phd md

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.

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

Is an MD-PhD Program right for you?

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

Learn more about MD combined degree programs .

What are Medical Scientist Training Programs?

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

Are all MD-PhD programs free?

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

Applying to MD-PhD Programs

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

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

Read More: Guide to Your Med School Applications

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

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

Timeline for MD-PhD Admissions

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

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

Tips for Boosting Your Md-Phd Application

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

1. You need strong MCAT scores and a high GPA

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

SOURCE:  Association of American Medical Colleges

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

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

3. you need the right recommenders.

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

Want to get an edge over the crowd?

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The Accelerated MD/PhD Partnership Training Program

Since 2006, the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program has grown to a population of well over 50 aspiring young scientists across 30+ U.S. medical schools each year. The NIH  MD/PhD Partnership Training Program is designed to encourage the success and development of students pursuing a future as physician-scientists in basic and translational biomedical research. The program fosters innovative and interdisciplinary PhD partnerships in an accelerated setting with a completion time of approximately four years. Scholars enrolled in this program have the opportunity to take advantage of the unique resources available at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the NIH Clinical Research Center and the many options for collaboration provided by the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP).

There are opportunities available for students who have just finished their Bachelor’s degrees and are looking to apply to medical school and students who will begin medical school this fall.

• Prospective Students

Current Students

How to Apply

The first step in the application process is to determine whether you are eligible for the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program. The second step is to identify which of the two tracks apply to you. More detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process is listed on the individual track pages.

Choose Track 1 if you plan on attending medical school BEFORE you begin PhD research

Have you already started medical school? If so, you are a Track 2 applicant.

Choose Track 3 if you don't plan on attending medical school BEFORE you begin PhD research

Now in its 16th year, the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program has grown to a population of well over 50 aspiring young scientists at 35 U.S. medical schools. We can proudly admit the current cohort of NIH MD/PhD Scholars are involved in some of the most cutting edge biomedical research endeavors being conducted in the world.

The MD/PhD Program leadership want to ensure that you have a place to get the information that you need. Please review the below information for resources to help you navigate through your training. 

Student Profiles Student Resources

The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program

The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program (OxCam) can accommodate students seeking combined MD/PhD training for a career as a physician-scientist. Students admitted to the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program conduct research in the NIH intramural research program as part of a coordinated plan of dual-degree training with a U.S. medical school. Students may combine medical school training with the NIH OxCam PhD program via one of two academic tracks.

Go to NIH OxCam

• PhD vs MD – Differences explained
• Types of Doctorates

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

Introduction

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

What is a MD?

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

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

What is a PhD?

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

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

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

What is the difference between a MD and a PhD?

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

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

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

Program structure and time

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

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

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

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

What is a MD/PhD?

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

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

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

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

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

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Degree Programs

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine offers a variety of academic programs to prepare leaders and innovators in science and medicine. Below you will find information about our MD program, MD/PhD programs, interdisciplinary MD- dual degrees, and our MS in Biomedical Sciences (MS BMS).

The MD program  teaches and empowers future physician leaders to care for and address the challenges of diverse and complex patients and communities. Our curriculum and co-curricular opportunities imbue learners with sharp clinical reasoning skills, cultivate innovation through scholarship & discovery, and nurture advocacy for health equity and social justice. Small class sizes allow for learners to individualize their medical school education, work closely with faculty experts, and pursue their passions in a tight-knit, inclusive, and supportive community.

MD/PhD Programs

The University of Chicago offers three MD/PhD programs:

• The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)   is an NIH-funded physician-scientist training program that pairs the MD with PhDs in the biological or physical sciences.
• The MD-PhD Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities (MeSH) is an opportunity for students to pursue an MD alongside a PhD outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences, in fields as varied as economics, public policy, anthropology, or philosophy.
• The Growth, Development, and Disabilities Training Program (GDDTP) is an NIH-funded program that allows current Pritzker students to pursue a PhD in biomedical research after they have begun medical school.

