MD/PhD: How to Get Into MD/PhD Programs

[@BKScience812]

When he said that the ideal MD-PhD student strives to cure cancer and tends to favor research over medicine, my reaction was, “How do you know me?” I actually didn’t want to be a doctor at first, but I wanted to do cancer research for the purpose of creating better medicine. I think it was only natural I got curious about medicine and becoming a doctor. I think I then fell in love with the idea of being able to do research and save lives with the insight of medicine helping my research. So far, the more I’ve looked into the program, the more I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m a good way into applying, so I hope I get in!

[@Shemmassian]

Hey Brian, wishing you the best of luck this cycle! Your patients will be lucky to have such a dedicated physician :)

[@Scarlitcorpse]

Literally me rn

[@josecavazos1194]

The MSTPs were developed by the research intensive medical school and partially funded by the NIH (NIGMS). There are 52 programs as I write this across the country. The other point is the actual acceptance rate is higher (around 43%), you quoted matriculation rate, which is what is available publicly in the AAMC FACT tables. Every year, we have about 700-750 matriculants, but have 800-850 acceptances (even in the 2019 dataset). The majority of this difference is that some MD/PhD accepted trainees choose to matriculate in a MD-only program due to a variety of reasons including a more prestigious SOM or better geographical location for the matriculant. - A MSTP director.

[@sum6198]

This is so helpful, thank you! I was eyeing this program and I needed a video to outline it. Please make a video or playlist for incoming premeds in all they need to know!

[@Shemmassian]

Glad it was helpful! Check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLn5ULvUylIippmw6N9rvjhIwjIgiWSTcQ

[@faizah-d5v]

I want to be a neurosurgeon and also interested in neural human mind behavior for PhD.

[@mariabogan943]

My professors are gearing me to go this route, I'm a scientist (Chemist) but I also desire medicine

[@Jojoma449]

HI I’m older in my 40’s had certain life events happen that for the last 10 years have been dreaming about completely changing my career and actually fullfil my passion for medicine and research and hoping to do some good before I die. How would you suggest I start if I have my bachelors degree in Finance. I know I would take pre reqs but how do I do research and other stuff. Thanks

[@BetaBoy92]

How does the teaching aspect of MD/PhD work? What kind of classes do we have to teach?

[@maryamkhan2978]

Hi Dr. I would really appreciate your advice. Im an International Medical Graduate from Pakistan, and have moved to UK and doing residency there. I have always wished to be a researcher and a clinician. To be able to do lab research and make real change. I dont know what are the options for me in US for PSTP after doing USMLE and how competitive that would be. Would appreciate your input. Many thanks

[@widadhachilif8003]

I ve already graduated from medical school this month and I am interested in Neuroscience Research is it possible to join the program specifically for the research side or there are similar interesting programs both clinical and research feature ?

[@demetriacarter3620]

I am very curious what you know about doing this with psychology. I've researched it and believe it is possible but it isn't written about nearly as much since it isn't as common. Thank you in advance!

[@Shemmassian]

Do you mean doing a PhD in psychology alongside your MD?

[@demetriacarter3620]

@@Shemmassian Yes, that is what I am talking about. Do you have any advice?

[@Shemmassian]

@@demetriacarter3620 Sure! The PhD portion of your PhD can be in various fields, so long as your work is medically relevant. For instance, some students do their PhD in sociology, psychology, etc. If you have specific questions about that, please ask.

[@Zakariah1971]

Can you please do these videos using a 100% slide deck thx

[@aryananand7179]

Hi, I am a recent admit to USC class of 2024. I am planning to start a program where we choose 30 students from local area and expose them to the world of medicine through anatomy classes and hospital volunteer opportunities. I was once a part of such program and it helped me a lot but starting this program would take a lot of time and energy and I may not achieve a perfect GPA. Would I Still be able to get into a top medical school without a perfect GPA?

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Aryan, congrats on getting accepted to USC! Top medical schools want to see a high GPA, but it doesn't need to be perfect. The program you've described sounds very impactful and will help you stand out extracurricularly. Check out our guide on med school ECs to learn more: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extracurricular-activities-medical-school

[@stacy8078]

If you don’t mind answering, what was the program you got into that gave you insight on the medical field? I know I definitely want to be apart of it but not sure specifically

[@Harleen_001]

I’m from India , I have done my bachelors in Neuroscience with not so good grads but some internship and volunteering. Now I’m pursuing my masters in Cognitive neuroscience and hopefully will have good grades and research . So I wanted to know what will be the process for me to apply for this program , what is the acceptance rate for international students , what about funding . Do I need to stay in the states for sometime, do I need to take extra courses , can I give the exam and apply from other country.

