Invitations for interview will be sent via email from September to January. All interviews are virtual and will be scheduled over a two-day period. Candidates have interviews with members of both the MD and MD-PhD Interviewing subcommittees, non-evaluative meetings with MD-PhD program faculty and students, and informational sessions with the program director and current students. Social events and student buddies will help you learn more about the MD-PhD community at Yale and about living in New Haven. As part of the invitation to interview, we will provide a survey link that allows you to request informal meetings with up to five Yale faculty whose research is of interest to you. These informal discussions are not part of the admissions evaluation but are made available to you so that you can get a more complete picture of what Yale has to offer. Applicants who are not invited to interview for the MD-PhD Program will be offered the option to have their application considered for MD-only admission.
MD-PhD applicants who plan to pursue their PhD in Anthropology, Economics, History of Science & Medicine, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Sociology must submit applications to both the MD-PhD program and to the PhD program. (A link to the PhD program application will be sent to such students when their complete MD-PhD program application is received.) Interview invitations will be made after both applications have been reviewed. Materials required to support the PhD program application are detailed below. Students interested in these programs are encouraged to contact the MD-PhD program to indicate their interest and to obtain the most up-to-date information about specific PhD program requirements. Please note: the completed MD-PhD application must be received by October 15th and the PhD application completed by November 1st to allow full review and consideration for interview.
Requested additional materials:
Important information to keep in mind:
Gap years are not necessary for applicants . Nationally, >75% of MD-PhD students have taken at least one gap year after college 1 . Gap years can help applicants gain research or clinical experience necessary for deciding whether dual-degree training is right for them. Or they can provide time to travel, work, or take the MCAT and apply. But gap years per se are not necessary to be admitted to MD-PhD programs! The distribution of gap years taken by Yale MD-PhD applicants, interviewed or accepted candidates, and matriculated students for 2019-2023 shows a median “gap” of 2 years for interviewed, accepted, and matriculated applicants But 18% of our current students joined the program immediately after graduating from college.
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission; our goal is to train students with a wide range of backgrounds, personal identities, and research interests to become physician-scientists. MD-PhD students who matriculated in the past five years completed their undergraduate degrees at accredited four-year institutions all over the United States and territories, and include students who have attended community colleges, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and small, non-research-intensive colleges. Demographics of current students, as self-identified in their AMCAS medical school applications, are shown below. We encourage individuals with disabilities or who may be from economically, socially, culturally and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to our Program. Yale is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment to individuals with disabilities by ensuring that appropriate academic and technical accommodations are available to students. Please contact the MD-PhD Office and Student Accessibility Services for further information. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, DACA recipients and international students are all eligible to apply for admission to the MD-PhD Program.
1 Brass LF, Fitzsimonds RM, Akabas MH. Gaps between college and starting an MD-PhD program are adding years to physician-scientist training time. JCI Insight. 2021;e156168 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Yale's MD-PhD Program grants full consideration to students who plan to pursue a PhD program in departments that are part of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) , the School of Public Health (YSPH) , School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) , and some departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS ). Please click on the links for more information on specific PhD programs. Current students are pursuing their PhD training in the following programs and departments.
PhD Program/Department | # | ||
---|---|---|---|
Anthropology* | 1 | History of Science and Medicine* | 3 |
Applied Mathematics | 1 | Immunobiology | 22 |
Biomedical Engineering | 8 | INP: Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program | 26 |
C&MP: Cellular & Molecular Physiology | 7 | MBB: Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry | 1 |
Chemistry | 1 | MCDB: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology | 1 |
Computational Biology & Bioinformatics | 1 | Microbiology Graduate Program | 4 |
EPH: Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 1 | NIH-GPP | 1 |
EPH: Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases | 6 | Not yet affiliated | 39 |
EPH: Health Policy Management | 2 | Pharmacology | 1 |
Experimental Pathology Program | 8 | Religious Studies* | 1 |
Genetics | 18 | Translational Biomedicine | 1 |
For some students, choosing between a career in medicine and one in science seems like an impossible task. Many times, students will engage in research during college and develop an interest in medicine and do not want to give up the ability to do both by pursuing either a PhD or MD. Recognizing this desire, many medical schools have also created MD-PhD combined programs that allow students to get both degrees. With the plethora of options offered for graduate degrees coming out of college, many applicants are unsure of which program is best for them.
In this blog post, we will cover the following topics:
Before we analyze the differences between these programs, we will clearly define what each program consists of.
What is a PhD? PhD programs are funded graduate doctoral degree programs ranging from 4-8 years offered by research universities to teach and mentor graduates to contribute to research in their field, develop societal solutions, and train the next generation of scientists.
What is an MD? MD degrees are granted by allopathic medical schools in the United States, last four years, and prepare graduates to enter the world of medicine as physicians, usually through continued training in residency and fellowship programs.
What is an MD PhD program? MD/PhD programs are funded programs that last 7-9 years and train graduates to be clinical and academic leaders as both physicians and researchers who work closely with patients but also dedicate a significant amount of their time to researching areas adjacent to medicine to improve knowledge and treatment protocols.
When deciding PhD vs MD vs MD PhD, most students will first need to decide what aspects of science are most interesting to them – do they enjoy the interpersonal interactions or working with the biology itself to make new discoveries? First, let’s look at the differences between a PhD vs MD. There are three core differences between getting a PhD and an MD: career opportunities, admissions and training, and cost.
As rigorous and prestigious degree programs, both MDs and PhDs have a plethora of career opportunities available to them. Most graduates from MD programs elected to continue their training by completing a residency and fellowship to become specialized and practice medicine. Nonetheless some graduates also choose to pursue alternative careers in public health, business, or education. In fact, 32% of graduates from Stanford’s MD program [1] chose not to a pursue a residency, many drawn by the allure of alternative ways to produce impact in society.
PhD graduates tend to have slightly more options, in both the academic and professional spheres. Many PhD candidates choose to pursue the established path of joining a research university to perform their research while teaching undergraduate and graduate students. This path often is best suited for those extremely passionate about their research topics who seek to mentor younger researchers and students but suffers from department politics attached to rising up professorial ranks and difficulties in receiving funding in certain disciplines.
