Pre-Medicine: Becoming an MD-PhD Medical Scientist

MD-PhD medical scientists complete both medical (M.D.) and research scientist (Ph.D.) education and training to apply knowledge from a physical, biological or social science to medical research problems. Although a few students complete an MD-PhD program in six years, it usually takes seven or eight years to finish. After completing their formal schooling, most enter a residency with an emphasis in clinical research. They may gain additional experience through post-residency research fellowships. This path usually leads to a more research, rather than practice, oriented career.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has posted information about careers in medical research at www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/start.htm, and the MD-PhD path at www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/mdphd, including a list of programs at www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/mdphd/programs.htm.

The AAMC's GREAT (Graduate Research, Education, and Training) Group has posted a pdf, MD-PhD Training and Careers: A Guide for Potential Applicants, Current Trainees, and Advisors, at www.aamc.org/members/great/resources/mdphdtrainingandcareers.pdf and a list of some related undergraduate summer research opportunities at www.aamc.org/members/great/summerlinks.htm.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences supports MD-PhD programs at some medical schools. These are collectively known as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Students admitted to the MSTP receive a stipend plus tuition for six years of their education. There are ~150 total openings each year, and admission is extremely competitive. Most use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) registration as the first step of their application process.

For more information and a list of schools participating in the MSTP, see
www.nigms.nih.gov/Training/InstPredoc/PredocOverview-MSTP.htm.

Most medical schools that don't participate in the MSTP still offer MD-PhD track programs. Additional information, including contact people and web sites for these programs, can be found in the AAMC's Medical School Admissions Requirements book (available at the reserve desk in the Anschutz Science Library). Most programs provide some form of stipend and tuition support for their students.

For information about KU Medical School's MD-PhD program, see www3.kumc.edu/mdphd.

In order to be admitted to an MD-PhD program, you must convincingly demonstrate your desire and ability to conduct and present scientific research. It's helpful to generally define the area in which you would like to do research. Attending conventions, talking with people in the field, and performing literature searches can help you find related programs and faculty. It's also very helpful to arrange a summer research internship with the program you'd most like to attend. At the very least, contact faculty and programs, and, if possible, arrange to visit well before the application process.

Oh, from the perspective of MD-PhD students, see MD PhD's.org: Guide for Tomorrow's Physician Scientists.