Applying to Medical School

M.D./Ph.D. Programs

 Medical schools offer a number of combined degrees (e.g., M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.P.H., M.D./M.B.A., etc.). Only a relatively few medical students are enrolled in these programs. These programs allow students to combine their training in medicine with training in another field, for example, scientific research.

One of the advantages of having a combined degree is that you are prepared for a career in academia, law, public health, or medical administration depending upon your second degree. Many individuals with combined degrees teach, direct research labs or are administrators in medical schools. These individuals have other career paths available to them than individuals with only one degree. However, there are some real disadvantages to entering a combined degree program. The major disadvantages are the long time commitment required (up to 7 additional years beyond the typical M.D. or D.O. degree program), that where you will be able to practice using the combined degree will be severely limited, and that you will be very poor for a very long time. Also, some individuals find that by the time they get to the end of the combined program, they have changed their minds. Besides, there are many administrators, public health officials, teachers, and researchers with only one degree.

For information about these programs, how to apply, support available, etc., consult the web pages of respective medical schools.