can you get a phd in medicine

Applying to MD-PhD Programs

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Are you considering a MD-PhD program? Here the basics about applying to MD-PhD programs to help you get started.

The MD-PhD dual degree training prepares you for a career that is busy, challenging, and rewarding, and offers opportunities to do good for many people by advancing medical science, developing new diagnostics and treatments for diseases, and pushing back the boundaries of the unknown.

How do I know if a combined program is right for me?

MD-PhD programs are specifically designed for those who want to become physician-researchers, also known as physician-scientists. Graduates of MD-PhD programs often go on to become faculty members at medical schools, universities, and research institutes such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

MD-PhD program students are being prepared for careers in which they will spend most of their time doing research in addition to caring for patients. It is critical that applicants have a passion for doing both — most MD-PhD graduates feel strongly that they would not be fulfilled by only pursuing medicine or science.

How do I apply?

Nearly all MD-PhD programs participate in the application process via the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) . On their AMCAS applications, students designate themselves as MD-PhD applicants and complete two additional essays: one related to why they are interested in MD-PhD training, and the other highlighting their significant research experiences.

What schools offer this type of program?

Nationwide, there are more than 90 MD-PhD programs affiliated with medical schools. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports Medical Scientist Training Programs or MSTPs. They currently provide training grants that partially support MD-PhD programs at 49 degree-granting institutions. You can see which schools offer MD-PhD degrees in the Medical School Admission Requirements™ profiles under “Combined Degrees and Special Programs.” You can also review Individual MD-PhD Program Information for Prospective Applicants for easy access to individual MD-PhD program websites.

How long does it take?

Students enter an integrated curriculum that typically takes seven to eight years to complete, during which time, they satisfy the full requirements for both the MD and the PhD degrees.

What kind of work can I do? How much time is spent as an MD? As a researcher?

According to a study of MD-PhD program outcomes , nearly 80 percent of graduates are following career paths consistent with the goals of their training, including working as full-time faculty in academic medical centers or for the NIH, research institutes, industry, and federal agencies. Those in academia spend between 50 and 80 percent of their time conducting research, though this can vary by specialty. Their research may be lab-based, translational, or clinical. The remaining time is often divided between clinical service, teaching, and administrative activities.

MD-PhD Application Timeline

AMCAS application opens: May preceding the year of expected entry Applicants interviewed: October-March Final decisions sent to applicants: December-March Applicants revisit program(s) to decide where to matriculate: March-April MD-PhD programs start: June-August

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Top 10 Best PhD in Medicine Programs

Dreaming of making the latest breakthrough medical discoveries? Whether you’re interested in neuroscience , psychology, or microbiology, a PhD in medicine will give you advanced skills and in-depth medical science knowledge to propel the medical field forward. You’ll feel equipped to conduct innovative research and perhaps even make important discoveries!

Out of all PhD programs, a PhD in medical science will prepare you for some of the world’s highest-paid roles. After all, the average yearly salary of a doctorate-holder in medicine is $153,000 . The best part? You’ll graduate and embark on a career that will make a difference.

Doctorates in medicine are in high demand, and you might even find — we’ll cover all the highlights in our list of doctorate degrees in medicine.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Medicine Programs and Schools

Harvard university.

Ph.D. Program in Virology

Harvard University offers one of the most dynamic types of doctorate degrees in medicine — the virology PhD. The Ivy League school has produced countless world-renowned virology researchers who have invented valuable vaccines and treatments. This virology PhD program involves small student groups for stronger faculty and student relationships.

Courses/research areas : Molecular genetics, viruses and immunity interaction, and rational antiviral drug design
Duration : 5 years
Tuition : Full funding
Financial aid: Full tuition & stipend support, health insurance, child support, parent support, and emergency fund
Acceptance rate: 5%
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stanford University, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Graduate Program in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine

Stanford is one of the world’s leading research centers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In this program, you’ll have multiple options to meet the course requirements by passing substitute courses or through oral or written exams.