Dual Degree Programs

Our location on the main University of Chicago campus provides ample opportunity for interdisciplinary study, including the following dual degree programs:

These degrees are administered separately and require two separate admissions and financial aid applications. Medical students typically enroll in the second program after completing three years of medical school. Current Pritzker School of Medicine students interested in applying for a dual degree should make an appointment with James Woodruff, MD, Dean of Students.

Armed with studies in economics, statistics, and the behavioral sciences, students with the MD/MBA dual degree are trained to become leaders in health care organizations. For just one example of the interdisciplinary opportunities available in business and medicine at the University of Chicago, read more about the  Booth Healthcare Analytics Laboratory .

MD/MBA students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work at Chicago Booth. MD/MBA students then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final clinical year of the medical degree. During that final year of the MD degree, MD/MBA students take electives in both the Pritzker School of Medicine and Chicago Booth. Typical MD/MBA students complete both degrees in five years.

• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• MD/MBA Overview and Application Process

The Pritzker School of Medicine has some limited funds to support business school tuition for MD/MBA students. For additional information, please email the  Financial Aid Office  regarding the Steven Weiner Fellowship.

Students who pursue the MD/MBA may participate in the  Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP) . This program allows students to earn a Certificate in Health Administration and Policy while earning a master's degree at Chicago Booth, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration.

MD/MA in Public Policy

MD/MA in Public Policy students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work at the Harris School of Public Policy. MD/MA students then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final clinical year of the medical degree. During their final year in medical school, students may take additional electives at the policy school. Typical MD/MA degree students complete both degrees in five years.

• The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
• MA in Public Policy Overview

Applications are submitted through the Harris School. Information about admissions requirements and funding is available on the  Harris website .

Students who pursue the MD/MA may participate in the  Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP) . This program allows students to earn a Certificate in Health Administration and Policy while earning a master's degree at Chicago Booth, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration.

Pritzker School of Medicine students will complete the combined MD/MPH degree in five years.

MD/MPH students will complete the first two years of medical school before applying to the MPH program. If accepted, the student takes a year-long leave of absence from Pritzker after the third year to pursue full-time MPH coursework. Following the year of full-time MPH work, students will return to the medical school for their fourth year of medical school. During that final year of the MD degree, MD/MPH students will also complete their MPH capstone project.

• Master of Public Health Program
• Master of Public Health Curriculum

The new University of Chicago Joint MD-MPH application is now open and  available online . Once an application is started, applicants will first select “Masters” under degree program, then “Master of Public Health (MPH)” under proposed degree program. At that time, a question will appear asking if the applicant is currently enrolled in the Pritzker School of Medicine. Applicants to the MD-MPH program should select yes, and the application will adjust accordingly.

The deadline for the MD-MPH application is  January 15, 2021 . The application requirements for the joint degree include:

• One letter of recommendation from a current Pritzker faculty member
• Unofficial transcript from Pritzker. Transcripts from other post-secondary education are not required for the dual degree program
• Personal statement
• Signed letter of Good Standing from the Pritzker Dean of Students

We recommend that all prospective applicants meet with Dr. Woodruff prior to applying to the program.

Please see the  Master of Public Health website  for more information about the MPH degree.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to  Rebecca Plunkett  in the Office of Master’s Education.

Pritzker School of Medicine students will receive a 50% tuition scholarship for MPH tuition. Visit the  MPH tuition and fees page  for more information on program costs.

MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics

The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MScBMI) program prepares students to lead healthcare’s evolution into an era where organizations will apply their data to meet these goals. MScBMI students will study the whole spectrum of this burgeoning field, with specific emphasis on clinical informatics, genomics, and population health They also have the option to pursue advanced programming in Python and explore machine learning techniques. They graduate with the skills and practice to succeed in industry, lab, and research settings.

MD/MScBMI students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work through the Graham School, then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final year of the MD degree.

• The University of Chicago Graham School
• MS in Biomedical Informatics Curriculum

Pritzker students will submit an application through the Graham School during their third year of MD study. Application deadlines and required materials are available on the  Graham School website , along with a link to the application system.

Tuition and fees information is available on the  Graham School website .

