md phd student salary

Was Becoming an MD/PhD a Good Financial Decision?

This month, I graduated from my MD/PhD combined-degree program. Earlier this year, I matched to a psychiatry research track residency in a high-cost-of-living area on the West Coast. I will start residency without any debt from medical school. On top of the free tuition, my school paid me a stipend to cover my living expenses for each of the seven years, including three years of PhD. That is about $600,000 in value.

But when I was applying to MD/PhD programs eight years ago, I was not as financially literate, and I was not married. I did not know about the FIRE movement . I didn't grasp how long the journey to becoming an independent physician-scientist would be (spoiler #1: 14 years on average). I cannot quantify the intangible benefits of my MD/PhD training, but as this is a financial column, I'll examine today whether pursuing an MD/PhD is a good financial decision.

(Spoiler #2: I would do it again even if I knew the answer to the question before I applied.)

Why Do Medical Schools Pay MD/PhD Students?

According to the AAMC , out of the 22,000 students per year who matriculate at allopathic US medical schools, about 700 are in the MD/PhD program, which is 3% of all students. The number dwindles closer to 600 by the time of graduation. Most programs pay for tuition (~$60,000) and living expenses ($30,000-$40,000) for both the MD and PhD portions of training—I cannot imagine any circumstance in which one would pay for their own MD/PhD training —because many alumni have to sacrifice income in order to spend the majority of their time doing research in academia.

MD/PhD students are also more likely than their medical school counterparts to choose specialties that have lower-than-average compensations. For example, the national MD/PhD program outcomes study showed that 14% of MD/PhD alumni choose pathology (vs. 1% of MDs) and only 7.4% choose surgery (vs. 12% of MDs). Self-selection is a huge factor, but I think many of my MD/PhD colleagues might have entered more competitive and lucrative specialties if they could have received robust research training during residency.

The same study also reported a troubling trend. The mean time to a degree and mean time to a first full-time job (after graduating from MD/PhD training) have been increasing over the years to 8.25 and 5.88 years, respectively. For psychiatry, the mean time to a first full-time job was 5.6 years, and for surgery, it was 7.1. This data does not include those who graduated after 2014 for the mean time to degree and those who graduated after 2004 for the mean time to a first full-time job. Compared to their classmates who could become an attending psychiatrist after eight years of undergraduate and graduate training, someone who starts their MD/PhD training today could be in training for 14 years before they start working full-time as a psychiatrist.

The psychological effect of seeing your original classmates become attending physicians while you're just graduating from medical school cannot be overlooked. MD/PhDs would be in Years 7 and 8 of “living like a graduate student” with six more years of “ living like a resident ” remaining. MD/PhDs have to master delayed gratification as much as our PhD dissertation.

Given the above, the question I should have asked is: how far does the money go? In the chart below, I make assumptions that are as favorable for MD/PhDs as possible. Our MD/PhD alumnus maximizes their Roth IRA contribution beginning M1. Our MD-only alumnus would have a student loan burden of $527,000 at the end of their residency training. After these (somewhat unreasonable) assumptions, our MD/PhD alumnus would have about $89,000 more than their MD-only counterpart 14 years after they matriculated together.

However, even if the MD/PhD alumnus starts a full-time job after 14 years of training, the $89,000 gap will close down fast. I have not had a chance to ask any physician-scientist about the details of their compensation, and I could not find any data on the average income of MD/PhD alumni. But a quick scan of online forums suggests that one would have to be a superstar to earn anywhere between $200,000-$300,000 after they complete their training. Hopefully, I am wrong, and one can make more, or I might be naive to consider that such compensation is possible at the beginning of one’s academic career. Since the MD-only alumnus would pay off their loans and start maximizing their retirement savings after year 16, they would be ahead of the MD/PhD alumnus in terms of net worth in just a few more years.

More information here:

How to Stay Focused When Everyone Else Is Getting Rich

What Are the Alternatives to MD/PhD?

