·       Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Chicago Medical School

·       University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MTSP) *

·       University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine *

·       Carle Illinois College of Medicine

·       Indiana University School of Medicine *

·       University of Iowa College of Medicine *

·       University of Kansas School of Medicine

·       University of Kentucky College of Medicine

·       University of Louisville School of Medicine

·       Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine

·       Louisiana State University, Shreveport School of Medicine

·       Tulane University School of Medicine

·       Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine *

·       National Institutes of Health Intramural MD-PhD Partnership

·       Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

·       University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine *

·       Boston University School of Medicine

·       Harvard Medical School *

·       Tufts University School of Medicine *

·       University of Massachusetts Medical School *

·       Michigan State University College of Medicine

·       University of Michigan Medical School *

·       Wayne State University School of Medicine

·       Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

·       Mayo Medical School *

·       University of Minnesota Medical School *

·       University of Mississippi School of Medicine

·       Saint Louis University School of Medicine

·       University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine

·       Washington University School of Medicine *

·       University of Nebraska College of Medicine

·       Creighton University School of Medicine

·       University of Nevada School of Medicine

·       Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

·       University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School

·       University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

·       Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

·       University of New Mexico School of Medicine

·       Albany Medical College

·       Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University *

·       Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons *

·       Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

·       Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program

·       Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai *

·       New York Medical College

·       New York University Grossman School of Medicine *

·       Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

·       SUNY at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center *

·       SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

·       SUNY Upstate Medical University

·       University of Rochester School of Medicine *

·       Wake Forest School of Medicine

·       Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

·       Duke University School of Medicine *

·       University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine *

·       University of North Dakota School of Medicine

·       Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine *

·       Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine

·       Ohio State University College of Medicine *

·       University of Cincinnati College of Medicine *

·       University of Toledo College of Medicine

·       Wright State University School of Medicine

·       University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

·       Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine *

·       Drexel University College of Medicine

·       Penn State University College of Medicine *

·       Perelman School of Medicine School of Medicine *

·       Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University  

·       University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine *

·       University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine  

·       Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Philadelphia, Pa.

·       University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

·       Brown University School of Medicine

·       Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine *

·       University of South Carolina School of Medicine

·       University of South Dakota School of Medicine

·       Meharry Medical College School of Medicine

·       East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine

·       University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine

·       Vanderbilt University School of Medicine *

·       Baylor College of Medicine *

·       Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine

·       Texas Tech University School of Medicine

·       University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

·       McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center *

·       University of Texas, San Antonio Medical School *

·       University of Texas, Southwestern Med Center - Dallas *

·       University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

·       University of Utah School of Medicine

·       University of Vermont College of Medicine

·       Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

·       University of Virginia School of Medicine *

·       University of Washington School of Medicine *

·       Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

·       West Virginia University School of Medicine

·       Medical College of Wisconsin *

·       University of Wisconsin Medical School *

·       McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Montreal, Quebec

·       McMaster University of Faculty of Health Sciences Hamilton, Ontario

·       Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, Newfoundland

·       Queen’s University School of Medicine Kingston, Ontario

·       Universite de Montreal Faculte de Medecine  Montréal, Québec

·       Universite de Sherbrooke Faculte de Medecine  Sherbrooke, Quebec

·       Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine  Québec, Québec

·       University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Edmonton, Alberta

·       University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine Calgary, Alberta

·       University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Vancouver, British Columbia

·       University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba

·       University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine Ottawa

·       University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Toronto, Ontario

·       University of Western Ontario London, Ontario

MD-PhD programs allow you to obtain a dual degree in medicine and research. When deciding between MD-PhD vs MD programs, it is important to know what MD-PhD programs entail. Upon graduation, students receive a combined degree with advanced, hands-on research training and expertise in a field of their choice.

“MD-PhD … students enter their first year of medical school and complete their pre-clerkship years. During this period they are likely exploring what they are interested in, solidifying their focus in research and seeking supervisors. Then they will take approximately 5 years off of their medical training to complete their PhD. They will then re-engage in their medical training completing their clerkship training, which will complete their program. MD-PhD is a rigorous program and the committee is looking for individuals who are academically strong and possess research skills to succeed in the PhD program. Applicants should be strong clinicians, thus having a breadth of leadership, extracurricular, volunteerism and research experience.” - Dr Jacquelyn Paquet, MD

Is the md-phd program right for me.

The MD-PhD program is for exceptional students interested in a career in medical research, but you’ll still need to be a well-rounded medical school applicant.