MS in Biomedical Sciences

The University of Chicago’s MS in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is a one-year program designed to provide foundational training in biomedicine. Developed in partnership with the Office of Master’s Education (OME), this novel program enhances training for those seeking biomedical scientific careers and enables existing professionals from any career track to grow their biomedical expertise. Taught by faculty experts across the Department of Medicine and the Institute for Translational Medicine , the program’s core curriculum focuses on applications and innovations in clinical care and medical treatment, statistics, bioethics, and the American healthcare system. Students can choose to specialize and complete a culminating capstone project in Science Communication , Biomedical Data Science , or Health Systems Science .

Application deadlines and required materials are available on the  program site along with a link to the application system. The BMS program is STEM-OPT eligible.

Tuition and fees information is available on the  BMS program website .

University of Chicago undergraduates  who are interested in continuing their studies with the MS in Biomedical Sciences program after they graduate are eligible to apply for the Rudolph Scholarship which awards a one-year, partial tuition scholarship of $15,000. For more information, please visit  here . 

Dual-Degree Programs

Stanford supports a wide range of opportunities to pursue more than one advanced degree, both within the School of Medicine and throughout other schools across the university.

The  Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)  enables a select group of incoming medical students to concurrently pursue a PhD in a scientific field of interest. Students are accepted to the program through the MD admissions process and arrive at Stanford already on track to obtain both degrees.

Non-MSTP students who wish to add a doctoral program after starting the MD program are encouraged to work directly with their department of interest to discuss joining its program.  

The  master's of science in medicine  program gives PhD candidates in-depth exposure to clinical medicine that will help them develop the expertise to pursue translational research. Students selected to interview with any of the PhD programs offered at Stanford University can apply for admission to this program on a competitive basis.  

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree that prepares students to be leaders in the area of public health. The area of study emphasizes population-based approaches to solving complex health issues. Students from all Stanford scholarly concentrations may pursue a degree in public health   in partnership with an external institution.

MD/MS degrees

Bioengineering :   The master's degree program applies engineering principles to medical problems and biological systems that encourage the development of new technologies and therapies.

Biomedical informatics :   The master’s degree program enables trainees to solve challenging problems in biology and medicine through the application of computer science, statistics and other quantitative disciplines to today's growing volume of biomedical data.

Community Health and Prevention Research : The master’s degree program prepares precision health-focused professionals to responsibly and effectively address preventable health challenges faced by diverse communities across the life course. Epidemiology:    The master’s degree program offers instruction and research opportunities that address the distribution and determinants of diseases across different populations .

Health services research :   The master’s degree program focuses on investigations in statistics, outcomes research, cost-effectiveness and technology assessment. The program prepares students for research careers in health services or health policy analysis. 

Stanford's dual-degree  MD/MBA program  combines medical training and a business degree in a five-year curriculum, creating opportunities in health-care management and business administration.

A  joint degree in law  and medicine opens many career opportunities with law firms, medical-device makers, biotech companies, venture capital firms, government regulators and other institutions.

Stanford University offers a joint degree in public policy and medicine.

Departmental Dual Degrees

The individually designed MA in education   is designed solely for Stanford doctoral students enrolled outside the School of Education. Individuals who are not enrolled in a doctoral program are not eligible.  

Stanford's  Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources  allows students to integrate science with law and business to address critical environmental and sustainability issues. 

Public Policy

Stanford University offers  two master's degree programs in public policy .  The master’s in public policy is a two-year professional degree, and is offered as a joint degree with medicine. The master’s of arts in public policy is a one-year non-professional degree. 

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Department of Medicine

3-year phd-to-md program.

We seek to recruit exceptional PhD scientists in the biological sciences for a 3-year curriculum in the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons leading to the MD degree, in preparation for a career in biomedical investigation.

