can you get a phd in medicine

MD-PhD, Combined Degree

School of medicine, md - phd, combined degree program.

From its inception, the physician-scientist has been a hallmark of Johns Hopkins medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Indeed, the Hopkins tri-emblem represents the three core values of the institution: teaching, patient care, and research.

The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers a variety of opportunities for the training of medical scientists. A combined curriculum leading to both MD and PhD degrees enables students who aspire to careers in academic medicine to obtain intensive training in specialized areas of the biomedical sciences in addition to top-flight medical training. The traditional diversity and flexibility of the educational opportunities at Johns Hopkins permit the design of individualized programs to meet the needs of students with a variety of interests, educational backgrounds, and career goals.

To accomplish our training goals, we expect students to fully commit to medical training while in medical school and research training while in graduate school.  However, we also take important steps to ensure that students are exposed to the intersection of both worlds early in their training, as well as given the professional and career development advice they need to succeed.

In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to complete the first two years of medical school before they begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work (see the Timeline below). However, students who want more first-hand experience in clinical medicine before beginning graduate work can elect to complete three years of medical school, followed by their graduate training, and then the last year of medical school. This can give them a better appreciation of the potential clinical relevance of their research. In making a choice, trainees consult extensively with the Program Director, the Dean of Students, members of the MD-PhD Committee, prospective research mentors, and their faculty advisors. Students in the MD-PhD Program are automatically accepted to all graduate programs, so decisions regarding graduate training programs can be made with a strong understanding of each program.  The MD-PhD Committee is responsible for program oversight, admissions, and  student mentorship .  Students complete MD-PhD training on average in eight years.

Johns Hopkins interdisciplinary organizational structure means each faculty member may be affiliated with several clinical departments, research sections, and graduate programs. 

Formal graduate programs in the School of Medicine encompass the following areas: Biochemistry; Cellular, and Molecular Biology; Biological Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Molecular Biophysics; Functional Anatomy and Human Evolutionary Studies; Cell Biology; Cellular and Molecular Medicine; History of Medicine; Human Genetics; Immunology; Neuroscience; Pathobiology; Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Students are also eligible to obtain their PhD in one of the 11 graduate programs at the Bloomberg School of Public Health or the School of Arts and Sciences on the Homewood Campus.  Students may select a thesis mentor from faculty in the Schools of Medicine and Public Health.

The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, It also maintains a dedicated library, the Paul Talalay MD-PhD Library, to enrich the educational opportunities of all MD-PhD students. Efforts are made to acquaint MD-PhD candidates with the major advances, concepts, and cutting-edge techniques in contemporary medicine and biomedical sciences.  We also create an environment that promotes a more intimate personal contact with successful medical scientists in this institution.

Admission Procedures.  Individuals who wish to apply for admission to the combined MD-PhD Program of the School of Medicine must submit an application through AMCAS  in which they will indicate the MD-PhD Program.  Once the AMCAS application has been verified and submitted to Hopkins, the applicant will receive an invitation to complete the Hopkins Secondary Application.  Here the applicant will submit the additional materials required for the combined degree.  Johns Hopkins does not allow applicants to apply to both the traditional MD program and the combined program during the same cycle.   

All combined-degree applications are reviewed by a separate  MD-PhD Review Committee  which is comprised of faculty from the basic sciences and clinical arena, as well as faculty from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.  A separate Graduate School application is  not necessary . The MD-PhD Committee determines whether or not an interview is indicated.  In general, the committee is looking for students with a passion for research and a commitment to medicine.  This assessment is based on the applicant’s research experience, letters of recommendation, academic performance and extracurricular activities. The Committee considers standardized test scores only in the context of the applicant’s other credentials. If an interview is granted, the applicant is notified by the MD-PhD Office and after the applicant accepts, the process for scheduling an interview begins.  Interview visits generally occur over two days. Applicants are interviewed by members of the MD-PhD Committee and other faculty members who share their research interests. Applicants have many opportunities to meet with current students and tour the campus during their visit. 

All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are funded by the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Award.  This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and medical and dental insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.  Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year.

Students who matriculate to the traditional MD Program but have a clearly demonstrated interest and experience in scientific research, are eligible to apply to the combined MD-PhD Program.  These students may apply for admission during the fall of their first or second year of medical school.  These qualified applicants are evaluated and placed in the pool for the current application cycle and will be considered for MSTP funding.  

