updated:
2/ 2002
Next update: 2002
Copyright 1999-2002.
Alex Shteynshlyuger
Master.com.content
Combined Programs: MD-Ph.D/J.D/MPH/MBA
*** If you're in a combined program, please let me know about your experiences so I can add it to this page.****
Contents
MD-Ph.D. Programs (Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy. Depending on the program Ph.D could be in biomedical sciences or any other subject such as Literature, History, Economics, Physics, etc).
MD-J.D Programs (Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Laws)
MD-MPH Programs (Doctor of Medicine and Master in Public Health)
MD-MBA Programs (Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration)
Most medical schools offer an option to obtain both MD and Ph.D degree in a shorter time than it would take to obtain each individually. As you would expect most schools allow you to get a Ph.D in biomedical sciences such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Virology, etc.
There are a number of schools that in addition to your MD degree allow you to obtain your Ph.D degree in subjects ranging from Medieval Literature, History of Medicine and Science, Economics, Psychology to Physics, Math, etc.
For those of you interested in obtaining a Ph.D in Biomedical sciences, you should be aware that there are actually two somewhat different option offered by medical schools. Most medical schools offer MD-Ph.D in biomedical sciences. The difference among programs lies in their financial aspects. Many schools will let you do MD-PhD, but you should be aware that many do not waive your medical school tuition. On the other hand, about 30 or so medical schools have Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If you get into an MSTP program, your medical and Ph.D education is completely free and in addition to that you're paid a stipend. Obviously, admissions to MSTP is very competitive and they generally require that you have undergraduate research experience.
MSTP (Medical Student Training Program)
- Most want GPA 3.5 and greater
- Average MCAT 11 and higher
- Most want GRE but apparently you can get away without taking it with many schools
- Almost all want previous Research Experience
- Can apply to MD/PhD once you're a second-year MD student
- Waive your medical and graduate school tuition
- Give you a stipend throughout your education
Some medical schools, that do not have MSTP program would still waive your tuition and give you a stipend. On the other hand, some schools that do not have MSTP, will waive your tuition only during the time you pursue your Ph.D. but will still require you to pay medical school tuition. It is a serious issue and before you apply, be certain you know the financial considerations associated with a particular non-MSTP Ph.D program.
In general combined MD/Ph.D program takes 7-8 years to complete. At most schools the first two years are spent taking the same (or mostly the same) classes that are taken by medical students. After the second year, most MD-PhD students work full time on their PhD research. Upon completion of the Ph.D. requirements, they go back and finish the last two years of medical school.
For those of you who are interested in combined programs that offer Ph.D in areas such as Economics, Literature, History, Psychology, Physics or anything else I suggest that you call the schools directly. In general big schools that are affiliated with Universities usually also offer many MD-Ph.D programs in fields other than science. Some that I know are: New York University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University and many, many more.
Considerations when applying to MD-Ph.D programs.
If you're interested in pursuing MD-Ph.D option, you should be aware that it generally takes 7-8 years to complete such program. In addition, especially in science, you should be careful selecting a school where you have the option of selecting a good advisor in whose lab you can work on a project that interests you.
More about MSTP MD-Ph.D Program
Good news to all of you out there who just want to sue and countersue everyone, which isn't a bad thing--I know plenty of people who just got to be sued.
A small but growing number of medical schools offer an option to get a law degree along with your medical degree. Some (or may be many) do not require you to take LSAT, which is usually required of those wanting admission to law school. Unlike MD-Ph.D programs, combined JD programs to my knowledge they usually do not give any tuition waivers and you will have to foot the bill.
Medical Schools with Combined JD/MD Programs
MD-MPH Programs (Master of Public Health)
If you're interested in helping the world, you might consider MD-MPH Programs. Some medical students feel that medical education focuses too much on the individual patient and ignores the bigger picture, which is the world! For those who want to get both perspectives, combined Master of Public Health program is offered in many medical schoools. You can apply either along with your medical school application or once you're in medical school, provided your medical school offers such a program. If your medical school offers MPH, I believe any medical student who shows interest can get in.
I guess this is self-explanatory. If you're into management, money-making or anything else related you would want to check these schools out. Apparently it can take only an extra year to get your MBA. The rumor is that it provides good preparation and opportunity to be a hot-shot, such as a Hospital Director and other managerial positions.. I spoke to someone from Tufts who was doing a combined MD-MBA program and she weren't even planning to practice medicine. Apparently there are many venues you can take with this degree, though it may be simpler to get just the MBA if that is the only thing you want to do.
