For potential medical students with a passion for science and research, an MD-Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dual degree program may hold some appeal. Because it’s a path that differs from the traditional medical school trajectory, here are a few things that students weighing this less-traveled road should keep in mind.
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SelectivityThere are fewer MD-PhD programs, and they accept fewer students than traditional MD programs. According to a recent survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)—"The National MD-PhD Program Outcomes Study”—in 2016 there were 1,936 MD-PhD program applicants, 649 matriculants and 602 graduates.
Looking over the past few years of medical school matriculation data, roughly 20,000 new students matriculate each year. Considering that there are significantly fewer spots, MD-PhD program applicants are likely going to need to apply to more programs.
Now in the first year of his PhD research—after completing two years of medical school—at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Drayton Harvey applied to 30 MD-PhD programs.
“It’s not just hard to get in, it’s hard to survive and thrive during the process to fulfill the requirements of both becoming a medical doctor and a PhD,” said Harvey, an AMA member. “If you don’t have the passion, it could be very daunting.”
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