Financial Support.  The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is supported by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health. A number of exceptional students with unusual accomplishments and commitment to a career in the medical sciences will be selected for traineeships under this program. Such fellowships provide stipend and tuition support for combined medical and graduate study. All students who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program will be considered for these awards. 

Graduates of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MD-PhD Program have gone on to become leaders in many areas of academic medicine.

Advice on the scope and opportunities offered by these programs may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Director of the MD-PhD Program.

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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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• PhD vs MD – Differences explained
• Types of Doctorates

A MD is a Doctor of Medicine, whilst a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. A MD program focuses on the application of medicine to diagnose and treat patients. A PhD program research focuses on research (in any field) to expand knowledge.

Introduction

This article will outline the key differences between a MD and a PhD. If you are unsure of which degree is suitable for you, then read on to find out the focuses and typical career paths of both. Please note this article has been written for the perspective of a US audience.

What is a MD?

MD (also seen stylized as M.D and M.D.) comes from the Latin term Medicīnae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Medicine.

MDs practice allopathic medicine (they use modern medicine to treat symptoms and diseases). A common example would be your physician, though there are numerous types of medical doctors, with different areas of speciality and as such may be referred to differently.

What is a PhD?

A PhD (sometimes seen stylized as Ph.D.) comes from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Philosophy.

A PhD can be awarded for carrying out original research in any field, not just medicine. In comparison to an MD, a PhD in a Medicinal field is focused on finding out new knowledge, as opposed to applying current knowledge.

A PhD in Medicine therefore does not require you to attend medical school or complete a residency program. Instead, you are required to produce a thesis (which summarizes your research findings) and defend your work in an oral examination.

What is the difference between a MD and a PhD?

Both are Doctoral Degrees, and someone with either degree can be referred to as a doctor. But for clarity, MDs are awarded to those with expertise in practicing medicine and are therefore more likely to be found in clinical environments. PhDs are awarded to researchers, and are therefore more likely to be found in academic environments.

This does not mean that MDs cannot pursue a research career, nor does it mean that a PhD cannot pursue clinical practice. It does mean, however, that PhDs are more suited to those who would wish to pursue a career in research, and that MDs are more suited to those who prefer the clinical aspects of medicine or aspire to become a practicing physician.

It should also be noted that a medical PhD doctorates possess transferable skills which make them desirable to various employers. Their familiarity with the scientific method and research experience makes them well suited to industry work beyond medical research.

Program structure and time

The standard MD program structure sees students undertake 2 years of coursework and classroom-based learning, before undertaking 2 years of rotational work in a clinical environment (such as a hospital). Getting an MD requires attending a medical school (accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education) and completing a residency program. Both of which prepare students to diagnose patients and practice clinical medicine.

The standard PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years and sees students undertake original research (monitored by a supervisor). Getting a PhD requires the contribution of novel findings, which leads to the advancement of knowledge within your field of research. With the exception of some clinical PhDs, a PhD alone is not enough to be able to prescribe medicine.

PhD doctorates are required to summarize the purpose, methodology, findings and significance of their research in a thesis. The final step is the ‘ Viva Voce ’ where the student must defend their thesis to a panel of examiners.

To summarize, a MD program usually lasts 4 years, whilst a PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years. Before being licensed to practice medicine, however, you must first complete a residency program which can last between 3 to 7 years.

What is a MD/PhD?

A MD/PhD is a dual doctoral degree. The program alternates between clinical focused learning and research focused work. This is ideal for those who are interested in both aspects of medicine. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, an estimated 600 students matriculate into MD-PhD programs each year .

The typical length of a MD/PhD program is 7 to 8 years, almost twice the length of a MD alone. As with a MD, MD/PhDs are still required to attend medical school and must complete a residency program before being able to practice medicine.

In comparison to PhD and MD programs, MD/PhD positions in the United States are scarce and consequently more competitive. The tuition fees for MD/PhD positions are typically much lower than MD and PhD positions are sometimes waived completely.