“For the MD-PhD they are wanting individuals to possess additional research skills, however recognizing the unique leadership positions of those with doctoral degrees, they are often situated in academic centers, thus involved in administrative and teaching roles as well! They are still wanting applicants to be strong clinicians, thus having a breadth of leadership, extracurricular, volunteerism and research experience are sought.” – Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD.

Keep in mind that even if you choose not to pursue a dual degree program, MDs can still earn their PhDs—and vice versa!

“I pursued a PhD during residency. I had considered doing a MD-PhD as it would provide more opportunities to focus on research prior to initiating my residency training. I opted to complete my MD first and pursue my MSc and PhD during residency as I was concerned about having 5 years off between my pre-clerkship and clerkship years would impact my clinical skills.” – Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD.

Finally, ask yourself, \u201c What is your greatest weakness? \u201d If the answer is research, an MD-PhD program might not be for you. However, if you are determined to pursue medicine and research simultaneously, the MD-PhD program is perfect! ","label":"Question to Ask Yourself","title":"Question to Ask Yourself"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Struggling to decide between MD-PhD and MD programs? Check out our video below!

The most important admission requirements and prerequisites for MD-PhD programs are your research background and lab experience. MD-PhD programs require the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree and background in the following disciplines:

2 years of clinical training to prepare you for residency. After clerkships, you will complete the USMLE Step 2 exam and any other MD requirements of your program.  "}]">

These medical school prerequisites are the baseline. Your academic record should include a variety of science and non-science courses. Admissions committees will note your coursework’s difficulty levels and academic improvement over time.

Check with your program of choice for specific course requirements.

We’ve compiled a list of our top tips for getting accepted into an MD-PhD program, based on expert advice and experience:

GPA and MCAT

According to the latest AAMC statistics, the average GPA of MD-PhD matriculants is 3.7, while the average MCAT score is 511. If your academic record does not reflect these numbers, you need to get your grades up. Here are four ways you can start to get into medical school with a low GPA.

• Re-enroll in classes you performed poorly in and get a higher grade.
• Ask your instructors and teaching assistants for extra credit assignments.
• Find a tutor to help with areas where you struggle.
• Plan your school schedule to include subjects in which you excel.

Your MCAT score is an indicator of your academic prowess. Before you take the test, make sure you know what is a good MCAT score and when to start studying for the MCAT . Here are four strategies that can help your MCAT score.

• Give yourself ample time to prepare.
• Start by taking an MCAT practice test to determine areas for improvement.
• Create an MCAT study schedule.
• Take multiple practice tests to monitor improvement. If you consistently score at the 90% percentile in your practice tests, you can start planning to take the actual MCAT.

If you’re still wondering “ When should I take the MCAT ?”, read our blog for tips.

CASPer Test

If your schools require the completion of the Acuity Insights Suite, you will complete the Duet profile and CASPer test. Preparing for each component is challenging, but CASPer remains the most intimidating.

The CASPer test is an online situational judgment test designed to assess the suitability of students applying to professional schools. The timed format is challenging, so knowing how the CASPer test is scored is helpful. Learn how to prepare for CASPer and review these CASPer practice questions to ace your test!

“Thanks to BEMO I got a 4th quartile on my casper test!!!!! It took me long to understand the BEMO structure but practice and great coaching made the difference. Without BEMO I would of probably gotten a 2. So don’t hesitate signing up with them, if you are committed, you will also get a 4! Also, buy the BEMO casper book!” - Mike, Former BeMo Student

You will need to submit a total of three essays for the MD-PhD program:

• Your personal statement,
• The research interest statement , and
• The MD PhD essay .

Note: If you’re applying through TMDSAS, you will need to submit the Dual Degree essay along with the other essay application components.

“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 if you are aware, how you see yourself fulfilling the roles of researcher and clinician.” – Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD.

While your medical school personal statement answers the question “Why do you want to be a doctor?”, the MD-PhD specific essays demonstrate your research expertise and explain why you have chosen to pursue an MD-PhD. The significant research experience essay outlines your most valuable research experiences, including the nature of the work, your role and contributions, project length, and details about the principal investigators. Your MD-PhD essay tells the story of how you became involved in scientific research and how you want to apply your research to medical practice.

“I used BeMo consulting when applying to my MD/PhD programs this year. As a first time applicant to these programs, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, BeMo’s services are helpful and easy-to-use. They have a fast response and helped me greatly in writing my essays." -- Zhinan Liu, former BeMo student.

Want to know how to write an MD-PhD essay? Check out our video below!

Research Experience

As an MD-PhD program applicant, you must have research experience to demonstrate your exposure to research methods and techniques.