Success in basic science often follows the cliché that one learns more and more about less and less. Thus PhD training is notable for its narrow focus. However, for committed scientists who want to make an impact on humanity, a medical education is an ideal companion to one in basic science as it combines breadth and depth like no individual discipline in biology. Humans remain the best-studied organisms we have, the ultimate “model organism,” with phenotypes exquisitely characterized by millennia of study through the unique interaction of two classes of sentient beings, physicians and patients. Moreover, learning to recognize and treat disease teaches that most cardinal attribute of a successful scientist: the capacity to ask important questions. Standard MD-PhD programs (MST programs) share this aspiration to nurture biomedical investigators but less than 50% of MST graduates remain in research with a much smaller percentage contributing as serious investigators. We are looking for candidates who were drawn initially to science, have a potential for research already tested and proven by stellar performance in a PhD program, and are excited by their discoveries in basic research, but who now feel compelled to use their science most directly for the betterment of mankind.

Candidate Qualifications

In addition to existing prerequisites and qualifications for admission to the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (See  Application Requirements ), applicants should have

• A PhD in one of the biological or related sciences from an accredited US or Canadian school
• An intention to pursue biomedical research as a physician scientist
• A record supporting exceptional scientific promise
• US citizenship or permanent resident status

The 3-year program principally aims to train future physician scientists planning careers in cognitive medical specialties such as internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry and pathology.  

Curriculum and Timeline

The usual 4-year curriculum of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (See  Academics ) is modified to the following 3-year curriculum for the PhD-to-MD Program:          

• Preclinical courses: 18 Months
• Major clinical year (MCY): 12 Months
• Subinternship and electives: 6 Months

See Detailed Graphic

The scholarly project requirement is waived. Students will apply for residency in the middle of the MCY. Of note, the medical training for the PhD-to-MD Program is identical to the medical training for our standard MD/PhD (MST) program.  

Standard tuition for each of the 3 years. Comprehensive information on financial aid opportunities is available (see  Tuition and Expenses ).

Application Process, Selection Criteria, Interview Day

Applicants will be evaluated by the same criteria applied to all candidates for admission, and will be reviewed and selected by the existing Admissions Committee. An additional committee representing the PhD-to-MD program will evaluate, interview and recommend candidates to the Admissions Committee. This supplemental committee will focus on the scientific achievement, research promise and commitment of the applicant to a career as a physician-scientist. Applicants to the PhD-to-MD degree program invited to interview will be asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a one-page research proposal.  

Please see the  3-year FAQs , or contact the admissions office at  [email protected] .

“M.D.” vs. “Ph.D.” vs. “Dr.”: Are They Synonyms?

Quick: when you hear the word doctor , what do you picture?

Most would probably describe someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around their neck or someone in medical scrubs—someone you would seek out if you have a deep cut that needed stitches.

That word doctor , however, is a title assigned to many who don’t come close to that description, many of whom you wouldn’t want stitching up that cut. Take your English professor, for instance. No offense, Dr. Barrett. 

It can all be a bit confusing, which is why it’s important to know who and why someone might be called a doctor , as well as what all those initials and abbreviations after their name mean. Here we break it all down.

What does Dr. mean?

Let’s start with doctor or D r . for short. While the first definition of the word is “ a person licensed to practice medicine,” that doesn’t mean you want to take medical advice from anyone who calls themselves a doctor . There are many looser definitions of the word that follow and, frankly, make things a bit confusing.

For example, the third definition is older slang for a “cook, as at a camp or on a ship,” while the seventh entry is “an eminent scholar and teacher.” Bugs Bunny didn’t help matters either by plying anyone and everyone with his famous greeting,“What’s up, doc?” 

The term doctor can be traced back to the late 1200s, and it stems from a Latin word meaning “to teach.” It wasn’t used to describe a licensed medical practitioner until about 1400, and it wasn’t used as such with regularity until the late 1600s. It replaced the former word used for medical doctors— leech , which is now considered archaic. 

WATCH: When Did The Word "Doctor" Become Medical?

Physician vs. doctor : are these synonyms.

While the term physician is a synonym for doctor , it’s typically used to refer to those who practice general medicine rather than those who perform surgery, aka surgeons . 

A quack , on the other hand, is defined as “ a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.”

What does M.D. mean?