Those who possess a MD/PhD are commonly referred to as medical scientists. The ability to combine their medical knowledge with research skills enables MD/PhDs to work in a wide range of positions from academia to industrial research.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

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PhD Programs

Empowering students to follow their curiosity

Bioengineering PhD

Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

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Our dual degree offers lab mentorship, an abundance of hands-on clinical opportunities and all the research resources you'd expect from a Tier 1 research institution. When you've completed the program, you'll have a deep understanding of both patient care and research practices.

About the Program

Start your degree in the M.D. program, where you'll complete your basic science courses as well as hands-on research. During this time, you should begin thinking about your potential research interests. Our Ph.D. program gives you some space to explore different options, however, our strong mentor/mentee focus means you should have an idea of what you would like to study and which  professors could help you meet your research goals.

Over the course of seven years, you'll alternate between a focus on the M.D. program and a focus on research. This allows you to streamline courses that overlap, develop the clinical skills you need to practice medicine and develop the research skills you need to pursue a competitive post-doc. 

Why Get a Dual Degree

A dual degree will give you a deeper understanding of medical research and how it applies to patient care. When you've completed the program, you'll be able to practice medicine and conduct high-impact research. 

How to Apply

In order to be qualified for the dual degree program, students must already be admitted to the M.D. program. After your first year in the program, you'll be able to apply for the dual degree. You should show an interest in both science and medicine by participating in prior medical research activities, such as internships in university departments, the NIH or CDC.

Applying to the School of Medicine 

The School of Medicine uses the  American Medical College Application   to process it's applications. Before you apply, be sure you meet all the   requirements for the program . 

Applying to the Ph.D. Program

You'll apply to the Ph.D. program through the USC Graduate School . Before you apply, be sure you meet all the requirements for the program . 

Requirements

• Application deadline for M.D. program is November 1st
• Application deadline for Ph.D. program is April 1st 
• MCAT scores

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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.

Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work, students receive further training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Candidates wishing to take a shorter course of research and write a thesis for the master's after one year may apply for the MPhil in Medical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

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3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of medicine, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

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Easter 2024 (Closed)

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• MD (Doctor of Medicine) MD
• Medical Science (Medicine) MPhil
• Biological Science (Pathology) by thesis MPhil
• Medical Genetics PhD
• Medical Science (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) MPhil

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What is the Real Difference between an MD and PhD?

Phds advance knowledge, whereas mds merely apply existing knowledge..

Posted March 7, 2011 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina

If you ask someone in the psychology world how people with PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy ) differ from those with MD (Doctor of Medicine) you may get an answer like "MDs can prescribe medication , whereas PhDs cannot." That is true. Another difference is that MDs generally make more money in the United States.

MDs are consider by many to be the "real doctors" because they can help with physiological medical problems. That too is true. I certainly don't refer to myself as "Dr. Kelly" in any context other than an academic setting, because people might get the false impression that I could jump in and help in the event of a broken foot or migraine headache.

All that sounds pretty bad for the PhD. But here's the most essential difference between the two degrees: PhDs advance knowledge, whereas MDs merely apply existing knowledge. Unlike the MD who does not need to produce any original research, the person earning a PhD must produce original research and write it up in a thesis or dissertation. Then a committee of experts must deem that thesis as offering an acceptable advancement of knowledge before the PhD is conferred. It typically takes a couple of years longer to earn a PhD than an MD. Part of the reason it takes so long is that the person earning the PhD is being trained on how to think critically about existing knowledge, and it can take a while to find one's niche and fill a gap in the knowledge base.

If you yourself want to make important scientific discoveries and then tell the world about them, you will be much better prepared by getting a PhD than an MD. You also will be much better prepared to criticize studies you read about in virtually any field because you will be trained in critical thinking and writing.

If you are deciding which degree is right for you, ask yourself if you will be content with applying the knowledge you learn (MD) from other people, or if you would like to get in on the action of making the discoveries yourself (PhD). For instance, would you like to be one of the scientists who are figuring out how to reverse the aging process (PhD)? Would you like to see if giving aging mice a particular the enzyme (one that you discover) makes their hair shiny again and restores their fertility (PhD)? Or would you be content giving your future medical patients the proper dose of the medications that arise from this research and then seeing the signs of youth return in your patients (MD)? These are the kinds of questions that college students everywhere should be asking themselves, and yet I have never seen them do so.