Many other graduates choose to pursue non-academic work, whether it is joining an established industry company, starting their own companies, or working in public sector agencies. In these endeavors, they are able to leverage much of their subject matter expertise to conduct research, assess business operations and growth options, and contribute to public health or public works initiatives. At the same time, many graduates who take this path may find themselves drifting away from their academic routes and may find a slightly more fast-paced lifestyle than in academia.
Whether you pursue and MD degree or PhD degree, there are several post-graduate career options.
Admissions and training processes and timelines are also highly variable between MD and PhD paths, and require different planning for each.
MD Admissions and Training: MD programs often have extremely long admissions timelines, often starting two years before matriculation when many students begin studying for the MCAT (the medical school admissions exam). In addition, the increasing expectations of applicants has resulted in an increasing number of students taking gap years to adequately prepare to apply. After applying and matriculating, medical students have four years of medical school, followed by anywhere from 3-10 years of post-graduate specialization training. Furthermore, applications often have multiple components, require in-person interviews, and have delayed decision timelines.
PhD Admissions and Training: In contrast, PhD programs have relatively simpler timelines, with most students applying the winter before they plan to matriculate, with many schools not requiring standardized testing (GRE) to apply. After applying, many students receive interviews within a few weeks and an admissions decision soon after. After matriculating, program length can differ significantly, but usually consists of 5-8 years of graduate research and training before one is able to complete their degree.
Despite recruiting students with similar skillsets and backgrounds, medical school and graduate PhD programs have radically different cost structures. While pursuing an MD is a costly endeavor (often ranging from $200-400k), PhDs are usually fully funded and most students receive a generous living stipend. With this in mind, one would assume that most students would naturally gravitate to a PhD. However, while the median biology PhD starting salary is $100k [2] , the median starting salary for a physician is double – at $200k [2] – such that many physicians recoup the cost of their education in the long term. Although the ultimate decision will depend on your desire to take on loans and your career and training area preferences, cost is undoubtably an important component of this decision as well.
Differences between MD and MD-PhD admissions are neither widely discussed nor well understood, mostly because only 6-7% of students applying to medical school choose to pursue this path. [4]
MD-PhD programs are one of many dual-degree programs offered by medical schools and allow you to receive medical training while developing expertise in a particular research area. Your research focus can range from hard science like molecular biology and genetics to the social sciences like sociology. Since you would be getting two degrees, a MD-PhD program is designed to take 7-8 years, instead of 4 years for medical school and 5-6 years for a PhD. Usually, MD-PhD candidates will spend their first two years doing pre-clinical coursework with MD students. After completing their pre-medical requirements and taking the STEP 1 exam, MD-PhD students will usually take 3-5 years for their doctoral studies before they return for their final two years of clinical rotations.
In the United States, there are approximately 130 MD-PhD programs and 45 of these programs are known as Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP) programs. MSTP programs are funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and are very competitive as they offer full tuition coverage, support with living expenses, and a stipend. While some MD-PhD programs are funded by institutions, many of them may not offer the same financial support as an MSTP program.
Since the key difference between the MD and MD-PhD program is the emphasis on research, make sure that you will be able to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to research and that you have tangibly and significantly contributed to research projects, which can take the form of presentations or serving as an author on papers. Also, make sure that your research mentor is prepared to submit a strong recommendation to attest to your readiness for such a rigorous program.
Only 6-7% of medical school applicants apply as an MD PhD candidate
AMCAS most meaningful activity example #2: This applicant chose to write about his work in the emergency room. You can see both the 700 character AMCAS activity description and the 1325 character AMCAS most meaningful essay.
Pros of applying md phd vs md, why md phd #1: tuition funding .
There is no doubting it – medical school is very expensive. Since many MD-PhD programs are fully funded with a living stipend on top, many MD-PhD candidates feel that they are being “paid” to pursue this education. While many of their medical school classmates will graduate with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt, most MD-PhD candidates will not incur any cost during the course of their degree, attracting many looking to avoid accumulating further debt in addition to whatever was accrued during college. Although this funding seems attractive at first, it is important to remember that it comes at the cost of four more years, which could be time spent earning an attending’s salary. Depending on your choice of specialty, receiving this funding could actually be a negative if you aren’t interested in research.
If you are unable to decide between science and medicine, or want to pursue both, applying to an MD-PhD program will allow you to bridge these two disciplines and enjoy the best of both worlds. Many MD-PhD candidates believe that their professional careers would be incomplete without both research and medicine or seek to combine these two passions in their career. These are the exact candidates that MD-PhD programs exist for as they open up many opportunities that may not be available for regular MD students. Especially if you hope to have a career in academia or research-based medical universities, the skills and competencies of doing research and applying for grants is highly prized.
It is undeniable that the condensed time frame of the MD-PhD program is highly appealing to those who seek to pursue both degrees. Instead of taking 9-10 years if completed separately, an MD-PhD program is highly integrated and structured to allow you to focus on one pursuit at a time while still providing continuity so that you can do research during your medical training and medical volunteering while completing your doctoral work. This blend allows for the shorter time period and still allows you to benefit from receiving high quality science and medical instruction.
Why not apply md phd #1: time to complete degree .
Although the condensed format is ideal for those who have their hearts set on getting both an MD and a PhD, if you are unsure about pursuing both degrees or have a clear preference for one, the significantly longer educational period is a major factor to consider. A major aspect of the admission process for the MD-PhD is determining if you are prepared to make an almost decade-long commitment to a discipline, institution, and city. The projected 7-8 years to complete an MD-PhD is just that – a projection. Many times, there are factors both inside and outside of your control that can cause this number to vary greatly and increase to up to 10 years. Furthermore, since many people start their MD-PhDs at 23 or 24 years old, they often complete their residency in their late 30s, a fundamentally different time of your life where many of your friends from college may already have families and have been in the workforce for over a decade.