If a physician wants research to be their primary endeavor, one may not have a better alternative than a combined MD/PhD training. MD graduates can do research for their elective rotations—or earn a PhD during residency—and then join research fellowships. But their path would not be any shorter, and they would still have student loans (notwithstanding loan repayment or forgiveness programs). According to the NIH’s Physician-Scientist Workforce Working Group Report in 2014, the mean age at which a physician receives their first independent NIH grant is 43.8 for MDs and 44.3 for MD/PhDs. The mean age for MDs has been historically higher, but for whatever reason, the mean age plummeted in 2012 (the last year for which data was available).

While neither path is faster, MD/PhDs are more persistent and successful when they apply for an individual NIH research project grant (RPG). The report found that the first-time award rate of RPG applicants is about the same for MDs and MD/PhDs, but this data likely suffers from survivorship bias. The key metric is “persistence quality,” defined as reapplying for an RPG in subsequent years after their initial application was not funded. MD/PhDs were 8% more “persistent” than their MD counterparts. The difference in persistence was likely due to a combination of differences in commitment and preparation for prior training. Among T32 postdoctoral trainees (yes, many MD/PhDs have to do research fellowships after residency), a higher percentage of MD/PhDs apply for an RPG in the first place, and the award rate was 13%-14% higher for MD/PhDs.

Splurge on This, Not on That

‘Opportunity Cost Is a Huge Filter in Life'

I was not surprised on the interview trail—and this column validates my experience—when physician-scientists grilled me on my desire to do research in my career. Right now, I do not think that I will find my career fulfilling without research. I enjoy the process of generating and answering research questions. When I identify something that does not work well, I am going to be frustrated if I lack the skills and resources to improve it.

Money is not the reason to do an MD/PhD; it is why many of us no longer do research. The temptation to decrease my research effort will increase as my family grows and our tastes change. When faculty and former MD/PhDs explained why they (or someone else) left research, the primary reason was the opportunity cost of sacrificing clinical time, not the likelihood of receiving a grant. In five years, I could be writing a column about why I am not continuing my research career. Charlie Munger is right about how opportunity cost is a filter: when two suitors (i.e., clinic and research) are eager to have us and one seems way better, I may not find time for the other.

This column has allowed me to reflect on how my goalposts have moved. When I was working before medical school, I was planning to apply to graduate schools until my mentors persuaded me to pursue an MD/PhD. Now that I am at the end of medical school, I am comparing my lifetime income and net worth trajectory against those of my MD colleagues, not my PhD colleagues. (Don’t get me started on comparing myself to my college classmates and software engineers!)

I do not believe that I can stop the goalposts from moving. I can only adapt and make sacrifices for what I can control. I realized that I could improve my odds of becoming a physician-scientist by decreasing the financial effect of my career choices. This is one of the reasons why the program where I matched was high on my rank list (I will share those reasons in a future column). My wife and I will be moving to the state where she grew up and her parents still live. We are thankful for everyone who has made this seven-year journey possible and excited for the new opportunities that will be coming our way.

If you were an MD/PhD student, are you happy with how it turned out? What were your pros and cons? If you went the MD route instead of doing research, did that turn out to be the right decision? Comment below!

22 comments

Appreciate the article. Would NOT do an MD , PhD again. Strictly clinical now. Absent the financial advice or insight early in my career, can’t say I’m in a better financial position than my contemporary MD counterparts. Doubling down on a post doctoral research fellowship, probably was the most financially problematic decision, not to mention the strain it put on my family with time commitments to research. Don’t regret the journey taken, it helped clarify what’s most important in my life. Charlie Munger is a wise man, the financial incentives of clinical practice probably outweigh those of research unless you can see a way to starting a successful business or collecting on royalties from anything you patent in your research.

Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m hoping that I will have more clarity after doing a research track residency and having kid(s). On the interview trail, it seemed like many MD/PhD research tracks decide whether to continue research in their final year of residency or the first 1-2 years after residency.

