MD/PhD

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MD/PhD or DO/PhD refers to an education which includes both the medical training of a doctor (MD or DO) with the rigor of a scientific researcher (PhD). It can refer to the designation given to a person who has graduated from such an education, or an educational program which incorporates both curricula.

[edit] Profession

An MD/PhD or DO/PhD is usually more focused on research than a regular MD or DO. Regular physicians can also do research, but, all other things equal, the PhD degree usually allows a better chance for getting research positions and grant acceptance.

[edit] Educational program

MD/PhD dual degree programs are highly selective, underwritten programs that produce medical doctors who wish to also focus on research. Often, applicants who are not admitted to the dual degree program will be considered for the MD-only program.

There is an extremely competitive nature about the degree, due to the free tuition and stipend usually around $25,000 each year. Applicants are highly qualified and often have higher average MCAT scores and undergraduate GPAs than MD-only applicants. Some applicants also present high GRE scores, if encouraged by the schools to which they apply. Dual-degree applicants also often have an impressive background in research experience.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a grant to underwrite some universities' MD/PhD programs, called Medical Scientist Training Program.