Although MD-PhD students learn how to apply for grants and the research skills necessary to drive their future academic careers, many MD students often pick up these skills if they take a research year, pursue a master’s degree, or spend a significant amount of time doing research in residency and beyond. In fact, while many researchers in academic institutions are PhDs or MD-PhDs, there are also numerous MDs who spend a large amount of their time dedicated to both clinical and basic science research. Furthermore, if your research interests are solely clinical in nature, you may be better served developing these skills in a residency or pursuing a master’s degree than pursuing an MD-PhD, which is usually more suited for basic scientists. Another downside to the MD-PhD is that while you will be focused on trying to pursue two separate paths as a clinician and scientists, many of your peers will be spending all of their time focusing on one of the two, which may put you at a disadvantage compared to them.
Finally, while MD-PhD students can technically pursue any residency after they graduate medical school, there is often a push to place them in less competitive and non-surgical specialties where they will have less clinical time and therefore more time to dedicate to their research work. Since surgical specialties are highly procedural, research is often a secondary consideration and usually not as prized as surgical dexterity. Furthermore, since you are more valuable to an academic center as a surgeon performing high value elective procedures than as a researcher, there is often a push to have surgeons focus on their clinical work. Similarly, many MD-PhDs may be encouraged to pursue less competitive specialties where they have more time to focus on their research work or where their research funding may be more valuable than the money they bring in from being a clinician. Although an MD-PhD student is free to pursue any specialty that they desire, these pressures are commonplace and often can stifle strong clinical preferences in favor of research potential.
As stated earlier, MSTP MD PhD programs are fully funded by the National Institutes of Health.
As of 2021, here is the list of MSTP MD PhD programs by state.
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine http://www.uab.edu/medicine/mstp
Stanford University http://med.stanford.edu/mstp.html
University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine https://vstp.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine http://www.mstp.uci.edu
University of California, Los Angeles & Cal Tech California Institute of Technology David Geffen School of Medicine http://mstp.healthsciences.ucla.edu
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine http://mstp.ucsd.edu
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine https://mstp.ucsf.edu/
University of Colorado Denver http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/education/degree_programs/mstp/pages/MSTP.aspx
Yale University School of Medicine http://medicine.yale.edu/mdphd
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine http://mdphd.med.miami.edu
Emory University School of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. Program http://med.emory.edu/MDPHD
Northwestern University Medical School http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/mstp
University of Chicago Medical Scientist Training Program https://pritzker.uchicago.edu/academics/mstp-landing-page
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/mstp
Indiana University School of Medicine, MSTP https://medicine.iu.edu/education/dual-degrees/
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine https://medicine.uiowa.edu/mstp?
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine https://mdphd.johnshopkins.edu/
University of Maryland School of Medicine http://mdphd.umaryland.edu
Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Institute of Technology
There are two MD/PhD programs through Pathways and HST. Read more about Harvard Medical School here: https://crackingmedadmissions.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-medical-school/ http://www.hms.harvard.edu/md_phd
Tufts University School of Medicine http://sackler.tufts.edu/Academics/MSTP-Welcome
University of Massachusetts Medical School http://umassmed.edu/mdphd
University of Michigan Medical School http://medicine.umich.edu/medschool/education/mdphd-program
University of Minnesota Medical School http://www.med.umn.edu/mdphd
Mayo Medical School https://college.mayo.edu/academics/biomedical-research-training/medical-scientist-training-program-md-phd/
Washington University School of Medicine http://mstp.wustl.edu
Albert Einstein College of Medicine http://www.einstein.yu.edu/education/mstp
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/mdphd
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai http://icahn.mssm.edu/education/graduate/md-phd-program
New York University School of Medicine http://www.med.nyu.edu/sackler/mdphd-program
Stony Brook University https://medicine.stonybrookmedicine.edu/mstp
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/md/md-phd
Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD PhD Program http://weill.cornell.edu/mdphd
Duke University Medical Center https://medschool.duke.edu/education/degree-programs-and-admissions/medical-scientist-training-program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine http://www.med.unc.edu/mdphd
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine http://mstp.cwru.edu
Ohio State University College of Medicine http://medicine.osu.edu/mstp
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine MSTP http://www.med.uc.edu/MSTP
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine http://www.ohsu.edu/mdphd
Penn State College of Medicine http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/mdphd
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine http://www.med.upenn.edu/mstp
University of Pittsburgh http://www.mdphd.pitt.edu
Medical University of South Carolina https://education.musc.edu/colleges/graduate-studies/academics/dual-degree/mstp
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine MSTP https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/mstp
Baylor College of Medicine MSTP https://www.bcm.edu/education/programs/md-phd-program
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston Department of Internal Medicine https://gsbs.uth.edu/mdphd/
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Department of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Physiology https://lsom.uthscsa.edu/mimg/
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/
University of Virginia Health System MSTP Program http://mstp.med.virginia.edu
University of Washington School of Medicine http://www.mstp.washington.edu
Medical College of Wisconsin MSTP https://www.mcw.edu/education/medical-scientist-training-program
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health http://mstp.med.wisc.edu
Read our medical school profiles to learn more about each individual school.
Now that we have reviewed what MD, PhD, and MD-PhD degrees consists of and how to apply, as well as some of the pros and cons of pursuing a MD-PhD program, we hope that you can make an informed decision about your graduate education! Even if you choose not to pursue an MD or PhD, many institutions have accelerated programs that allow MD or PhD graduates to complete the other degree in a shorter timeframe. Similarly, many medical schools even allow students to apply to add a PhD portion onto their education before they begin their clinical training. Regardless of whichever path is right for you, all three offer incredible opportunities to pursue scientific passions and work towards solving societal issues.
Here are some Cracking Med School Admissions Resources you will find helpful as you think about MD PhD programs:
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us down below.
School of medicine, md - phd, combined degree program.
From its inception, the physician-scientist has been a hallmark of Johns Hopkins medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Indeed, the Hopkins tri-emblem represents the three core values of the institution: teaching, patient care, and research.
