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Guide to MD/PhD programs
This document provides guidance on applying to MD/PhD programs, including an overview of program types and features, prerequisites, application requirements, and the interview process. Some key points: MD/PhD programs typically take 6-8 years and provide full tuition and stipends. Programs accept 1-20 students per year and range from biological sciences to social sciences. Applicants need strong GPAs, MCAT scores, research experience in multiple labs, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation. The application involves the AMCAS, secondaries, and interviews that assess why an applicant wants to pursue both degrees. Interviewers ask about research interests and clinical experiences.
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Guide to MD/PhD programs
- 1. Guide to MD/PhDApplication By Colleen M. Farrelly Marquette University, Honors B.S. 2009 Admitted to Multiple MD/PhD Programs, 2008-2009 Cycle
- 2. Program Information • TYPESOF PHDS: – Biological Sciences – Engineering – Epidemiology – Math – Social Sciences/ Humanities (Only select programs) • PROGRAM FEATURES: – 6-8 years for both degrees – Most give full tuition, stipend (all MSTP, some MD/PhD) – 1-20 students accepted per program in a year – Many have events sponsored by program (dinners, conferences, retreats…)
- 3. Prerequisites • GENERAL INFORMATION: – Varyby program – May differ from a school’s MD requirements (Calculus, Physical Chemistry…) • RESEARCH: – More is better (2+ years) – Intellectual contribution to project (published, presented a plus) – More than 1 lab
- 4. Making the Cut •GPA: – Prefer 3.7 or better (waived if publications sometimes) – High science GPA – Want to see science or math majors • MCAT (old): – More emphasis on Biological Science and Physical Science – Most of us at interviews had a 32-36ish, higher in science than verbal – Minimum cut-offs usually 30-32 (8 or 9 minimums)
- 5. More Preliminary Information •LETTERS: – Need MD letters, plus research letters – Usually want 2-4 from researchers – Most want clinical supervisor letters • GRE – Some programs require it (Columbia, U of Chicago) • Find out BEFORE deadline! – Subject tests if non-biology department – Don’t take while studying for the MCAT – ASK THE PROGRAM!!!
- 6. AMCAS • Essays: – MD •Focus on clinical aspects – MD/PhD • Why both? • Most of us really could not decide between the two degrees – Research • Chronicle experiences • More is better; details of project are helpful • Extracurricular Activities: – NEED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE • Some friends with 38 on MCAT and 3.9 not accepted because of it • Go to a clinic or a hospital, shadow – Leadership • Clinical or research
- 7. Secondaries • MD – Usualquestions • MD/PhD – Most schools – 1-4 extra essays • PhD – Some schools – Extra 1-12 essays • Be prompt. • Lots of work. • Time-consuming. • Use the Writing Center if your school has one.
- 8. The Interview Experience •1-3 days long, plus travel • Usually paid for by the school (some including air fare) • 6-12 interviews per school – Some only do MD/PhD interviews, some MD/PhD and MD, some MD/PhD and MD and PhD • Dinners with directors and students • About 10-30% interviewed from applicants, 40-70% of these accepted • 5-6 interviews usually for at least one acceptance
- 9. Interview Questions • WhyMD/PhD? • Talk about your research/X project/your role in X project. • What clinical experiences have you had? • Are you doing it for the money? • What area of research most interests you? • Applying to any MD- only schools? Why? • What is an ideal mix of clinical and academic medicine for you? • Where do you see yourself in 15 years? • What does your boyfriend think about your decision? • Why this department? • What project do you want to research here?
- 10. Cautions • Beware ofnew programs – May be cut • Beware of small programs – If people do not go, there may be a reason. – School doesn’t know policies on MD/PhD well. • Try to meet prospective advisors on interviews or revisits. • Know if automatic acceptance/funding/ tuition remission – NYMC… • Interview the school while you are there. – Has the department had an MD/PhD student before? – What will they do if the USLME is changed to include steps 1 and 2 into 1 test after clinical year 3 (pending)?
- 11. Other Information • Manypeople do a year out of research. – Interviews are very long and hard to do while in school. • Don’t apply only MD/PhD, especially with lower credentials. • Do a tier approach. • Choose an area in which you would not mind living for the next decade of your life (consider family, weather, school atmosphere). • Ask attrition rates and reasons. – Some are legitimate reasons; others raise red flags. • Apply to a lot of programs. • If you plan to apply senior year, don’t schedule a heavy load of classes. • Out of state restrictions do not apply to MD/PhD students. – Want a reason, though
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