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Harleen! I encourage you to read our guide on applying as an international student here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-schools-that-accept-international-students

[@shreyagupta183]

​@@Shemmassianwhat will be the fee for this program or students will get stipened

[@heartcomedy5]

Great video 👍 Could you also do a video on getting a Master’s before medical school. Thanks 😊

[@Shemmassian]

Stay tuned for our video on Special Master's Programs! And in the meantime, you can check out our guide here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/special-masters-program

[@lovellabraham7483]

could you do an md/mba video?

[@Shemmassian]

Great suggestion! We'll add this to our list. :)

[@fiallos1]

Would a 40+ aged person be at a disadvantage for a md/phd program?

[@sarakephart8075]

Does anybody have tips on becoming a competitive applicant as someone who has to work full time during undergrad? Research is more possible for me to complete during the summer when classes aren't in session, but during the academic year when I'm working 45 hours a week and going to school for the rest, research opportunities just aren't in the cards for me.

[@enishasehgal6488]

Can you apply to a school's MD/Phd program AND an MD program in the same application cycle? And if you don't get into the MD/Phd program and get into MD program you can still go to med school? Is this even possible?

[@sum6198]

That is also my question! I would apply to MD program for a backup if I was able to

[@Shemmassian]

Yes, you can apply to both MD and MD/PhD programs in the same cycle. If you don't get into an MD/PhD program, you'll still be able to attend an MD program if you are accepted into one.

[@gosologofartravelstories]

How to get enroll in MD-PhD program as an international student?

[@hailiehamilton9812]

Hi, I know this comment is kinda late but what about wanting to get an MD/PhD in Medical Anthropology? I am having trouble finding research opportunities related to anthropology in my area, should I just do any research in general?

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Hailie! With so much work happening remotely nowadays, you might be able to find opportunities outside of your area that are still viable. But if not, try to find opportunities that are most similar to your field of interest or a PI who can supervise an independent research project.

[@ajayabasnet8868]

Hi there! Can an international student apply for the MD PhD program? Or should the applicant be a US citizen or currently pursuing a university program in the US? I am an MS Microbiologist (>3.6 GPA) with research interests (>13 publications).

[@kavanthakkar9288]

Sir, i am from India, and i have done my bachelor's in pharmacy. Somewhere i read that international students must have mbbs degree, if they want to go for dual degree program so is this true?

[@paradisefalls1]

No, it’s not true. While MBBS is not equivalent to MD, you would probably not even be allowed to apply if you completed MBBS as you’ve already attended another medical school.

[@paradisefalls1]

You only need Bachelors degree and to complete the PreMed Course Requirements

[@kavanthakkar9288]

@@paradisefalls1 thankyou for clearing this up.

[@shreyagupta183]

Is it necessory to have publications before applying in d same

[@sebastiancastro21]

Is it possible to get a Doctoral degree during your medical residency?

[@Shemmassian]

It's unlikely you will have the time and bandwidth.

[@ShinySephiroth1]

You can ask for a leave of absence (LoA) to pursue a doctoral degree after MS2. I've looked into it and it isn't as uncommon as I thought and as long as you can explain yourself to your academic director coherently and have good stats in the first two years of med school, the LoA should be granted.

[@anikatasnia1857]

Thanks alot Dr. Shirag

[@Shemmassian]

You're welcome!

[@rudreshkoti4226]

I'm studying master science biochemistry I'm eligible for MD PhD program eligible

[@muhammadriaz3772]

Hi, can anyone here please guide or send /share the list of universities which offern PhD during MD.and is it possible to study clinical portion from one university and do PhD with other uni and come back to first university or how? Please

[@dvorah7564]

If I get accepted into an MD/PHD program can I still do my residency in surgery or no

[@ShinySephiroth1]

Would you say I should speak about my medical device patents in the significant research essay?

[@Shemmassian]

If your parents were a direct result of your research, sure!

[@ShinySephiroth1]

@@Shemmassian Okay, thank you! Now what I wonder is that they are from a medical device startup I founded. Without a senior researcher to report to and I am the head of the projects, would that be frowned upon? I was told doing my own research without a faculty member isn't something med schools like.

[@Obamnaz]

What if I want to be a Physician-Scholar? I would like to do the PhD in a field like bioethics, philosophy, etc. Is this possible and would this make it harder for me to get accepted?

[@Shemmassian]

You could indeed pursue those areas in an MD/PhD program!

[@leilaag4511]

Can international students apply for md/phd program in us?

[@Shemmassian]

Yes, at certain schools

[@shubhammishra7044]

@@Shemmassian Hello! I'm a doctor working in NHS, UK. I'm a buddying surgeon. I'm interested in MD/ PhD program, can you guide through the procedure?

[@shreyagupta183]

​@@shubhammishra7044if u r already q doc then u dont need to enroll in mdphd u can directly go for phd if u r interested in research too

[@aadimnepal6497]

Hi there. Can an international student enroll in the US MSTP program?

[@shleekers]

No

[@hieunguyenhoangminh8227]

not mstp, but some mdphds

[@codyhawley1480]

First