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers a variety of opportunities for the training of medical scientists, including a combined curriculum leading to both MD and PhD degrees. This enables students who aspire to careers in academic medicine to obtain intensive training in specialized areas of the biomedical sciences in addition to top-flight medical training. The traditional diversity and flexibility of the educational opportunities at Johns Hopkins permit the design of individualized programs to meet the needs of students with a variety of interests, educational backgrounds, and career goals.
To accomplish our training goals, we expect students to fully commit to medical training while in medical school and research training while in graduate school. However, we also take important steps to ensure that students are exposed to the intersection of both worlds early in their training, as well as given the professional and career development advice they need to succeed.
In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to complete the first two years of medical school before they begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work (see the Timeline below). However, students who want more first-hand experience in clinical medicine before beginning graduate work can elect to complete three years of medical school, followed by their graduate training, and then the last year of medical school. This can give them a better appreciation of the potential clinical relevance of their research. In making a choice, trainees consult extensively with the Program Director, the Dean of Students, members of the MD-PhD Committee, prospective research mentors, and their faculty advisors. Students in the MD-PhD Program are accepted to all graduate programs, so decisions regarding graduate training programs can be made with a strong understanding of each program. The MD-PhD Committee is responsible for program oversight and admissions. Students complete MD-PhD training on average in eight years.
Johns Hopkins interdisciplinary organizational structure means each faculty member may be affiliated with several clinical departments, research sections, and graduate programs.
Formal graduate programs in the School of Medicine encompass the following areas: Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology; Biological Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Molecular Biophysics; Functional Anatomy and Human Evolutionary Studies; Cell Biology; Cellular and Molecular Medicine; History of Medicine; Human Genetics; Immunology; Neuroscience; Pathobiology; Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Students are also eligible to obtain their PhD in one of the 11 graduate programs at the Bloomberg School of Public Health or the School of Arts and Sciences on the Homewood Campus.
The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, and maintains a dedicated library, the Paul Talalay MD-PhD Library, to enrich the educational opportunities of all MD-PhD students. Efforts are made to acquaint MD-PhD candidates with the major advances, concepts, and cutting-edge techniques in contemporary medicine and biomedical sciences. We also create an environment that promotes collegiality and a more intimate personal contact with successful medical scientists in this institution.
Admission Procedures. Individuals who wish to apply for admission to the combined MD-PhD Program of the School of Medicine must submit an application through AMCAS in which they will indicate the MD-PhD Program. Once the AMCAS application has been verified and submitted to Hopkins, the applicant will receive an invitation to complete the Hopkins Secondary Application. Here the applicant will submit the additional materials required for the combined degree. Johns Hopkins does not allow applicants to apply to both the traditional MD program and the combined program during the same cycle.
All combined-degree applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the MD-PhD Committee , which is comprised of faculty from the basic sciences and clinical arena, as well as faculty from the Bloomberg School of Public Health. A separate Graduate School application is not necessary. The MD-PhD Committee determines whether or not an interview is indicated. In general, the committee is looking for students with a passion for research and a commitment to medicine. This assessment is based on the applicant’s research experience, letters of recommendation, academic performance and extracurricular activities. The Committee considers standardized test scores only in the context of the applicant’s other credentials. If an interview is granted, the applicant is notified by the MD-PhD Office and after the applicant accepts, the process for scheduling an interview begins. Interview visits generally occur over two days. Applicants are interviewed by members of the MD-PhD Committee and other faculty members who share their research interests. Applicants have many opportunities to meet with current students and tour the campus during their visit.
Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year. Students who matriculate to the traditional MD Program but have a clearly demonstrated interest and experience in scientific research, are eligible to apply to the combined MD-PhD Program. These students may apply for admission during the fall of their first or second year of medical school. These qualified applicants are evaluated and placed in the pool for the current application cycle and will be considered for MSTP funding.
All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are funded by the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Award. This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and medical and dental insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.
Graduates of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MD-PhD Program have gone on to become leaders in many areas of academic medicine. Advice on the scope and opportunities offered by the MD-PhD Program may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Director.
Posted in: Applying to Medical School
MD-PhD programs are dual-degree programs for pre-medical students who want to both practice medicine and conduct extensive research.
In an MD-PhD program, the medical education of the MD program is combined with the in-depth research training of a PhD program. Students learn to practice medicine, diagnosing and treating patients all while gaining research experience to investigate medical conditions and diseases.
These programs are more intense than standard medical school. Students take additional coursework, typically in the biomedical sciences, graduate training, rotations in different laboratories, and intensive research.
The extra education gives students the tools to advance in the medical field after graduation. If you are interested in investigating diseases as you treat patients and developing innovative ways to provide care, an MD-PhD path may be for you!
MD-PhD programs are unique dual-degree programs designed for students who have an interest in both patient care and research. In these programs, students complete both a medical degree (MD) and a doctorate (PhD). This prepares graduates to function as physician-scientists, seamlessly bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinical setting.
What is the difference between an MD and an MD-PhD? The difference between MD and MD-PhD graduates is that while both degrees are conferred to medical doctors, MD programs focus on clinical practice. MD-PhD programs, on the other hand, combine medical education with extensive biomedical research training.
Is MD-PhD easier than MD? MD-PhD programs are not easier than MD programs. They require a longer time commitment, but in the end, provide graduates with a broader skill set to pursue careers that integrate medicine and scientific research.
How rare is an MD-PhD? Only about 3% of students that enroll in medical school are in MD-PhD programs. There are 122 MD-PhD programs in the U.S. and 13 in Canada listed on the AAMC MD-PhD Degree Programs by State directory .
Graduate programs aren’t confined to a specific area of study. Each school with this type of program has its own options for its PhD degree. PhD students commonly choose to specialize in topics such as:
Upon completion of an MD-PhD program, graduates are awarded the dual degree for their proficiency in both clinical practice and research.
A significant commitment of time is necessary to complete an MD-PhD program, but the career path is rewarding and well-compensated.
How many years are MD-PhD programs ? Students can expect to spend 7-8 years total between graduate school and med school, but there is no strict timeline for completing an MD-PhD. Some students complete their programs in as little as six years, and others take as long as 10.
