If you find yourself struggling between pursuing an MD-PhD vs MD degree, you've come to the right place. You may have really enjoyed research during your undergraduate degree, or you think a PhD will help you in your career goals. Either way, the decision to pursue an MD or a MD-PhD is an important one and should be considered carefully. In this blog, we'll explore the similarities and differences between medical doctors and physician-scientists to help you determine how to choose the pathway that is best suited for you.
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MD-PhD vs MD
An MD-PhD program is a dual-degree program that trains students to become both medical doctors (MD) and research scientists (PhD). It combines the clinical education of medical school with advanced research training in a specific scientific discipline.
Graduates are equipped to bridge the gap between medicine and research, often pursuing careers as physician-scientists who contribute to both patient care and medical innovation through scientific discovery. While MD graduates can and do participate in research, an MD-PhD is uniquely equipped to lead research programs and engage with academic medicine.
MD-PhD programs are more intensive than MD programs as they involve all of the normal program requirements of medical school combined with the rigor of a PhD program. While some MD programs involve research programs or theses, an MD-PhD involves independent research at the highest level.
Check out this video for a recap:
MD-PhD vs MD: Education Timeline
Those with MD-PhD and MD degrees are both medical doctors and you may be wondering how long it takes to become a doctor. For MD-PhD programs, you will also complete a PhD which requires a different program structure and length compared to MD programs.
MD-PhD programs are generally 7-8 years in length and require attendance at both medical and graduate school concurrently. MD programs, on the other hand, will be completed in four years, half the time it will take MD-PhD students.
While both programs are classroom-based during the first two years, MD-PhD students will move on to graduate school to complete their PhD thesis for between 3-4 years. They will then return to medical school for a year or two to complete clinical rotations. There are many different program schedules depending on the school and the program so make sure you do your research into your desired program.
Following the completion of medical school, both MD-PhD and MD graduates will complete their residency training for between 3-7 years before being licensed to practice medicine.
MD-PhD vs MD: Application and Requirements
Your medical school application preparation and timeline are not very different for MD-PhD vs MD programs, but you need to consider a few additional factors.
To apply for most MD-PhD programs, you’ll start by applying for the MD program and applying to the PhD program separately.
On the MD side, you'll apply to most programs through AMCAS, where you'll complete all sections of the application, including the AMCAS work and activities section and you'll upload your coursework, letters of evaluation, and medical school personal statement.
You should make sure even your general MD requirements like the personal statement still allude to your success in the PhD program. One of our experts, Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, gives some valuable advice on crafting a personal statement for an MD-PhD:
“In your personal statement you want to highlight your breadth and skillset in research and areas of interest. You also want to highlight how completing a PhD will make you a stronger clinician and how you see yourself fulfilling the roles of researcher and clinician.” - Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet, PhD, MD
Some components may matter more in an MD-PhD application than an MD. For example, it is unlikely you will get into an MD-PhD program with a low GPA, as GPA is a more important factor for your academic success. If you are also applying to a PhD program, make sure to emphasize your research experience in your medical school resume.
There may be additional application components in order to gain a place in an MD-PhD program. These can include an MD-PhD essay or a graduate school statement of purpose.
In general, for a joint program you need to apply to both an MD and a PhD program at the same time and gain admission to both. However, some schools, such as Stanford Medical School, allow you to apply for their PhD programs during your first year of medical school.
MD-PhD vs MD: Competition
It's no secret that both MD-PhD and MD programs are extremely competitive, with medical school acceptance rates averaging under 5% and many schools having acceptance rates closer to 1%.
There are far fewer MD-PhD programs available compared with MD programs and the large benefit of reduced or waived tuition can make for stiff competition. However, generally there are far fewer applicants for an MD-PhD program, meaning it might not necessarily be as competitive to get in.
This is especially true if you have a stellar academic and research background.
Here are 5 quick tips on getting accepted to an MD-PhD Program!
MD-PhD vs MD: Tuition and Cost
Your medical school tuition and overall cost of medical school can be very expensive. For both MD and MD-PHD students, during their four years of medical school tuition can cost between $40-60,000 at public universities and $60-80,000 at private schools. In general, MD-PhD students will pay reduced tuition in years where they are primarily working on PhD program requirements. Depending on your program you may get tuition fee waivers or graduate school stipends as well.
As a PhD student you may also be eligible for graduate school scholarships which can help ease the load of tuition. For example, students in MD-PhD programs are eligible to apply for funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) through the highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).
Generally, MD graduates have a higher level of indebtedness upon graduation, ranging between $200-250,000. In contrast, MD-PhD graduates typically graduate with less than $100,000 in debt.
However, it is important to note that there is a big difference between programs here. Those in highly competitive programs at top schools might receive many scholarships and awards, whereas those in other programs may receive none and end up with more debt over a longer period than typical MD graduates.
MD-PhD vs MD: Career Outlook and Salary
As MD-PhD graduates possess two degrees there are many different potential career paths that they can take with many different outcomes.