Can you comment on the value (to “the public” etc.) of MD/PhD doing research rather than PhDs in similar fields doing so? How would Psychiatry medical care now and in the future be different if all Psychiatry research was done by PhDs consulting MDs at times/ following MDs’ patients with the MD’s cooperation? Would any MDs be willing to take the time that would demand of them as so many now do med stud and resident education?

While MD/PhDs may be less likely to become pioneers in methodology such as bioinformatics (Francis Collins being the counter-example), PhDs will rarely appreciate the complexity and diversity of clinical presentation and complications from treatments (except perhaps clinical psychologists). True “bench-to-bedside” is becoming rarer, but MD/PhDs clinical experiences as a resident can be enough to launch full-time research careers because research questions grounded in reality tend to be more “high-yield.”

If no MDs were primarily doing research in psychiatry, we would repeat what happened in the 2010s (granted it was under the leadership of Dr. Tom Insel who was a clinician-scientist) and go nowhere. As for med ed, it would depend on how they spend their clinical time. Less likely to directly supervise if they are doing outpatient.

I finished the MSTP in 7 years; followed by residency and fellowship over another 7 years. Although I started an academic career at least 3 years later than my original medical school classmates, I had a clean slate, with no debts. I had the opportunity to pursue clinical or research tracts, and followed my drive to specialize in interventional cardiology. In terms of financial considerations, a peak salary of 400k, while lower than many in private practice, afforded as high a lifestyle as I could want, while building equity. Combining accumulated funds with a government pension (from a decade in the VA), I could retire at 62, with FEGLI health insurance coverage.

For pre-meds considering M.D.-Ph.D. programs, they should pursue this track for a passion and commitment to research and an academic career, not for maximizing financial achievement. However, the advantages of starting a career free of debt, and the level of opportunities afforded by the combined degrees, should more than outweigh the costs of the few years’ delay they incur.

Thank you for sharing your journey. I 100% agree about choosing MD/PhD based on passion and commitment. Financial incentives should not be a factor at all. I was always puzzled by my classmates who thought I would be financially ahead of them. It’s what motivated me in part to try crunching the numbers for the column.

“I could retire at 62, with FEGLI health insurance coverage“

Are you still at the VA? I thought you had to work at VA for more then 10 years to get the health insurance coverage?

I finished my PhD in Biochemistry on full scholarship in 1980, then enrolled in 2 year Med School program at U of Miami Med. School. This PhD to MD program no longer exists. After Internship in Internal Med and 3 yr.Residency in Ophthalmology, I was hired at a major academic research institution for a paltry salary and advised that Research Grants would be necessary to augment my salary. I was surprised to discover that I was no longer eligible to apply for a “NIH young investigator award “, and would have to apply for RO1, which was highly competitive and therefore unlikely to be funded. Although I was successful in getting a few private grants, the amounts were barely enough to cover the cost of the research and not the salary. Ultimately, I left the University after a few years and remained in a successful private practice for 30 years. I am recently retired. I have to admit that the PhD education in Biochemistry was a fantastic background for medical school and clinical practice. It is hard for me to say whether I would do it again because I do not think I would have been of as much value to my patients, students and colleagues, however the institutions that funded my education might feel otherwise, with respect to the cost they incurred to educate me.

Thank you for sharing your journey. I think experiences like yours are one of the reasons that my program focused less on having us become experts in a siloed field (eg, biochem, cell bio, etc.) and encouraged us more to learn how to study a disease. After all, so many MD/PhDs choose a specialty that is unrelated to their PhD.

Given the difference in rates at which clinical work and research are paid, ot would be rare to find adding the PhD was a positive financial move. Same as for rarely will pursuing research lead to a higher income than purely clinical work.

People get PhDs and do research because they want to, not because it is the highest paying career path.

Same as for why people enter general peds, rather than neurosurgery. Neurosurgery pays better but many people would rather be pediatricians.

Thank you for your comment. I 100% agree. Just as the OG WCI says…longetivity over peak income. After all, many clinician-scientists choose to work beyond age 70 because they love what they do.

