Program Length

MD-PhD students can expect to spend 7-8 years total between graduate school and med school, but there is no strict timeline for completing the entire program. 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 of medical school, followed by one-to-three 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.

Cost

Most MD-PhD programs offer enrolled students tuition-free training and a stipend to cover living expenses. Several others offer a partial tuition waiver, but a few offer no financial assistance.

The cost of an MD-PhD program varies widely depending on the institution, but the stipend and tuition-free training means many MD-PhD programs are not a financial burden like standalone MD or PhD programs.

Not all MD-PhD programs are funded by the MSTP (discussed below), but some schools offer 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.

What does it mean when an MD-PhD program is MSTP funded? Many MD-PhD programs in the United States are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), meaning 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 offer financial support to MD-PhD students even if they are not part of the Medical Scientist Training Program, allowing them to focus on their studies and research. 

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Salary Expectations

The salary range for MD/PhD graduates varies significantly by position and type of work. MD/PhD graduates can expect an average annual salary of at least $100K, or more if their work is focused on the clinical side of things. Attending physicians who do research can make $500,000, while the average salary for physicians in the Pharmaceutical/Industry employment setting is $392,534, according to Doximity’s 2023 Physician’s Compensation Report.

This may seem like an amazing deal when you consider that, unlike their MD counterparts, MD/PhDs don’t pay for medical school. However, remember that MD/PhDs typically spend at least four more years completing their graduate education than MDs. That means losing out on four years of an attending’s salary. 

Also, remember that many MD/PhD graduates spend their careers in academic research, which is less lucrative than practicing clinical medicine. 

None of this is to say you can’t earn a great living as an MD/PhD. The point is just that this pathway is typically less lucrative than a standard MD. If you don’t love the research, it is probably not worth it!

4 Tips for Applying to MD-PhD Programs

Like MD programs, applying for an MD-PhD program is done through AMCAS. Preparation is key in the application process. Applicants must be prepared to showcase themselves as future doctors and researchers.

Below are four tips from the experts for increasing your chances at acceptance. We’ve helped hundreds of students get into the program of their choice, so rest assured, you’re in the right place!

#1 Get the Right Extracurriculars

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 at least 1,500 hours of research experience prior to starting their graduate journey, as compared with the recommended 400+ for traditional MD applicants.

Participating in research is absolutely necessary to get into an MD-PhD program — there is way more research than is needed to attend regular medical school.

#2 Apply to Multiple Programs

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 of being accepted.

Along with MD-PhD programs, we also recommend applying to some traditional MD programs as a fallback. On your AMCAS application, you can easily designate as an MD candidate or MD-PhD candidate.

#3 Check Application Requirements Well in Advance

You must meet all the AMCAS application requirements of MD programs to apply to MD-PhD programs. We recommend you check with each specific medical school on the requirements for their applications.

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

• MCAT score in the 90th percentile: MCAT requirements for MD-PhD programs vary by school, but you likely need a score in the 90th percentile. In the 2023-24 application cycle, MD/PhD applicants averaged 511.1 on the MCAT, while matriculants averaged 516.0.
• GPA of 3.7 or higher: Like MCAT scores, the GPA requirements for MD-PhD programs differ by program. However, your chances are highest with an average GPA of at least 3.7. In the 2023-24 cycle, MD-PhD matriculants averaged 3.78 BCPM GPA  (science GPA) and 3.82 overall.
• GRE scores, potentially: Non-medical graduate programs may ask for your GRE scores. Check your program’s GRE requirements. If needed, take this test well in advance of the AMCAS open date.
• Compelling personal statement: Your personal essay is required for both MD & MD-PhD applications. All prospective doctors must write a personal statement outlining why they want to become a physician, and this is doubly true for MD-PhD applicants.
• 2 additional essays: You’ll write two additional essays while pursuing an MD-PhD dual degree, and we’ll cover those in the next tip.
• 5+ letters of recommendation: These include:
• 2-3 letters from research mentors who can praise your scientific potential
• 1-2 letters from clinical mentors who know your aptitude for patient care
• 1 letter from the premed committee
• 1 letter from a mentor who can discuss your leadership skills and personal traits in an extracurricular setting

WATCH THE WEBINAR: Master Research Passages on the MCAT

#4 Don’t Be Surprised By Additional Essays

The MD-PhD application process includes two additional essays that showcase your commitment to a career as a physician-scientist.