Dr. Monica Taneja, BeMo expert and Psychiatry resident at Harvard South Shore, reminds students that it is important to consider your own passion when finding research opportunities, not focusing solely on what you think the admission committee is looking for.

“I definitely felt that public health gave me a lot of unique opportunities to delve into research related to the social determinants of health and health equity. I noticed that research in this area was not as common compared to basic science or clinical research.” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Harvard South Shore – Psychiatry.

Make sure you can identify what you learned from your research experiences – you will have to outline valuable lessons and skills you acquired in multiple parts of your MD-PhD application and interviews. To bolster your research background, try looking for research assistant positions.

• Talk to your instructors and teaching assistants about participating in their research projects.
• Check for research position postings on your school’s website.
• Reach out to former instructors and ask about research opportunities.
• Contact physicians you volunteered with or shadowed to find out if they are involved in research projects. Even if they are not, physicians can often recommend research-oriented organizations and medical professionals.

You need a strong application, including a research assistant cover letter and CV, to apply to research positions. If academia is your passion, you might want to look into special master’s programs . These graduate degrees are designed to enhance students’ medical school applications and may improve the quality of your research background.

Clinical experience is one of the essential extracurriculars for medical school , and having no clinical background will decrease your chances of being accepted to an MD-PhD program.

You can gain clinical experience through:

• Working and volunteering in clinics, hospitals, and hospices.
• Volunteering in long-term care and retirement homes.
• Working as a health professional’s assistant.
• Volunteering as a medical scribe or a personal caretaker.

Shadowing a physician can also increase your knowledge of clinical practice. Take note of memorable lessons you learn – they may be invaluable sources for your MD-PhD essays. Make sure you know how many shadowing hours are required for medical school to fulfill the requirement and how to ask to shadow a doct or.

Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, a graduate from the University of Ottawa medical school and a BeMo admissions expert, says this about his clinical experience:

“These experiences helped solidify my passion for medicine and why I wanted to become a doctor. I was able to draw on these experiences during my medical school application and the interview process.” - Dr Neel Mistry, MD

Md-phd residency.

As an MD-PhD student, you need to find residencies developed to train physician-scientists by fully integrating research into clinical training. The number of residency programs for MD-PhDs is growing, and a wide range of clinical specialty choices exist. During your dual degree program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore research in different medical specialties.

“By having an area of focus, it allows you to explore if you do want to indeed be a clinician-scientist in the area you have considered or if you have a different scope of the project that might lend itself better to a complimentary specialty. For instance, someone who is interested in head and neck cancers may be quite interested in pursuing otolaryngology however when they focus on their project, they recognize that they prefer the radiology or oncologic treatments and thus pursue interventional radiology, radiation oncology or oncology.” – Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, MD.

You will use the ERAS application to apply to American residency programs and CaRMS to apply to programs in Canada.

1. WHAT ARE MY CAREER OPTIONS WITH AN MD-PHD?

Individuals with an MD-PhD have career options across academia, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and private industry. The versatility of an MD-PhD equips graduates to make significant contributions to medical practice and scientific innovation.

Career paths for MD-PhDs include:

• Academic careers, working in universities or medical schools, where time is shared between patient care, teaching, and conducting research.
• Leadership roles within healthcare organizations, directing research programs or shaping healthcare policy.
• Private industry, such as pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or healthcare consulting.
• Government agencies, advancing medical research and public health initiatives.

2. HOW LONG ARE MOST MD-PHD PROGRAMS?

MD-PhD programs can take up to 8 years to complete. Factors influencing the duration include clinical and PhD requirements and research progress. Two common tracks are the 2-3-2 or 2-4-2, involving initial MD coursework, followed by PhD research, and concluding with clinical training.

3. IS IT HARDER TO GET INTO AN MD-PHD PROGRAM?

Getting into an MD-PhD program can be harder because you have to meet the admission requirements for both the MD and PhD programs, and have research experience. MD-PhD programs can be very selective and highly competitive.  

4. ARE THERE ANY FUNDED MD-PHD PROGRAMS?

MD-PhD program funding can include tuition waivers and a stipend to help cover the costs of living expenses. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) provides financial support to dozens of MD-PhD programs through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). These programs are extremely competitive as the funding offers a tuition allowance and a basic stipend, with most institutions supplementing the stipend.

5. DO I STILL NEED TO GET CLINICAL AND SHADOWING EXPERIENCE IF I AM APPLYING TO THE COMBINED PROGRAM?

While research is going to be the major focus of the MD-PhD, you must still have sufficient clinical and shadowing experience to assure that medicine is also a desired component of your career.