Courses : Stem cells & human development, chemistry of biological processes, and advanced cell biology
Tuition : Full tuition funding and stipend
Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, stipend and tuition support, travel allowance, insurance
Location : Stanford, California

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program

Johns Hopkins is one of the biggest names in medicine globally and the only institution with a surviving CMM program (Cellular & Molecular Medicine) funded by the Lucille Markey Foundation. In this doctorate program, you’ll research cellular and molecular biology with a focus on the practical diagnosis and treatment of diseases instead of a pure scientific emphasis.

Courses : Molecular biology & genomics, cellular/molecular basis of disease, and immunology principles
Duration : 3 years+
Financial aid: Full funding, health insurance, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and grants
Acceptance rate : 11.1%
Location : Baltimore, Maryland

Harvard-MIT, Harvard Medical School

MEMP Ph.D. Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University are two of the world’s most acclaimed research universities. They’ve collaborated to offer this unique combined PhD program in MEMP (Medical Engineering and Medical Physics) to advance research and innovation in medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Students can choose one of the program’s 11 concentrations to create a personalized curriculum.

Courses : Molecular diagnostics & bioinformatics, cellular & molecular immunology, and genetics in modern medicine
Duration : 5.7 years average
Financial aid : Full funding for tuition, stipend & health insurance, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships
Acceptance rate: 5-7%
Location : Cambridge/Boston, Massachusetts

The University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health

Ph.D. Infectious Diseases & Immunity

The University of California Berkeley is ranked #2 among top public schools and is committed to student diversity, demonstrated by its dedicated Office for Graduate Diversity. This PhD is a unique program with its multidisciplinary and integrated focus on host-pathogen environmental interactions.

Courses : Molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, epidemiology & control of infectious diseases, and advanced cell biology
Duration : 5.5 years average
Tuition : $14,442 per academic year
Financial aid : Fellowships, scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans
Acceptance rate : 17.5%
Location : Berkeley, California

The University of Pennsylvania, Biomedical Graduate Studies Division

Cellular & Molecular Biology (CAMB) Graduate Group

The University of Pennsylvania’s BGS (Biomedical Graduate Studies) division has around 900 PhD students — 25% belong to underrepresented minorities, and 58% are female. The CAMB Graduate Group is a unique interdisciplinary research program offering six specialized medical discipline areas and world-class facilities.

Courses : Regulation of the genome, cell & molecular biology, and data analysis for life sciences
Financial aid: Full funding, including tuition, fees, and stipend, as well as fellowships and grants
Acceptance rate: 9%
Location : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yale University, School of Medicine

Investigative Medicine Program

Yale School of Medicine is well-known for its eminent faculty and one of the world’s largest medical libraries. This PhD program specializes in investigative medicine, allowing you to develop high-level creative and analytical skills. It also prepares you with the knowledge to conduct both laboratory-based and clinically based patient-oriented medical research.

Courses : Topics in human investigation, ethics issues in biomedical research, and methods in clinical research.
Duration : 3-4 years
Financial aid : Grants, loans, and fellowships.
Acceptance rate : 7%
Location : New Haven, Connecticut

The University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Doctoral Program in Epidemiology & Translational Science

The University of California San Francisco is an innovative research institution focusing exclusively on medicine across education, research, and patient care. As a result, it has some of the highest rankings by the US & News Report in various medical disciplines. The program allows you to choose between 17 concentration areas, including cancer epidemiology, global health, and bioinformatics.

Courses : Biostatistics, epidemiological methods, and clinical epidemiology.
Tuition : $11,442 per academic year
Financial aid : Fellowships, student employment, grants, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
Acceptance rate : 4%
Location : San Francisco, California

Columbia University, Irving Medical Center

Ph.D. Pathobiology and Mechanisms of Disease Program

Columbia University is home to several well-known medical research schools. It’s also located close to many scientific institutions, providing valuable collaboration opportunities. This program allows students to pursue in-depth research in basic sciences while focusing on knowledge application at the clinical and patient care levels.

Courses : Biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, molecular genetics, and mechanisms of human disease.
Duration : 3 years
Tuition : $25,248 per semester
Financial aid: Training grants, loans, student employment, and awards.
Location : New York City, New York

Cornell University, Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

Ph.D. Cell and Development Biology

Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School has over 330 capable faculty members and $275 million in research funds. A reputable program, it involves a lab rotation, allowing each student to pass through three different laboratories before deciding on a research focus area.