MD-PhD Essay

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 an MD-PhD degree. Explain why both clinical practice and research are integral to your career vision.

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. Share a personal story to stick in the reader’s mind.

Significant Research Experience Essay

With this essay, elaborate on your research experiences in the following ways:

• Demonstrate scientific curiosity.
• Show the ability to work independently.
• Explain objectives of the research project(s) you were involved in, how you helped achieve these objectives, and the research’s significance.
• Write about when you faced challenges and had to use your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and critical thinking to overcome them.
• Highlight your ability to learn from mentors and colleagues, collaborate with others, and contribute to a team-oriented goal.
• Include if your work led to any significant findings, presentations, or publications.
• Communicate your passion for research and how these experiences have prepared you for a career that combines patient care and scientific investigation.

Residency and Fellowship Opportunities 

MD-PhD residencies provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between patient care and research. MD-PhDs can apply to the same residencies as MDs, but more opportunities are available to MD-PhDs. This training phase can take 3-7 years, depending on the specialty.

Although they can enter any medical specialty, MD-PhD residents frequently gravitate towards specialties with a strong research component. Here are a few common residencies that MD-PhDs typically enter:

• Internal medicine: This field covers a broad range of diseases in adults and involves solving complex medical problems. It’s a popular choice for MD-PhD graduates because of the diversity of patients and conditions, providing many opportunities for research.
• Neurology: The complexity and untapped understanding of the nervous system provide abundant research opportunities. Advances in neuroimaging, AI, and genetics also offer tools for physician-scientists to explore the nervous system in unprecedented ways.
• Psychiatry: Studying the pathophysiology of mental disorders, exploring new therapeutic interventions, and examining the genetic basis of psychiatric conditions are just a sample of the ways an MD-PhD can continue research in this specialty. 
• Pathology: Pathologists often work behind the scenes in medicine, studying the causes and effects of diseases. This field is deeply rooted in medical research, which makes it a good fit for many MD-PhD graduates.
• Pediatrics: Pediatric physician-scientists research a wide array of topics, including childhood diseases, growth and development, pediatric therapies, and many other areas related to child health.

Your choice of residency program should align with your clinical interests, research interests, and career goals. The MD-PhD pathway is very flexible, and physician-scientists span all specialties in medicine.

Common Career Paths

Earning an MD/PhD opens up a wide range of career options, particularly in the intersecting areas of healthcare and research. Below are careers you might pursue after completing your MD-PhD:

• Academic Physician: They divide their time between seeing patients, conducting research, and teaching students and residents. These professionals usually work at medical schools or teaching hospitals.
• Biomedical Researcher: MD-PhDs often find employment as researchers in the field of biomedical sciences. They can work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or government organizations such as the NIH.
• Clinical Investigator: These are physicians who conduct research involving human subjects (clinical trials). They develop and implement studies to understand the effects of new drugs or therapeutic strategies.
• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Professional: Many MD-PhDs work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. They may be involved in drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, or medical affairs.
• Medical Director: In this role, an individual would oversee the medical aspect of a healthcare facility, biotech company, or department in a hospital. This position often requires both a medical and research background.
• Translational Medicine Specialist: These specialists work at the intersection of basic research and patient care, turning research insights into practical medical applications. This role may exist within academia, industry, or clinical settings.
• Science Policy Analyst/Advisor: They can work in government or nonprofit organizations, helping to shape policies that affect scientific research and healthcare.
• Public Health Official: Some MD-PhDs choose to work in the public sector, addressing health issues at the population level. They may work for entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO).
• Medical Science Liaison: This role often involves serving as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, explaining new therapies and scientific findings to physicians, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Medical Educator: MD-PhDs are uniquely qualified to educate future doctors and researchers, teaching pharmacology, pathology, genetics, other specialties. They may design and implement courses, advise students, and contribute to an institution’s mission.