6. SHOULD I GET A MASTER’S DEGREE BEFORE I APPLY TO MD-PHD?

Most applicants do not have master’s degrees. However, some students pursue a special master’s program to gain valuable research experience and bolster their MD-PhD applications.

7. WHAT IS A GOOD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR MD-PHD?

You do not need to have research experience in the medical field to qualify for MD-PhD. Many research skills are transferable across disciplines. As long as you learn valuable research skills and understand the process, your research experience can come from any field you like.

8. HOW MUCH RESEARCH EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO GET ACCEPTED?

The quality of your research experience is most important. It is not necessary to be involved in dozens of research projects or make any ground-breaking scientific discoveries to enter the MD-PhD program. In your application, focus on what you have learned and accomplished and don't be afraid to discuss your setbacks in addition to your accomplishments.

9. DO I NEED TO BE A PUBLISHED RESEARCHER TO ENTER THE MD-PHD PROGRAM?

Having published research can give you a competitive edge as not every applicant will have this experience. Keep in mind that you must have an in-depth understanding of this research because you will be asked about it during your interviews. However, many students apply directly out of undergrad and admissions committees understand that it is difficult to contribute to publication at such an early stage in your education.

10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MD-PHD AND MSTP?

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is an MD-PhD program that has been awarded a training grant (T32) from the National Institute of General Medical Science that financially supports trainees in the program. There are currently about 49 MD-PhD programs that have T32 awards. Non-MSTP MD-PhD programs also provide environments where students obtain outstanding dual-degree training.

11. WHO SHOULD WRITE MY RECOMMENDATION LETTERS FOR THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM?

Ideally, at least one of your writers will be the head of a research project in which you participated. It is important to have a person who can speak to your research skills and progress. Other writers can include professors and instructors, volunteer and work supervisors, athletics coaches, or a physician you worked with or whom you shadowed.

12. CAN I CHANGE MY RESEARCH INTERESTS DURING MY STUDIES, OR WILL I HAVE TO STICK TO THE RESEARCH FIELD I IDENTIFIED IN MY PERSONAL STATEMENT AND MY MD PHD ESSAY?

It is completely normal to change direction in your research throughout your studies and many students change their research fields after they gain more research experience.

13. CAN I BECOME A PHYSICIAN-SCIENTIST WITHOUT OBTAINING AN MD-PHD DEGREE?

It is certainly possible to become a physician-scientist without obtaining an MD-PhD degree. However, the joint program is the most effective way to become a physician-scientist. You can also complete an MD and PhD separately, but this route takes much longer. Some schools will let you transfer into their MD-PhD program if you've completed a year or two in their medical program.

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Fully Funded MD-PhD Programs

Last updated May 13, 2022

As part of my series on  How To Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list below of universities that offer full funding to all students admitted to their MD-PhD programs in Medicine. The Doctorate of Medicine and of Philosophy (MD–PhD) is a dual doctoral degree for medical researchers. The degree is granted by medical schools often through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) grant awarded to 43 institutions by the National Institutes of Health.

Universities that provide MD-PhD students “full funding” offer all admitted Ph.D. students a financial aid package that includes full tuition and an annual stipend or salary for living expenses for the three to the six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, which is why I recommend researching the financial aid offerings of all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.

You can also find several competitive, external fellowships in the  ProFellow database for graduate and doctoral study, as well as dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experience.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

1. Dartmouth University, Geisel School of Medicine

(Lebanon, NH): The MD-PhD program provides medical school tuition deferment (which becomes a full waiver upon completion of the PhD), health insurance, and a competitive stipend for its trainees. For the 2014/15 academic year, the stipend is $27,720.

2. Duke University School of Medicine

(Durham, NC): All students admitted to the MST (Medical Scientist Training) Program receive a full fellowship award: tuition; fees; health insurance; and a stipend to cover living expenses. The annual award for first-year MD students for 2021-2022 totals $101,151. The stipend is $30,200 for eleven months, and the fees/tuition/health insurance award is $70,951.

3. Harvard/M.I.T MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School

(Boston, MA): Applicants accepted through the MSTP receive full tuition, medical insurance, and stipend support throughout their training, contingent on continued academic progress.

4. John Hopkins University School of Medicine

(Baltimore, MD): All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are considered for funding under the Medical Scientist Training Program. 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.

5. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science

(Rochester, MN/Jacksonville, FL/Phoenix, AZ): Matriculating students receive a stipend (currently $34,218/year) as well as tuition waivers for up to 8 years.