Moving on to initials that carry more weight than a nod from Bugs, let’s look at M.D.s .

M.D. , which can be used with or without the periods ( M.D. or MD )  is the designation for a medical doctor. This is earned by attending medical school (typically a four-year program after completing at least one undergraduate degree, plus a residency program), and learning to diagnose patients’ symptoms and offer treatment. 

The initials M and D stem from the Latin title  Medicīnae Doctor. There are many different types of doctors, with different specialties, but if you have a physical ailment, visiting a doctor with the initials M.D. is a good place to start.

Specialty doctors may add even more initials to their title, such as DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition), DDS (doctor of dental surgery), or countless others they acquire with additional training. To make things even more confusing, some may add abbreviations from medical associations they belong to, such as FAAEM (Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine). 

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What does Ph.D. mean?

As for Ph.D. , this stands for “doctor of philosophy.” It stems from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor.

You can get a Ph.D. in any number of subjects, from anthropology to mythological studies. It’s not an easy feat, however, as to earn one, you must do original research and write a dissertation . 

Ph.D. vs. M.D .: are these synonyms?

There are two big differences between Ph.D. s and M.D .s. When it comes to medicine, M.D.s can prescribe medications, and Ph.D.s can’t. And yes, it’s possible to be both an M.D. and a Ph.D. In fact, some med schools offer programs in which you can achieve both simultaneously. 

You can also get a professional doctorate degree in a number of fields. For example, you might receive a doctorate of education, an  Ed.D . 

So, in a nutshell, both M.D.s and Ph.Ds can be referred to as doctors . If you’re looking for someone to treat what ails you physically, then you want at least an M.D. following their name. If you want to dig deep into a subject and get advice from someone who has done their own research and who likely knows the latest and greatest developments in a particular area, then you’re probably looking for a Ph.D. And if someone has both, even better—depending on your needs, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

Want more synonyms? Get Thesaurus.com’s sizzling synonyms right in your inbox! 

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MD-PhD program receives $1.1 million in NIH funding

• Written by John Keenan, UNMC strategic communications
• Published Apr 5, 2024

Justin Mott, MD, PhD

A new National Institutes of Health grant for the Medical Scientist Training Program will bring more than $1.1 million to UNMC over the next five years.

With this award, UNMC joins about one-third of the approximately 150 medical schools across the country who have NIH-funded MD-PhD programs, said Justin Mott, MD, PhD, director of the MD-PhD Scholars Program in the UNMC College of Medicine.

“The NIH put out an announcement looking for programs that had something unique in terms of trainees who were underrepresented in medicine,” Dr. Mott said. UNMC’s strength, he said, is that approximately 20% of its applicants and 20% of its trainees have a rural background.

“At most medical schools, that number is about 5 or 6%,” he said.

In addition, more than 40% of participating college of medicine faculty have a rural background or their research and clinical populations relate to rural communities. And the program showed geographic diversity, with applicants from 42 states over the past five years.

 A rural background can mean a great deal to a physician scientist, Dr, Mott said.

“Obviously, our experiences shape the questions that we ask,” he said. “Students from a rural background may be uniquely suited to ask questions about why health outcomes are not as good for members of the community who live in rural areas, why life expectancy is shorter, why there’s higher risk for some cardiovascular diseases and for some infections. What about the exposures about the culture, about the nature, of rural America is different? These scientists are ready to ask those questions.”

The strength of the program and its trainees also helped secure the funds, Dr. Mott said.

“The track record of our alumni matters a lot,” Dr. Mott said. “More than 92% of the students who come into our program stay and get both degrees, and that’s higher than the national average. And the time to achieve both degrees is at or slightly below the national average. Also, we’re setting our students up for success after they graduate.”

Trainee research strengths also reinforced program strengths. Dr. Mott said, pointing to two recent federal awards received by students:

• Aaron Schwab received a fellowship from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences this year, one of only two awards from NIEHS to UNMC currently, for a study exploring health impacts of agricultural dust exposures common in rural areas.
• Rebecca Slotkowski received a fellowship from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities in 2022, one of only four awards from the NIMHD to UNMC currently, to study a program designed to reduce sociodemographic impacts on cardiovascular risk and adverse maternal outcomes in young people in urban Omaha.