Students usually start with the first year to two years of medical school, followed by 3-5 years of research, then finish with another two years of medical training and clinicals. Current students entering into MD-PhD programs are older , on average, than when these programs first began, and many take longer to complete their studies.
Most MD-PhD programs offer enrolled students tuition-free training and a stipend to cover living expenses.
The cost of an MD-PhD program varies widely depending on the institution, but the stipend and tuition-free training makes many of these programs significantly less burdensome financially compared to standalone MD or PhD programs.
Financial support is available through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Scholarships are offered that cover tuition and provide a stipend for living expenses, making these intensive dual degree programs more attainable.
Not all MD-PhD programs are funded by the MSTP, but some schools offer similar financial support to their MD-PhD students. For any school you plan to apply to, double-check their program website or call an admissions counselor to see if there are options for financial aid.
MD-PhD residencies provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between patient care and research. Graduates often enter residency programs to acquire hands-on training in a particular medical specialty. Some even opt for a fellowship in a subspecialty after that. This training phase can range from 3 -7 years, depending on the specialty.
Although they can enter any medical specialty, they frequently gravitate towards specialties with a strong research component. Here are a few common residencies that MD-PhDs typically enter:
The choice of residency program should align with each graduate’s clinical interests, research interests, and career goals. There is great flexibility in the MD-PhD pathway, and physician-scientists span all specialties in medicine.
Careers for MD-PhD’s often sit at the intersection of healthcare, academic medicine, and industry. Roles vary from practicing physicians, medical researchers, educators, and policy advisors to leaders in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
After completing their residency, MD-PhDs typically divide their professional time between research and clinical practice. They often work in academic medical centers or research institutions where they can see patients and conduct research. Their research may be basic, translational, or clinical, depending on their interests and training.
MD-PhDs may also grow to take on teaching roles, educating the next generation of physicians and scientists. This path can bring them to leadership roles such as department chair, dean of a medical college, or even hospital CEO with their unique understanding of both medicine and research.
The salary for MD-PhDs does vary depending on the chosen career path. Earning potential is generally high due to the advanced and specialized nature of their training.
On average, physician-scientists in the US earn a median salary that is well above the national average for all occupations. According to Doximity’s 2023 Physician’s Compensation Report , the average salary for physicians in the Pharmaceutical/Industry employment setting is highest at $392,534.
Those working in academia or research may have different salary scales. These salaries are frequently dependent on research grants, but still typically fall within a comfortable range.
An MD-PhD opens up a wide range of career options, particularly in the intersecting areas of healthcare and research. Below are careers someone with an MD-PhD might pursue:
These are just a few of the potential career paths. 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.
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.
Because of this financial support, admission to an MSTP is very competitive. Many schools have financial support available to MD-PhD students even if they are not part of the Medical Scientist Training Program to allow them to focus on their studies and research.
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Earning dual degrees in medicine and research is an ambitious endeavor, but the impacts you can make on patient care and scientific research are significant and valuable to public health. An MD-PhD degree comes with some great benefits.
The duality of the MD-PhD training allows graduates the ability to translate clinical observations into research questions, then taking research findings to enhance patient care. You will essentially be a bridge to the gap between the laboratory and the clinic.
Graduates can become practicing physicians, medical researchers, educators, and/or policy advisors. They may also take on leadership roles within academic institutions, hospitals, biotech companies, or pharmaceutical firms.
The wide range of possible careers allows the flexibility to pursue a path that aligns with your passion.
The rigorous training in MD-PhD programs allows graduates to drive innovation in healthcare and medical science. This advanced education will have you asking critical questions and finding answers that can change the course of medical treatment and patient care.
The potential to make significant contributions to the field of medicine is a rewarding and prestigious aspect of this career path.
During their training, MD-PhD students join a tight-knit community of fellow dual-degree students, mentors, and faculty. This network can provide valuable support, guidance, and camaraderie during the demanding years of study.
Post-graduation, this network continues to serve as a resource for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.
In general, yes, MD-PhD programs are more competitive than MD programs.
The statistics here can be a little confusing, though. 10% of applicants are accepted to an MD-PhD program, which is higher than the 3% that get accepted into MD programs. Acceptance rates are nearly the same as traditional medical programs, too.
But the quality of application for MD-PhD programs is inherently higher than traditional pre-meds. Your GPA and MCAT need to be higher, with well-developed extracurricular experiences and glowing letters of recommendation to have a chance at an MD-PhD program.
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Applying for an MD-PhD program is done through AMCAS, just like MD programs. Preparation is key in the application process .
Being proactive, getting relevant experiences, understanding the requirements, and applying to multiple programs will significantly enhance your chances of success in securing a spot in an MD-PhD program. Applicants must be prepared to showcase themselves as doctor material and make a case for their desire to take part in research.
Here are a few tips for increasing your chances at acceptance.
Gaining relevant experiences beyond the classroom is crucial to showcase your commitment to a career in medical research. Admissions committees are looking for candidates with experience in research projects.
It is absolutely necessary to have taken part in research to have a chance at getting into an MD-PhD program.
You’ll be required to meet all the AMCAS application requirements of MD programs. This includes the prerequisite coursework, your MCAT score and GPA, letters of evaluation, and personal statement .
There are also two additional essays that are required on MD-PhD applications, which we’ll cover later.
We advise checking with each specific medical school on the requirements for their applications . Non-medical graduate programs may ask for your GRE scores. You want to make sure you’ve taken this test well in advance of the AMCAS open date.
Our advisors can help you craft a personal statement for your MD-PhD that will stand out.
Because of the limited number of programs and the competitive nature of MD-PhD programs, you should apply to multiple programs. Students who have gotten into these programs report applying to as many as 30 programs for the best chance to be accepted.
Along with MD-PhD programs, we also recommend applying to some MD programs as well. On your AMCAS application, you can easily designate as an MD candidate or MD-PhD candidate.
Even if you don’t make it into the MD-PhD program of a medical school, you will still have the opportunity to be considered for their MD program.
Get your medical school application in early — the same goes for MD-PhD applications. In fact, it’s even more important to have your primary application in as soon as possible to give yourself plenty of time to write your secondary essays.
