Applying to Md/PhD Programs

Applying to MD/PhD Programs

There are a number of excellent reasons for pursuing an MD/PhD, with the most common one likely being a significant interest in both clinical care and basic research but total uncertainty as to which path one wants to pursue as a career.  Pursuing the MD/PhD will allow you to explore and further develop your interests in both areas, as well as give you a lot of options.  Likewise, there are a number of really bad reasons for pursuing the MD/PhD, the most common one likely being the chance to have your education funded.  If you are interested in pursuing an MD/PhD, investigating what it entails, meet  some current MD/PhD students to learn more about their experiences and goals, and spend time discussing your options with your mentors. 

As you begin investigating MD/PhD program, start by reviewing “Considerations for Pursuing a Professional Degree” and “Considerations for Pursuing a Graduate Degree.”  Then develop a list of schools that offers the MD/PhD in your area of research.

Application Process:
• Take the MCAT and the GRE
• Complete the AMCAS, which requires 2 additional essays for MD/PhD applicants
   o Why you want to pursue an MD/PhD (max 3000 characters)
   o Research experience essay (max. 10,000 characters)
• On the AMCAS note for which schools you want to be considered as an MD/PhD applicant, and if applicable, for which schools you only want to be considered as an MD applicant
• Complete Graduate School applications and supporting materials (if applicable)

Questions you want to ask schools to which you plan to apply:
Do I need to take the GRE?
How many students are in each entering class?
Are state residents given special consideration for admission?
Do I need to submit a separate application for the graduate program?
What is the process for being considered for your medical school if I am not accepted into the MD/PhD program?

Notes for the MD/PhD at OSU:
• For OSU the GRE is not required if you plan to pursue the IBGP or Neuroscience graduate programs.  It is required for Biomedical Engineering.
• Do not need to do a separate graduate application for OSU.
• Application process for denials at OSU:
   1) Some are a quick denial, and their files are sent to Medical Admissions after the initial review.
   2) More qualified candidates will not be referred to Medical Admissions until the MSP Admissions committee has made final admission decisions, which is typically in late winter/early spring.  The applicants will be very late in the process for Medical Admissions and run the risk of the medical class already being full.

Developed by: Lori Martensen, Program Manager
Biomedical Science Major, The Ohio State University