This difference in training also means that if you want to know what the cutting -edge knowledge is in a given field, you have to ask a PhD in that field, not an MD. So for instance, let's say you or your mate is having trouble getting pregnant . If you just ask your local obstetrician or gynecologist what the cutting edge discoveries are regarding fertility, that MD is not likely to know. That MD can give you fertility treatments that he or she has learned about and tried with other patients. It should be noted, however, that many MDs make an effort to remain abreast of scientific research long after their degree has been conferred.

The upshot of my message is this: We need both kinds of people, those who apply existing knowledge (such as the MD does in the medical field) and those who advance it (PhDs). But if you think a PhD is less qualified than an MD when it comes to having cutting-edge knowledge, you have that backwards.

Anita E. Kelly, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame. She is author of The Clever Student and The Psychology of Secrets.

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PhD/MPhil Medicine / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

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Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

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Career Paths for MD-PhD Graduates

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Information about the career path of a physician-scientist, including training, residency or fellowship, research residency programs, and time commitment.

According to a study by the National Association of MD-PhD Programs, about 75 percent of U.S. MD-PhD graduates are in academic medicine or pharmaceutical company positions that make use of their interests in both patient care and research.

A MD-PhD physician-scientist is typically a faculty member at an academic medical center who spends 70-80 percent of their time conducting research, though this can vary with specialty. Their research may be lab-based, translational, or clinical. The remaining time is often divided between clinical service, teaching, and administrative activities.

Thus, most MD-PhD graduates pursue a career where most of their time is spent on research. This research typically is conducted at academic medical centers, research institutions like NIH, or in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. With career advancement, many MD-PhD graduates ascend to significant leadership roles in academic medical centers, or industry, government and private organizations, reflecting their broad experience in health care and research.

Training Path for the MD-PhD Graduate

The career of each MD-PhD graduate is uniquely based upon research and clinical interests, but follows the general path:

• MD-PhD training: 7-8 years (See  Education and Training  for more information).
• Specialty and subspecialty clinical and research training (residency/fellowship): 3-7 Years.

Residency and Fellowship Training

Most MD-PhD graduates pursue residency and fellowship training and find that their MD-PhD training makes them particularly attractive to residency programs at top academic institutions. In the past, MD-PhD graduates traditionally entered residency programs in medicine, pediatrics, or pathology. However, the clinical specialty choices of current graduates are more diverse, with many graduates pursuing residency training in neurology, psychiatry, radiology, radiation oncology, and even surgery and surgical specialties.

Research Residency Programs

It is important to note that there are a growing number of "research residency programs" that have been specially developed to foster the career development of physician-scientists.

After completing their specialty clinical training (e.g., in medicine or pediatrics), most physician-scientists pursue subspecialty clinical training (e.g., cardiology or hematology-oncology) and postdoctoral research that typically combines protected research time with intensive clinical training. A number of residency programs around the country offer highly structured programs in which research is fully integrated into the clinical training.

These programs differ in their overall structure, but all offer the following:

• Shortened residency (specialty) training; in general, the integrated programs allow trainees to shorten their residency by one year, depending on the field of specialty.
• Integrated research and clinical training; programs usually offer mentoring for trainees to choose a lab early in their training process, so they can embark on their research right away when they start full time in the lab.
• Guaranteed subspecialty fellowship position in the trainee's desired field; this is not offered at all institutions.
• Special financial support; a few combined programs also offer support both towards salary and research.

Time Commitment

The time commitment required to complete the dual degree and subsequent specialty training can be substantial. Thus, you should thoroughly explore whether combining biomedical research and clinical practice is the right path for you. Despite the time commitment, it is important to recognize that professional progress following MD-PhD training can be swift, and the years of training truly represent a time of great personal as well as professional growth.

The MD-PhD graduate is unique within medical education, representing about 3 percent of the entire graduating medical school class in the United States. In 2006, there were over 16,000 MD graduates; about 500 of these earned PhD degrees as well.

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Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.

Information about applying to MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the application process during COVID-19.

Information about MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the career and application process.

Learn about MD-PhD Programs from program leaders.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of MD-PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Emily battled viral encephalitis for years during college, and now as a MD/PhD student, she reminds premeds that it's okay to ask for help.

Cesar couldn't apply to medical school when he first graduated from college due to his undocumented status. Now he's in a MD-PhD program and hopes to practice in the Southwest where there's a high need for Spanish-speaking physicians.