The LEAD MSTP award will allow the MD-PhD program to increase its annual cohort of accepted students from five to six, Dr. Mott said.

”This sounds like a small change, but over an eight-year program, it will increase our size to about 48 students. It also allows us to have additional support, not just through the NIH, but also through UNMC Graduate Studies, which has committed to supporting students during their graduate training based on this award.”

Dr. Mott expects the award will strengthen program recruitment, especially since grant reviewers pointed out the robust nature of the peer mentorship and scholarly community in the UNMC program.

UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, MD, said the MD-PhD program is a source of pride for the college.

“From its inception, the MD-PhD program has nurtured physician scientists who have gone on to achieve great things,” Dr. Britigan said. “This new grant will allow it to grow even stronger.”

The large number of trainees with rural backgrounds grew organically, Dr. Mott said.

“This is not something that we select for in our admissions,” he said. “It’s more that the potential applicants are selecting for us. Our participating faculty, we’re about 40% who have either a rural upbringing or their clinic or their research have particular focus on rural communities. That provides an understanding, a shared background, a support system and a recognition of the value the students bring in. They may self-select into the program because of that.”

Dr. Mott credited his predecessors, Debra Romberger, MD, and Shelley Smith, PhD, for building the strong program, and thanked Dr. Britigan and Dele Davies, MD, the senior vice chancellor of academic affairs and dean of UNMC Graduate Studies, for their support.

Dr. Davies called the award “a national badge of excellence and a testament to the many years of hard work and foundation that has been laid by the dedicated faculty and leadership of the program in the college of medicine and the graduate studies program. 

“This partnership has enabled our MD-PhD program to become recognized as among the very best in the country, based on the outcomes of our students and time to degree completion.”

Dr. Davies congratulated Dr. Mott and his team, as well as his predecessors, for “their concerted and relentless effort to make this training grant a reality. This institutional training grant adds to the growing strength of UNMC’s training programs dedicated to critical areas of research emphasis that will continue to help attract and train the next generation of scientists who will answer and solve the most pressing questions in health for generations to come.”

“The institutional support has been excellent across the board from the beginning of the program,” Dr. Mott said. “The integration between medicine and graduate studies facilitates the students’ growth as physician scientists, not sometimes a physician and sometimes a scientist. And that integration was a strength as we competed with other institutions for these funds.”

Microbiome Expert Sean Spencer, MD, PhD: On a Mission to Prove that Food is Medicine

By Sharon Brock, MEd, MS

Sean Spencer , MD, PhD is a Gastroenterologist and Physician Scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine. Along with seeing patients in the clinic, Spencer conducts cutting-edge research on the microbiome in the Sonnenburg Lab . In his research, Spencer focuses on how nutrition affects the microbiome and the immune system, as well as how our diet can prevent and treat gastrointestinal disease and potentially increase longevity.

“There’s a clear association between the microbiome and healthy aging. Studies of centenarians show a different microbiome configuration compared to those with a shorter life span and unhealthy aging,” says Spencer. “The microbiome is a key aspect of lifestyle medicine because what we eat and how we exercise affects our microbiome composition.”

The Medical Path

Growing up in the agricultural town of Madison, Wisconsin, Spencer learned from an early age the importance of nutritious food regarding health. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin, Spencer majored in medical microbiology and immunology, and knew since his sophomore year that he wanted to practice medicine.

“After taking a human physiology course, I just knew that learning as much as I could about the human body and using that knowledge to help people was the only thing I wanted to do,” says Spencer. “As an undergrad, I also discovered that I could conduct research while caring for patients, and that clarified my career path further.”

These career goals prompted Spencer to pursue an MD-PhD program in immunology at the University of Pennsylvania, which he completed in 2015.

