MD/PhD Programs
MD/PhD programs are biomedical research programs, generally funded by the National Institutes of Health in which case they are known as MSTPs (Medical Scientist Training Programs). There are 150-200 available spots in each year’s combined MSTPs so the competition is severe. Not every medical school has such a program.
The mission of these combined degree programs is to train biomedical scientists who can bridge the gap between basic science and the practice of medicine. These programs admit only a select group of exceptional students who possess superior research and academic potential. For a Duke student to be competitive for MD/PhD acceptance, the science GPA and MCAT scores must be very strong (e.g. GPA > 3.6 and MCAT > 35).
In addition, and even more importantly, the student must have had significant research experience in biology, chemistry, BME or any of the biomedical sciences. Significant means, at the minimum, the equivalent of a full academic year and summer under the same research mentor or colleague. It is much stronger to present long term involvement in one project or a set of related projects within one laboratory than to present a different project for each period of research. A junior who started a project in the fall will not have completed a substantial research project by the time of the spring HPA interview or even the time of submitting the AMCAS application in early summer. The medical school admissions committee will wish to see a recommendation from each research advisor who has mentored you.
MSTP students receive full tuition remission, an annual stipend ($26,250 for the 2008-2009 academic year), health and disability insurance, and a one-time moving allowance of $500. This support is derived from the National Institute of Health and contributions by individual medical schools.
Course of Study for MSTP Students
- Complete first 2 years of medical school
- Begin 3-5 years of thesis research
- Complete final 2 years of medical school
The application to the combined MD/PhD program is slightly more detailed than applying just for the MD program.
If you designate an MD/PhD program, the AMCAS application will present you with two additional essays, one addressing why you are applying to an MD/PhD program (3000 characters) and the other a specific essay on the research you have done to date (10,000 characters). The MD/PhD essays will be transmitted by AMCAS to the schools to which you indicate you will apply to the MD/PhD program. Some schools will allow you to go ahead and start the application process to their MD/PhD program even before you file your AMCAS application, e.g., the Tri-Institutional Program in NYC. If you are applying to MD/PhD programs, check the program websites soon to see if that is the case.
See AAMC web site for direct links to MD/PhD programs.
If you are considering an MD/PhD program, please set up an appointment with an HPA advisor at your convenience and before completing and submitting myHPA in January. We will be happy to speak with you if you would like an assessment of your chances for admission, but you should use the information above to make a self assessment. If your self assessment confirms your intention to seek the combined degree, please make an appointment for a preliminary discussion. If you decide that the MD/PhD is not the appropriate type of biomedical training you desire, please plan to submit the myHPA application and sign up for a non-PhD interview.