I did my PhD as a way to get into med school after a less than stellar first year as an undergraduate, which pulled my GPA down. I had already worked in a lab as a summer student and enjoyed the research I had started, however it was a means to an end, as my goal was always to be a doctor. Despite the opportunity costs of 4 years for my PhD and one year of post-doctoral fellowship, prior to med school, and then 3 years of subspecialty training after residency (Oncology), I retired 2.5 years ago at age 58. I also married the lab tech I worked with! Other than a bit of delayed gratification, I have no regrets at all !

Thank you for sharing your journey. Congrats also on your financial independence! My wife isn’t in research or healthcare, but we got married during my PhD years, so I will also never say that I regret doing my PhD.

Dude Francis congrats on the MD PhD man! Although maybe not the best financial decision, do you find value in that those researcher years may not have been as hard-core as redidency training and there was time to spend with family and friends?

Thank you for your always kind comment! The PhD years were a nice breather, and my wife and I (as well as my parents) appreciate the experiences that we’ve had because of my schedule’s flexibility. The trade-offs are: (1) living like a resident for a longer period especially if I do a research fellowship and (2) becoming financially independent later. I hope that we’ve made the trade-offs worthwhile, and I think having kid(s) and my parents aging will help me appreciate the PhD years even more later.

Besides the obvious late start on financial productivity – If you think MDs are bad with money, PhDs are worse. There is a culture of not caring about money in academic science, and that can help you take your eye off the ball. As a clinician scientist you spend you extra more on your research, not on projects that generate personal wealth. For so many reasons it is not a good financial move. Only do it if you want to be a clinican-scientist. Living like a resident is an easier path to being debt free than MD/PhD.

I was always puzzled by my classmates who thought I would be financially ahead of them. It’s what motivated me in part to try crunching the numbers for the column. I think many trainees are daunted by debt because it’s hard to grasp how much one could save and spend on attending salary.

Like the author, I came to the MD-PhD program as an alternative to a straight PhD. I think one of the main societal benefits of the program is drawing talented people into medicine who would otherwise have been basic scientists. I don’t know the latest statistics, but only a small portion of MD-PhD graduates go on to be federally-funded investigators. Not only is the financial pull of clinical medicine strong, but it is also inherently difficult for clinician-scientists to compete with PhDs who do research full-time. The other issue with MD-PhD programs is sequencing. After devoting 3-5 years on the PhD, most trainees take a long (4+ years) break from research for residency. During that time, they lose much of their competitive edge in research as science moves on in the meantime. They may have a bit more experience then their MD-only counterparts in a T32, but at that point it’s a small factor compared to the mentor you happen to get and how much (if at all) your research project takes off as you make the transition to junior investigator.

If medicine is the plan from the get-go, I think people are better off going to a reasonably-priced med school and looking at doing a year at NIH or some kind of masters in clinical research. Most MD-PhDs do basic science, but I would argue the real edge would be getting training in clinical research so you don’t end up competing in basic science with those full-time PhDs.

It’s my understanding that MD/PhDs are also in demand for medical school faculties. So it might be a good route to go if you want to teach as an academic faculty member.

No one, at least that I know of at the time (i.e. before explosion of VC and biotech) pursued an MD/PhD for $, but for personal goals as did I. I didn’t have perspective on the MSTP track until a chance encounter during a 11pm elevator ride from one lab to another during my research time. I ran into an esteemed MSTP alum, now a junior faculty member, who was way smarter, insightful, and accolade/award-winning than me. I asked him why he was there so late. He shared that between his 1/3 time in supervising his lab & research, 1/3 time as an attending, 1/3 time grant writing, and 1/3 time teaching, it was his routine, and he was NOT joking about his time allocations. I later noted that there had been no mention of his new wife or personal time. That led to some thoughtful discussions with my new spouse and some difficult decisions about career track. I ultimately chose to combine my interests in a pharma career and skipped the ivory tower rat race. While there are many similarities btwn academia and pharma, pharma provided greater career flexibility and personal time while still allowing me to make practical real-world contributions to health care in shorter time horizons.