MD-PhD graduates will also complete residency before they find a permanent career. The most common residency training programs for MD-PhDs are in internal medicine, pathology, pediatrics, and neurology, however, many other specialties are also represented.
According to a study conducted by the AAMC, nearly all MD-PhD graduates enjoy careers as faculty members at medical schools or work for the National Institute of Health (NIH), other research institutions, industry, and federal agencies with many devoting a large portion of their time to research. While these positions may allow you to practice medicine in some way, most of them are much more based in theory or education rather than a clinical setting. The typical MD-PhD position is 70-80% research, with the rest being administrative or clinical work.
You can look up which medical specialties make the most money to help inform you on salary potential from an MD or MD-PhD program. Generally, MDs can expect to make $180,000 to above $280,000 when they finish residency. Average starting salaries of MD-PhD graduates are much lower, between $75,000 and $150,000.
However, the bottom line is that this is highly variable depending on your career path and MD-PhD career paths often have much more room for growth into positions of leadership. An academic administrator at a university with an MD-PhD will generally make much more than a family physician, while a specialized surgeon with just an MD could easily make more than both combined!
Potential salaries are important, but you should also consider the impact on your work-life balance. Working in academia or research can be stressful, but usually the time demands will be less than that of a clinician or at least will be more predictable. Another recent study found that 86% of MD-PhD graduates were satisfied with their career path and 77% would choose the same career path if they could back. While career satisfaction differs across disciplines, on average 76% of MDs were satisfied with their career paths meaning MD-PhDs generally have a more positive career outlook.
Want some tips on writing your essay for an MD-PhD Program?
MD-PhD vs MD: Which is Best For You?
So, what if you have a passion for both science and medicine? How can you choose whether to pursue an MD degree or a joint MD-PhD degree?
Find Out What Drives You
Start by thinking about what you're interested in and what motivates you to help you determine where your true passions lie. If you know that you are really interested in medicine and in helping others but only have a slight interest in research, then it's probably a good idea to pursue an MD or DO program on its own
If you are interested in those bigger questions and societal issues surrounding healthcare, maybe an MD-PhD is for you.
You can find out what inspires you by participating in as many experiences as you can early on such as through early-stage high school internships. You can explore different research opportunities as an undergrad student.
Let Your Experiences Guide You
If you're struggling to decide between an MD and MD-PhD program, be sure to gain both clinical and research experience. This will be a great way for you to get hands-on experience in both fields to see which areas really spark your interest.
Learn how to ask to shadow a doctor, sign up for volunteering experiences that place you in the medical or research field, and partake in scientific experiments where you'll be testing hypotheses to gain research experience.
Not only will these experiences be essential when filling out your medical school applications, the key is that through a variety of different experiences, you'll be able to home in on your interests.
Consider the Cost
A major benefit of MD-PhD programs is the fact that most programs partially cover or completely waive tuition for enrolled students, and many also provide a stipend that can be used to cover the costs of living expenses. Now, this isn't to say that you should simply pick a program based on the cost but how to pay for medical school is an important factor to consider if you want to pursue either option.
FAQs
1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO AN MD-PHD?
This varies depending on the specific program and your research topic, but you can expect to take 7-8 years to complete the requirements of both an MD and PhD.
2. CAN I DO RESEARCH WITHOUT A PHD?
Yes! While not as intensive there are many other research opportunities for medical students such as master’s programs and internships.
3. DO MD-PHD GRADUATES MAKE MORE MONEY THAN REGULAR MDS?
Not necessarily. While PhDs can lead to different positions, including high-paying administrative roles, they are not a guarantee for more financial success.
4. IS AN MD-PHD MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A REGULAR MD PROGRAM?
Often you can actually save money during an MD-PhD program. This is because many programs offer stipends or tuition waivers to MD-PhD students.
5. WILL DOING AN MD-PHD DELAY WHEN I CAN START PRACTICING AS A PHYSICIAN?
Yes, an MD-PhD will take longer than a regular MD program. You should not undertake one if you are interested in practicing medicine as quickly as possible.
6. DO I HAVE TO DECIDE IF I WANT TO DO AN MD-PHD BEFORE I APPLY TO MEDICAL SCHOOL?
Generally, yes. While some programs may allow you to apply for a PhD once you’ve been admitted to medical school, most require concurrent applications.
7. IS IT HARDER TO GET INTO AN MD-PHD PROGRAM?
Yes and no, as both programs can be highly competitive with low admissions rates. While there may be additional components and limited spots for MD-PhD programs, it is not necessarily harder to get into an MD-PhD program if you have a strong research background.
8. DO I NEED RESEARCH EXPERIENCE TO GET INTO AN MD-PHD PROGRAM?
Yes. Most students entering regular MD programs have research experience and given the research-intensive nature of MD-PhD programs it is essential to gain research experience before you apply.
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