The MD-PhD application process follows the AMCAS application timeline :
The MD-PhD application process includes two additional essays that showcase your commitment to a career as a physician-scientist.
The MD-PhD Essay is your opportunity to express why you have chosen the dual-degree path and how it aligns with your career goals. Discuss your motivation for pursuing the ambitious MD-PhD degree. You should explain why both clinical practice and research are integral to your career vision and share personal experiences that ignite your interest in this path.
Describe your career goals and how integrating clinical practice and scientific research will allow you to achieve those goals. If you’re interested in a particular field, discuss how the blend of clinical and research training in the MD-PhD program will enhance your contributions to this field.
This essay is your chance to elaborate on your research experiences and demonstrate your scientific curiosity, perseverance, and ability to work independently. You’ll explain the objectives of the research project you have been involved in, your role in achieving these objectives, and the significance of the research.
You can also write about instances where you faced challenges and had to use your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and critical thinking to overcome them. Highlight your ability to learn from others, like your mentors, how you can collaborate, and contribute to a team-oriented goal.
If your work led to any significant findings, presentations, or publications, be sure to include this. Use this opportunity to communicate your passion for research and how these experiences have prepared you for a career that combines patient care and scientific investigation.
MD-PhD candidates have a commitment to both medical practice and research on this path. The journey is long and at times challenging, but for those driven by a passion for both clinical medicine and biomedical research, the reward lies in the unique ability to contribute to the advancement of healthcare as a physician-scientist.
Speak with a member of our enrollment team who can help you prepare your MD-PhD application.
Dr. Lee specializes in BS/MD admissions. She was accepted into seven combined bachelor-medical degree programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University and proceeded to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. After completing a dermatology residency at Brown University, Dr. Lee pursued a fellowship in Photomedicine, Lasers, and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Academically, she has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and lectures internationally.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.”
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).
Go Behind The Words!
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 .
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.
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Choosing between a PhD and an MD is crucial as it determines your future career. But before making a choice, it’s imperative to understand where the two degrees differ and what each has to offer.
Have you ever wondered whether a career in research or patient care is the right fit for you? Choosing between a PhD and an MD can significantly shape your professional life. Understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your interests and career goals.
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So, if you’re stuck in choosing between PhD vs MD degrees, come along as we delve into the differences between these two degrees and what to consider before making your decision. This blog post includes everything you need to know!
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a degree awarded to professionals who conduct research in medicine. This title, however, can be awarded not only to medical professionals but also to anyone who conducts research in their chosen field.
The process develops deep expertise, critical thinking, and advanced research skills, contributing further to enhanced career opportunities for the PhD title owner and new knowledge in the field the research has been conducted in.
The MD, Doctor of Medicine degree, is awarded by medical schools to students seeking to become physicians and specialize in a chosen medical field. It is divided into two phases: theoretical and practical.
The primary focus of an MD is patient care, emphasizing the practical application of medical knowledge to treat physical and mental health conditions. After earning an MD, graduates must complete residency training in a chosen specialty.
Making the difference between PhD and MD degrees requires a closer look at the educational pathways, training and skills acquired, and career opportunities each degree offers.
The educational path for obtaining a PhD degree is purely academic, mixed with research requirements:
On the contrary, MD candidates go through an educational process that combines both the theoretical and the practical:
Following graduation, MD’s are required to begin residency training, where they work as doctors under supervision. After residency, they need to pass exams to become board-certified in a chosen specialty.
The PhD degree equips candidates with a diverse range of skills that stem from years of knowledge acquisition, research, and writing experience. The most critical skills PhD owners have include:
The MD degree, on the other hand, provides a wide range of strengths that extend beyond soft skills, equipping candidates with advanced medical prowess that aids in effective patient care. The list includes:
The career outlook for PhD individuals is vast. From academic settings to research, here are some potential careers for PhD graduates:
Potential careers for MD graduates include:
The salary expectations for both PhD and MD graduates are relatively high, with some careers offering better salaries than others.
Academic professors, for example, can expect an annual salary of $84,340 by working in public and private universities and colleges or professional schools. Medical scientists, currently in demand and with an expected growth in employment by 10%, gain $100,890 yearly income.
The demand for data scientists, on the other hand, is significantly higher than most careers, with 35% estimated growth , and with a salary that reaches $108,000 every year.
MD graduates typically have higher salaries, resulting from the high-risk critical nature of their work in dealing with patients. The salary for surgeons of any specialty is up to $343,900 annually, which surpasses many other careers. Hospital administrators’ salaries are also high, with a $272,355 median salary per year.
In general, the demand for physicians and surgeons is anticipated to grow by 3% in the following decade.
Aside from the differences between PhD vs. MD degrees, one must consider their personal interests and goals before taking the next step. Career aspirations and lifestyle choices also should factor in when making the ultimate decision.
Choosing between a PhD and an MD depends on your personal interests and career goals. If you’re passionate about research, discovery, and contributing new knowledge, a PhD may be the right path.
If you’re driven by a desire to directly help patients, diagnose, and treat illnesses, an MD aligns better. Both require dedication, but the choice hinges on whether you prefer research or clinical practice.
Career aspirations significantly influence whether a PhD or MD is the better fit. A PhD is ideal for those aiming for careers in academia, research, or specialized industry roles, where deep expertise and innovation are key.
An MD suits those aspiring to practice medicine, provide patient care, or work in clinical settings. Each degree supports distinct professional paths—research for PhDs, and patient care for MDs.
Work-life balance and lifestyle differ between a PhD and an MD. PhD careers, especially in academia or research, often offer more flexible hours, allowing for better work-life balance. MDs, particularly in clinical roles, may face long, irregular hours, especially during residency and early practice, leading to more demanding lifestyles.
However, MDs often experience high job satisfaction from direct patient care, despite the rigorous schedule.
Understanding the differences between a PhD vs. MD proves to be vital for any student. From the educational path each degree requires to the skills acquired and the careers offered, exploring their differences can aid in making the right choice for your future.