My husband and I are coming upon a similar revelation, 3 kids in and facing the reality of tenure track junior faculty expectations. Would you be willing to chat more about your transition to industry?

Another take as a md/phd currently on the job market after completing residency/fellowship. The calculation was monetary, but not in the typical way as shown above – not having crushing levels of medical school debt and the gap of the PhD years allowed me to pursue some side hustles and venture-type investing, which made a difference (also, renting out the property I lived in as a md/phd produced another income stream – bought post 2008 crash, so values were atypically low). Thus, I’m starting out attending-hood with no debt (besides mortgage) and net worth close to 1M. This isn’t typical though and results may vary. But the lesson: not everything is Excel sheets and financial models; embrace spontaneity and luck.

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M.D.-Ph.D. and M.D. Degrees, Salaries and What They Really Cost

Whether you're obtaining a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree in medicine, it is no easy undertaking . Years of intensive study, research and internships yield a degree that not only allows you to put those two little letters in front of your name, but usually comes with an impressive starting salary as well. However, what is the difference between an M.D.-Ph.D. and an M.D.?

The difference between the degrees

Before you compare salaries, you should understand the difference between the degrees themselves. Someone who receives an M.D. is licensed to practice medicine and participate in patient care. Someone who receives an M.D.-Ph.D. works in research and development, such as biomedical research, immunology or biochemistry, etc., but can also practice clinical medicine. A nonmedical Ph.D. can be in just about any subject, including the sciences, and varies as widely in cost and salary as it does in subject matter. For the purposes of this cost and salary comparison, we'll stick to M.D.-Ph.D.'s and M.D.'s.

You also must make sure you compare apples to apples. Before taking salary into consideration, measure other factors, such as the cost of each degree and subsequent school debt , living expenses, and potential stipends and funding offered.

According to the AAMC, the average cost of four years of medical school is $228,006 (that's averaging together public vs. private schools and resident vs. nonresident). Of course, that's not taking into consideration the cost of living and other expenses, which will vary depending on where you go to school, for example, New York City, N.Y. vs. Bloomington, Ind.

While physicians shoulder some of the highest school debt of any profession, they also enjoy some of the highest salaries, which is helpful when they are making mortgage-sized payments for their school loans. The national average for annual physicians' salaries in the U.S. is $209,044. However, not all costs to train a medical doctor fall on the medical student. The costs that a university and society expend on each medical student are fairly exorbitant as training excellent medical professionals is highly valued in this country.

While students pay for medical school, the university hospital foots the bill for the student's residency, which includes expenses such as hospital call rooms, administrative costs and salaries for the student and supervising faculty. For specialties that take longer to train for, the costs are in excess of $1,000,000. Where tax paying citizens come in is that most university hospitals receive federal funding, some of which is used to pay for students' residencies.

M.D.-Ph.D. costs

Falling into the category of medical scientists, M.D.-Ph.D. recipients are trained in both clinical medicine and research. This type of dual degree is ideal for conducting clinical trials, as both intensive research skills and patient care involvement are required. Because this is a dual degree, the time it takes to complete it is considerably longer than the four years for just medical school. An M.D.-Ph.D. typically takes seven to eight years to complete due to the student having to attend both medical and graduate schools.

The major difference between an M.D. and an M.D.-Ph.D. is the cost of tuition. While medical school tuition and costs will run well into six figures over four years, M.D.-Ph.D. students will find that their costs are largely reduced or even eliminated through waivers and stipends.₁ The National Institute of General Medical Sciences currently funds forty-nine M.D.-Ph.D. programs through the Medical Scientist Training Program. 2

Many universities also offer full funding to M.D.-Ph.D. candidates as they leverage the exorbitant cost of educating these students against the expected scientific breakthroughs and accomplishments they'll make in the medical field. The state of health care and the increasing need to study and treat numerous diseases affecting the population have contributed to a faster than average job growth rate for medical scientists. 3

Salary is a different story, as it's very dependent on what type of work the M.D.-Ph.D. pursues. Working in just the scientific research field will yield a median annual salary of $91,510, considerably less than the mid-six-figure salaries of practicing physicians; however, those who practice medicine as well as medical research will see their salaries increase accordingly.