Courses : Molecular genetics, biochemistry & structural biology, and quantitative understanding in biology.
Tuition : Refer tuition page
Financial aid : Scholarships, health insurance, and travel support.
Acceptance rate: 11%
Location : New York, New York

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Medicine?

You’ll typically need a master’s degree to be eligible to apply for a PhD in medicine. Some universities also require your master’s to include certain subjects.

As part of your application, the selection committee will generally ask to see:

Official transcripts from your undergraduate and master’s degrees
Practical experience
Resume or CV
Personal statement
Letters of reference

Preparing for a Medicine Doctorate Program

Research programs early to determine the specializations you’re interested in. Then, read up on each subject as much as possible and keep up with developments in the field. It’s also a good idea to research your potential mentors. You can also build your network by joining aspirant and professional groups with similar interests.

You’ll find different types of medical doctor degrees online based on the core area of study, such as:

Ph.D. Healthcare Administration
Ph.D. Epidemiology
Ph.D. Public Health
Ph.D. Health Informatics
Ph.D. Health Research & Policy

In addition to your preferred specialization, assess programs based on funding options, faculty, accreditation, proximity, and cost of living.

Why Get a Doctorate Degree in Medicine

A doctorate of medicine helps you work in high-level scientific, academic, and research positions within the medical field. On average, professionals with a doctorate in medicine have a salary of $153,000 a year.

You’ll also learn several important skills through a PhD in medicine, including:

Research, analysis, and problem-solving skills for the medical discipline
Critical and innovative thinking
Oral and written communication skills
Information management skills
Leadership skills

Some of the most common roles and average salaries for PhD-holders in medicine are:

Clinical Research Manager ( $78,566 )
Chief Executive Officer ( $156,335 )
Postdoctoral Research Associate ( $52,270 )
Technical Director ( $124,783 )
Physician/Doctor for Emergency Room ( $249,174 )

What is the Average Cost & Duration of a PhD in Medicine?

The total cost for a PhD in medicine varies between $60,000 and $200,000, based on various factors. The program usually takes 3-6 years to complete.

The Difference Between an MD and a PhD for Medical Doctors

An MD is a practicing degree that equips doctors with high-level knowledge and skills to treat patients. A PhD is a research degree that helps you discover new medical knowledge or prepare for academic and management roles.

Key Takeaways

A PhD in medicine can take your career to the highest level and allow you to earn a lucrative salary. Not only is medicine a prestigious field, but it also fosters your ability to make valuable contributions to society. Check out each program on our list and think about which speaks out to your career goals and values. Then, put together a winning application !

Still not sure which program is right for you? Take a look at other options with our guides to the highest paying PhDs and the best 1-year PhD online programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years is a phd in medicine.

A PhD in Medicine can take between three and six years to complete.

Is a PhD the Same as a Medical Doctor?

A medical doctor does not necessarily need a PhD, as they can qualify with a medical degree. Additionally, a PhD is usually a research degree, not as focused on patient care.

Is a PhD Higher than an MD?

No. Both PhD and MD degrees are doctorate qualifications, but usually with different applications.

Can a PhD be a Medical Doctor?

You can be qualified as a medical doctor without a PhD in medicine, though a doctor can pursue a PhD if they wish. However, an MD degree, which is also a doctoral degree in medicine, is generally more useful for medical practitioners.

Who Makes More Money, a PhD or MD?

There’s not much difference between an MD and PhD regarding benefits and earning potential. However, an MD may attract a slightly higher salary as practitioners are popular and in high demand. While a PhD salary can be comparable, there may not be as many academic and research positions available.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Medicine?

A PhD in medicine qualifies you to hold well-respected positions in academic research centers or teaching hospitals. Additionally, you can continue as a medical practitioner at a higher level.

What is a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) program?

An MD is a graduate program designed for already-qualified surgeons and physicians. It involves rigorous clinical training and coursework to prepare medical professionals for a more advanced level of specialization.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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