“In graduate school, I realized how our diet has a profound impact on the microbiome, which directly influences the immune system,” says Spencer. “You want to think of the three aspects [nutrition, microbiome, and immune system] at the three corners of a triangle. They each impact the other.”

After completing an internal medicine residency with Harvard Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Spencer came to Stanford in 2017 for a fellowship in gastroenterology (GI).

“I came to Stanford specifically to work with Justin Sonnenburg, so it was great to be accepted to both the GI clinical program and his lab,” says Spencer. “What I love most about Stanford are the people and the creativity. This focus on the microbiome and nutrition is unique to Stanford and I’m glad to be part of a community that thinks about lifestyle medicine in both research and clinical care.”

Living His Dream

For the last six years, Spencer has been a practicing, board-certified GI physician at Stanford Medicine and a researcher in one of the most prestigious microbiome labs in the country. Spencer lights up when he talks about his current research on the small intestine microbiome:

“Most microbiome studies look at the very end of the GI tract, but the small intestine is 20 feet long, and researchers have sampled almost none of it,” says Spencer. “We’ve developed a novel technology to sample and investigate the microbiota [bacteria] of the small intestinal microbiome, which has been a huge blank space for the longest time.”

The small intestine is where many nutrients, including glucose, are absorbed into the bloodstream. Since high glucose levels are linked to diabetes and obesity, Spencer believes this research will potentially lead to the development of lifestyle medicine therapies for individuals with these medical conditions.

Spencer will also study hormones in the small intestine, such as Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is the hormone targeted in the popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. “The new GLP-1-targeted medications are powerful and amazing drugs, but it’s important to recognize that we have the power to regulate these hormonal pathways with our diet and lifestyle choices,” he says.

Although his work in the lab is a source of fulfillment, Spencer also enjoys bringing his research findings directly to his patients as a GI physician. Spencer is able to offer this bench-to-bedside level of care since he attained both a medical degree and a PhD in immunology.

“I’m most proud that I have the skillset to listen to patients and identify what they need clinically, and then do the research to fill in the gaps and conduct clinical trials to help them,” says Spencer.

Looking to the Future

With his postdoctoral fellowship ending this year, Spencer plans to work at a clinical center (ideally at Stanford) where he can continue to see GI patients and perform clinical trials on nutrition-microbiome-immune research. Studies from the Sonnenburg lab he would like to continue are testing the anti-inflammatory effects of fermented foods, which improve the immune system, and the mechanisms by which our diet, microbiome, and immune system impact each other.

Regarding patient care, Spencer takes a “food is medicine” approach and plans to conduct more research to back up that message. “My future goal is to perform research that reinforces the recommendations of lifestyle medicine; to build the evidence-base for types of food that promote a healthy microbiome and prevent and treat disease,” says Spencer. “This research will help us understand what aspects of food are critical for promoting health and wellness and has real potential to offer improved eating advice and promote health through diet.”

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Is an MD-PhD Right for Me?

New section.

Do you want the opportunity to train in both medicine and research? An MD-PhD allows you to do just that. But what does it mean to become a physician scientist? We asked AAMC experts to explain why you might want to consider this type of training.

As you prepare to apply to medical school, it’s valuable to explore other potential career paths beyond a traditional MD degree. One path to consider is an MD-PhD degree, which provides training in both medicine and research.

But how do you know if it’s the right career path for you? We asked AAMC experts to explain the advantages of training to be a physician scientist through an MD-PhD program.  

Who are physician scientists? Physician scientists are focused on scientific discovery and patient care at the intersection of science and medicine, understanding human health and disease from a scientific and clinical perspective. Physician scientists have the unique ability to identify and study important questions in health care. There are four pathways to become a physician scientist:

• Complete MD training and then conduct extended research through fellowship training.
• Complete MD training and then return to graduate school to earn a PhD degree.
• Complete PhD training and then enter medical school to earn an MD degree.
• Work towards both degrees simultaneously in a dual MD-PhD degree program.

In each pathway, students are exposed to a career in scientific research while also treating patients in a clinical setting.

