MD-PhD Dual Degree Training

MD-PhD programs provide training in both medicine and research. They are specifically designed for those who want to become research physicians, also known as physician-investigators or physician-scientists. Graduates of MD-PhD programs often go on to become faculty members at medical schools, universities and research institutes.

Regardless of where they eventually work, MD-PhD candidates are being prepared for careers in which they will spend most of their time doing research, in addition to caring for patients. The MD-PhD dual career is busy, challenging, rewarding, and offers opportunities to do good for many people by advancing knowledge, developing new treatments for diseases, and pushing back the boundaries of the unknown.

Why Pursue an MD-PhD?

Resources

For Prospective Applicants

As you explore the MD-PhD career option, this site enables you to ask good questions and to make informed decisions. You should also contact individual MD-PhD programs for answers to specific questions

• MD-PhD Programs in the United States and Canada
• Summary of MD-PhD Programs and Policies (PDF)
• Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
• New Meet the Experts Podcast: How Does a Joint MD-PhD Degree Combine the Best of Science and Medicine

For MD-PhD Trainees

This site includes a list of additional funding sources available to support MD-PhD trainees. As we expand the site, we will add additional resources.

• Funding Opportunities for MD-PhD Trainees (PDF)
• Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors (PDF)

For Advisors

Because yours is often the first career advice students receive, the quality of that advice is of the utmost importance. We hope this information will enable you to provide your constituency with accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information.

This site was developed by the communications committee of the MD-PhD Section of the Group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training (GREAT), which is comprised of faculty and administrators from MD-PhD programs around the country. The members of this committee have spoken with and advised thousands of students considering or pursuing this career path. The committee was developed to increase the visibility of MD-PhD training and to improve the resources available to do so.

Portions of this site were adapted from work developed by Lawrence (Skip) Brass, MD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, in consultation with other MD-PhD Program directors.