Reflect on your personal interests and career goals to determine which path aligns best with your aspirations. Whether you want to contribute to academic knowledge or provide patient care, each degree has its importance and can prepare you for success!
Is it possible to combine a phd with an md, and if so, how.
Yes, combining a PhD with an MD is possible through MD/PhD programs, which integrate medical training with research-focused PhD studies. This path allows for a career that blends clinical practice with advanced research.
Yes, you can pursue a PhD after earning an MD. Many MDs choose to return to academia to conduct research, often focusing on areas where their clinical experience enhances their scientific work.
“I was confident going into AUA because of their leadership. It was clear to me from the beginning that the staff and administration from top to bottom were pioneers and leaders in medical education. They showed a great deal of commitment by investing in constructing a brand new state of the art campus while I was there. Although the new campus opened shortly after I left the island, it was encouraging to watch its construction. It let us know that AUA was committed to investing back into its students, and are here to stay for years to come.”
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Nextgen precision health | university of missouri | mu health care, dwight a. towler, md, phd.
Professor of Medicine Thomas W. and Joan F. Burns Missouri Chair in Diabetology Director of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism School of Medicine
NextGen Focus Area: Cardiovascular Calcification, Transcriptional Regulation, Calcium Metabolism, Signal Transduction
The Towler lab research focuses on:
Towler DA. Parathyroid hormone-PTH1R signaling in cardiovascular disease and homeostasis . Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Jul;35(7):648–60.
Behrmann A, Zhong D, Li L, Xie S, Mead M, Sabaeifard P, et al. Wnt16 Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractile Phenotype and Function via Taz (Wwtr1) Activation in Male LDLR-/- Mice . Endocrinology. 2023 Dec 23;165(2):bqad192.
Cosman F, Peterson LR, Towler DA, Mitlak B, Wang Y, Cummings SR. Cardiovascular Safety of Abaloparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Analysis From the ACTIVE Phase 3 Trial . J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Nov 1;105(11):3384–95.
Behrmann A, Zhong D, Li L, Cheng SL, Mead M, Ramachandran B, et al. PTH/PTHrP Receptor Signaling Restricts Arterial Fibrosis in Diabetic LDLR-/- Mice by Inhibiting Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Relays . Circ Res. 2020 May 8;126(10):1363–78.
Cheng SL, Ramachandran B, Behrmann A, Shao JS, Mead M, Smith C, et al. Vascular smooth muscle LRP6 limits arteriosclerotic calcification in diabetic LDLR-/- mice by restraining noncanonical Wnt signals . Circ Res. 2015 Jul 3;117(2):142–56.
American society for clinical investigation.
Email: [email protected] Department website: https://www.muhealth.org/doctors/dwight-towler-md
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University of Illinois Cancer Center
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Soroush Tahmasebi, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago. The Tahmasebi Lab studies mRNA translational control. The research is particularly focused on the regulation of protein synthesis in response to stress.
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Dr. Blanchard is a board-certified Family Medicine physician seeing patients of all ages in the primary care setting. He is also an addiction medicine and public health specialist. Dr. Blanchard is passionate about delivering high quality, evidenced-based medicine to patients he treats and approaches every visit in a patient-centered approach. He provides care for a wide scope of acute and chronic conditions for all ages and has a strong interest in women's health including birth control and long-acting reversible contraception placement. Additionally, he practices inpatient medicine at NewYork Presbyterian - Allen Hospital.
Dr. Blanchard is fellowship trained in addiction medicine and delivers these treatments in the primary care setting. He can facilitate appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning for a variety of substance use disorders including alcohol and opioid use disorders. During fellowship, Dr. Blanchard also trained in diagnosis and treatment of headache and migraine disorders including administration of Botox injections for chronic migraine. He is adept in a variety of procedures for management of pain including intra-articular and bursal injections and uses a nuanced approach in developing an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
As a physician scientist, Dr. Blanchard is passionate about bridging the gap between health economic research and durable, salient policy. His research spans applied health economics and outcomes research in three main areas: economic modeling of health insurance systems, evaluation of policy related to addiction and pain medicine, and outcomes based economic analysis. Dr. Blanchard is a dedicated educator with experience teaching medical students, residents, and public health students and teaches courses in epidemiology and health systems.
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Information about the career path of a physician-scientist, including training, residency or fellowship, research residency programs, and time commitment.
According to a study by the National Association of MD-PhD Programs, about 75 percent of U.S. MD-PhD graduates are in academic medicine or pharmaceutical company positions that make use of their interests in both patient care and research.
A MD-PhD physician-scientist is typically a faculty member at an academic medical center who spends 70-80 percent of their time conducting research, though this can vary with specialty. Their research may be lab-based, translational, or clinical. The remaining time is often divided between clinical service, teaching, and administrative activities.
Thus, most MD-PhD graduates pursue a career where most of their time is spent on research. This research typically is conducted at academic medical centers, research institutions like NIH, or in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. With career advancement, many MD-PhD graduates ascend to significant leadership roles in academic medical centers, or industry, government and private organizations, reflecting their broad experience in health care and research.
The career of each MD-PhD graduate is uniquely based upon research and clinical interests, but follows the general path:
Most MD-PhD graduates pursue residency and fellowship training and find that their MD-PhD training makes them particularly attractive to residency programs at top academic institutions. In the past, MD-PhD graduates traditionally entered residency programs in medicine, pediatrics, or pathology. However, the clinical specialty choices of current graduates are more diverse, with many graduates pursuing residency training in neurology, psychiatry, radiology, radiation oncology, and even surgery and surgical specialties.
It is important to note that there are a growing number of "research residency programs" that have been specially developed to foster the career development of physician-scientists.
After completing their specialty clinical training (e.g., in medicine or pediatrics), most physician-scientists pursue subspecialty clinical training (e.g., cardiology or hematology-oncology) and postdoctoral research that typically combines protected research time with intensive clinical training. A number of residency programs around the country offer highly structured programs in which research is fully integrated into the clinical training.