6. University of Florida College of Medicine

(Gainesville, FL): The MD-PhD Training Program offers a full stipend scholarship and tuition waiver for up to 4-8 new students each year for the entire period of their training.

7. University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

(Philadelphia, PA): Offers of admission come with full funding which consists of tuition, health insurance, most fees, and a stipend ($32,000 for 2017-18). This funding support remains in effect for the entire duration of the program, as long as the student remains in good standing.

8. University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine

(Los Angeles, CA): All MD/PhD students receive fully funded scholarships that include an annual stipend and full tuition and fee waivers for the MD years from the MD/PhD program. Complete support during the Ph.D. training will be provided for each student by the specific graduate department, program, and/or research preceptor.

9. Yale University School of Medicine

(New Haven, CT): All students in Yale’s MD-PhD Program are supported fully with a stipend, tuition, and basic health coverage for the duration of training.

Need some tips for the application process? See my article  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

Also, sign up to discover and bookmark more than 1800 professional and academic fellowships in the ProFellow database .

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Last updated on November 29, 2023

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Learn more about evaluating whether a master's degree is the right decision for your future.

Frequently asked questions

What does an online master’s degree cost.

The cost of an online master's degree will depend on the program you’re interested in attending. You’ll find a range of flexible options on Coursera, where many master’s programs offer pay-as-you-go tuition. That means you only pay for the courses you take, so if you need to take a term off, you won't be charged during that time.

There are many ways to pay for graduate school . You may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid, or employer tuition benefits to help cover the cost of your degree. To learn more about these options and tuition costs, please visit the degree page for your program of interest. If you need additional funding, you can explore the resources on our Financial Resources Hub .

How long does an online master’s program take?

Flexibility is a priority on Coursera given the competing responsibilities many learners may have as they embark on their graduate education. Some master's programs, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Master of Science in Management , can be completed in as little as one year. Other master’s degree programs may take two years or more to complete .

You can find more information about the program duration by visiting the degree page for the program you’re interested in.

How is an online master’s degree different from an on-campus degree?

Master’s degrees on Coursera come from accredited universities, which ensures the standard and quality of your education. The education you receive in an online degree program may match that of an in-person degree program. The difference is in how you learn—aka the learning modality.

Coursera’s degree partners may offer an array of modalities, including live video lectures that encourage collaborative discussion and asynchronous courses that allow for independent exploration. Throughout your learning journey, you'll have access to a dedicated support team, course facilitators, and a network of peers to help you achieve your academic goals.

Do you need a bachelor’s degree to get a master’s degree? And does it have to be in the same field?

Yes, typically a bachelor’s degree is required to pursue a master’s degree , though it doesn’t have to be the same subject or field.

However, some master’s programs on Coursera do not require a bachelor’s degree for admission. These include the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering , Master of Engineering in Engineering Management , and Master of Science in Data Science , which offer performance-based admission.

How do I choose the best online master’s program for me?

There are a range of different reasons to pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree can be an opportunity to advance your knowledge of a subject or gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pivot to a new career.

It may be helpful to think about your interests, career goals, and resources while exploring potential master’s degree programs. Take time to review the curriculum you’ll study, the way you’ll learn (the modality), the program’s cost, and how flexible it is. These factors can help you determine which online master’s program is best for you.

How do I apply for an online master’s degree?

Each master’s program on Coursera sets different application requirements and may expect materials like a bachelor’s degree , GRE scores, a graduate school resume , or a letter of intent . It’s a good idea to visit the degree page for the program you’re interested in to get more information. Click “Apply Now” if you’re ready to begin the process.

On Coursera, certain institutions do not require an application, like the University of Colorado Boulder's Master's of Science in Data Science . You can qualify for performance-based admission by passing three courses in either its Statistics or Computer Science pathway.

How do employers view graduate degrees earned online?

A master’s degree can be a valuable education unto itself—and a respected credential to feature on your resume. An online degree only describes how you earned your master’s degree, and often that qualifier is not part of the official degree you receive upon graduation.

Earning your master’s degree and including that detail on your resume tells employers about the advanced knowledge and skills you’ve developed. It can also be a signal about your dedication to building on your education.

Is earning a master’s degree online worth it?

Yes, a master’s degree can be worth it—depending on your goals. A master’s degree can lead to higher salaries, more senior-level opportunities, advanced knowledge and skill sets, and exciting networking opportunities, among other benefits. Learn more about whether going back to school is the best option for you and whether a master’s degree is worth it .

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