What are MD-PhD Programs? MD-PhD programs provide training for the dual degree by integrating research and clinical training experiences where students learn to conduct hypothesis driven research in a mentored environment. There are over 100 MD-PhD programs affiliated with U.S. medical schools, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences partially supports approximately 45 programs, known as Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs). 

These programs provide unique training experiences, including MD-PhD specific courses and professional development workshops, visiting scholar seminars, retreats, opportunities to attend national conferences and join organizations, and mentoring for graduate and residency training. The students and mentors in these programs are a vibrant community, working to advance the trainees’ development as a scientist and physician. 

How long does training take?

The MD-PhD career path is a commitment, as training to complete both MD and PhD degrees takes about 7 or 8 years.

How do I pay for a MD-PhD program?

Most programs offer financial support, including stipends, tuition waivers, and health insurance to help students cover the cost of their scientific and medical training.

Who are MD-PhD students?

Annually, an estimated 600 students matriculate into MD-PhD programs. This is only about 3% of all students who matriculate into medical school. PhD training for MD-PhD students is typically in biomedical sciences, such as molecular, cellular, or human or animal studies in biochemistry, cell biology and microbiology, immunology and genetics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology. However, PhD training may also be in fields outside of the classical biomedical sciences, such as bioengineering, chemical biology, bioinformatics, public health, anthropology, and bioethics. 

What do MD-PhDs do after graduation?

Most MD-PhD graduates train in a residency program and become licensed to practice in a specific field of medicine. From there, they typically go on to careers that blend research and clinical medicine, though their research topic may or may not be closely related to their field of medical practice. Most MD-PhDs work in academic medical centers, such as medical schools or teaching hospitals. MD-PhDs also conduct research in institutes such as the National Institutes of Health or other government or private agencies, or work for pharma or biotech companies.

MD-PhD careers provide unique perspectives on questions about basic scientific discovery, medical intervention, or translational research. During their career, MD-PhDs may remain focused as a basic or clinical scientist, or become an administrative leader within their academic medical center. Their training provides opportunities to be successful in either environment. 

Is an MD-PhD path right for you? To find out more, visit the AAMC website for information on MD-PhD dual degree training . 

• @AAMCpremed

Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.

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

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

Learn about MD-PhD Programs from program leaders.

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

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

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

Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, MD

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Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD , MD

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Dr. Sun Young Lee is a nationally recognized expert in 1) diagnosis and treatment of inherited retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular dystrophy, and unusual retinal dystrophies and 2) disease and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, retinal detachment, macular surgery, and complex retinal detachment.

Dr. Lee is a clinician-scientist who has been highly trained as both a clinician and a scientist with a special passion for vision research. As an already fully trained vitreoretinal surgeon from South Korea, she completed her training again at top, nationally-ranked ophthalmology programs in the United States, including the Johns Hopkins University, University of Southern California, and University of Iowa for postdoctoral fellowship, ophthalmology residency, and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship training respectively. Dr. Lee’s research interest lies in studying the role of exosomes in retinal diseases and developing ocular exosome therapy including drug delivery, gene therapy and stem cell therapy.

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Benefits among health plans and employers vary. Please contact your health plan to verify benefits and network providers for specific products. It is important to note that not all of our providers participate in all of a health plan's products or networks.

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570 WSYR "YOUR HEALTH MATTERS" Ep #9 Dr. Michael Joyner and Nick Sterling, MD, PhD Karl Sterling Podcast

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This episode aired on 3/17/24 on News Radio 570 WSYR Syracuse, NY Our topic: EXEERCISE AND LONGEVITY: Dr. Michael Joyner, an athlete, is a practicing anesthesiologist, a physician-researcher and one of the world’s leading experts on human performance and exercise physiology. Using humans as his model system, he has made major contributions to understanding muscle and skin blood flow, blood pressure regulation, and human athletic performance. Mike’s broad interests include helping members of the general public understand the real-world implications of research, policy debates and related ideas covered in the popular press. Nick Sterling MD PhD, also an athlete, is a practicing emergency medicine physician and scientist, specializing in AI. visit http://www.nicksterling.com and http://www.karlsterling.com

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