These programs differ in their overall structure, but all offer the following:
The time commitment required to complete the dual degree and subsequent specialty training can be substantial. Thus, you should thoroughly explore whether combining biomedical research and clinical practice is the right path for you. Despite the time commitment, it is important to recognize that professional progress following MD-PhD training can be swift, and the years of training truly represent a time of great personal as well as professional growth.
The MD-PhD graduate is unique within medical education, representing about 3 percent of the entire graduating medical school class in the United States. In 2006, there were over 16,000 MD graduates; about 500 of these earned PhD degrees as well.
Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.
Information about applying to MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the application process during COVID-19.
Information about MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the career and application process.
Learn about MD-PhD Programs from program leaders.
Upcoming short presentations will describe features of MD-PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.
Emily battled viral encephalitis for years during college, and now as a MD/PhD student, she reminds premeds that it's okay to ask for help.
Cesar couldn't apply to medical school when he first graduated from college due to his undocumented status. Now he's in a MD-PhD program and hopes to practice in the Southwest where there's a high need for Spanish-speaking physicians.
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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.
MD-PhD. The Doctor of Medicine-Doctor of Philosophy (MD-PhD) is a dual doctoral program for physician-scientists, combining the professional training of the Doctor of Medicine degree with the research program of the Doctor of Philosophy degree. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health currently provides 50 medical schools ...
MD-PhD training efficiently integrates the scientific and medical education of the physician-scientist. During the PhD training years, MD-PhD students take the coursework and formal training in research methodology that are important for the development of the research scientist. Most MD-PhD programs provide trainees with a stipend and tuition ...
The MD-PhD dual degree training prepares you for a career that is busy, challenging, and rewarding, and offers opportunities to do good for many people by advancing medical science, developing new diagnostics and treatments for diseases, and pushing back the boundaries of the unknown.
Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine. Below is a list of schools offering a combined MD-PhD degree, with links to their web sites. Please contact the institutions directly for curriculum information and admission requirements.
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 ...
The MD-PhD Program seeks to recruit and nurture a community of students who represent the broad spectrum of diversity. Please visit the HMS Admissions "Commitment to Diversity" page to learn more. Harvard Medical School does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other ...
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. Our mission is to provide students with integrated ...
The MD-PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai prepares you for a thriving career as a physician-scientist. In our highly personalized, National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), you select your own multidisciplinary training area in Biomedical Sciences or Neuroscience, corresponding curriculum, and thesis research preceptor.
Please note: the completed MD-PhD application must be received by October 15th and the PhD application completed by November 1st to allow full review and consideration for interview. Requested additional materials: A writing sample is required for the following programs. (If submitting more than one document, please combine all documents into a ...
Your research focus can range from hard science like molecular biology and genetics to the social sciences like sociology. Since you would be getting two degrees, a MD-PhD program is designed to take 7-8 years, instead of 4 years for medical school and 5-6 years for a PhD. Usually, MD-PhD candidates will spend their first two years doing pre ...
The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, and maintains a dedicated library, the Paul Talalay MD-PhD Library, to enrich the educational opportunities of all MD-PhD students. Efforts are made to acquaint MD-PhD candidates with the major advances, concepts, and cutting-edge techniques in contemporary medicine and biomedical ...
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 ...
The Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program Daniel C. Tosteson Medical Education Center 260 Longwood Avenue, Suite 168 Boston, MA 02115 Phone: 617-432-0991 [email protected]
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 ...
An M.D. is a medical doctor who treats patients, while a Ph.D. is an academic with a doctoral degree in a specific field. The abbreviation M.D. comes from the Latin term medicinae doctor, which means teacher of medicine. People who have an M.D., or Doctor of Medicine, undergo practical training during graduate school to become physicians upon ...
In an MD-PhD program, the medical education of the MD program is combined with the in-depth research training of a PhD program. Students learn to practice medicine, diagnosing and treating patients all while gaining research experience to investigate medical conditions and diseases. These programs are more intense than standard medical school.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
Difference Between PhD and MD. Making the difference between PhD and MD degrees requires a closer look at the educational pathways, training and skills acquired, and career opportunities each degree offers. Educational Pathways. The educational path for obtaining a PhD degree is purely academic, mixed with research requirements:
Dwight A. Towler, MD, PhD; Professor of Medicine Thomas W. and Joan F. Burns Missouri Chair in Diabetology Director of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism School of Medicine. NextGen Focus Area: Cardiovascular Calcification, Transcriptional Regulation, Calcium Metabolism, Signal Transduction.
Soroush Tahmasebi, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago. The Tahmasebi Lab studies mRNA translational control. The research is particularly focused on the regulation of protein synthesis in response to stress.
Jeremy J. Blanchard, MD, PhD at ColumbiaDoctors - Lincoln Center in New York, NY specializes in Family Medicine and Primary Care. Call today (844) 387-2273
77 Massachusetts Avenue Room E25-518 Cambridge, MA 02139 +1 617-452-4091 [email protected]
A MD-PhD physician-scientist is typically a faculty member at an academic medical center who spends 70-80 percent of their time conducting research, though this can vary with specialty. Their research may be lab-based, translational, or clinical. The remaining time is often divided between clinical service, teaching, and administrative activities.
Shaligram D, Chou S, Chandra R, Song S, Chan V (2021). Addressing discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander youth the mental health providers role, J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 26;S0890-8567(21)02030-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.11.021.
About Lawrence Hsu Lin, MD, PhD. Gender Male Specialties Pathology. Education . Medical School Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 2005 - 2010 Residencies Faculdade De Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, 2011 - 2014 NYU Langone, 2019 - 2023 Board Certifications. Pathology, Anatomic ...
Daniela Kroshinsky, MD, PhD. Dermatologist. Duke Health Provider. Call for an Appointment. 919-684-3432 Where I See Patients. Duke Pediatric Dermatology Patterson Place - Durham, NC. Location Details. Board Certified. American Board of Dermatology, Dermatology. Call for an Appointment ...
About Patricia A Barry-Lane, MD, PhD. Gender Female Specialties Radiology. Education . Internship Milton S. Hershey / Penn State University Hospital, 2002 - 2003 Medical School UTMB Office of Graduate Medical Education, 1995 - 2002 ...