The application process

Both degrees carry a high level of competitiveness, and the application process can be an intensive one. There are no test-optional choices here. MCATHs are a given requirement , so start preparing as soon as you've made the decision to apply to these programs.

Submitting a strong and effective statement of purpose , personal statement and letters of recommendation are critical to getting that coveted acceptance letter from your choice schools. It’s important to keep track of what you've submitted and when, as well as deadlines and communications with program recruiters or advisors.

Choosing your path

Entering the medical field, in any capacity, is a noble and stressfully intensive undertaking. However, the effect you'll have on patients' lives or future treatments and cures for diseases makes the investment of the student, university and government well worth it. Once you've decided which medical career path you want to take, your options will become clearer.

1 MD PhD vs MD: Which is best for you? | BeMo ® (bemoacademicconsulting.com)

2 Medical Scientist Training Program (nih.gov)

3 Medical Scientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

Author: Justin Nabity

MD/PhD Salary: How Much Do MD/PhDs Make in 2024?

Table of contents, key takeaways, how much do md/phds make in 2024, what bonuses do md/phds get, how can md/phds achieve financial wellbeing.

If you are an MD/PhD in the United States or plan to become one, you need to have the proper expectations about your salary.

The national average for MD/PhDs is around $112,400 per year.

The salary is fairly smaller than for MDs and specialists because MD/PhDs often work in research and non-profit settings, rather than practice medicine.

Accordingly, MD salary bonuses may not be eligible.

This article breaks down the average salary, points you to the cities with the highest average MD/PhD salary, and shows how to retain as much as you can from your income.

• The average income of MD/PhDs in the United States is around $119,000.
• MD/PhDs earn the most in Richmond, CA, with $141,686 per year on average.
• MD/PhDs tend to rely on grant funding for extra pay.

According to Glassdoor , MD/PhDs in the United States make between $89,000 and $166,000 annually (an average of $119,000).

The salary can vary depending on experience, location, work setting (clinical practice, hospital practice, university teaching, or research), and other factors.

Other sources have a similar estimate of that range. Here are a couple of them:

• ZipRecruiter (2024) : $113,102
• Salary.com (2024) : $105,099

Based on these three sources, the mean MD PhD yearly average is $112,400.

MD PhD Salary by State/City

The national average is below the $120,000 mark. However, we identified 10 cities that exceeded the national average, as well as the $130,000 mark.

Source: ZipRecruiter (2024)

Is There a Gender Pay Gap between MD/PhDs?

Reliable sources like Medscape and Glassdoor didn’t provide official information about the pay gap between male and female MD/PhDs.

However, according to Medscape’s 2024 Physician Compensation Report , male physicians earn around $400,000 a year, compared to only $309,000 for women. That’s around 22.75% less.

The same applies to PCPs, where male practitioners earn around $295,000 per year, compared to women who earn an average of $253,000 (approximately 14% less).

Female specialists earn an average of $333,000 annually, which is 23% less than male specialists who earn around $435,000.

So, while there is no official data regarding the pay gap between male and female MD PhDs, the data above strongly suggests that there is one.

Bonuses for MD/PhDs in the United States aren’t typical. Their compensation structure tends to be more base salary-driven than bonus-heavy.

There are two reasons for this:

Academic Focus

MD/PhDs often work in academic settings like universities and research institutions.

Although possible, such institutions typically don’t have the same profit-driven bonus structures that some for-profit companies do.

Grant Funding

Some MD/PhD programs rely on grant funding  for their salaries and research projects. As such, bonus structures would not be well-suited to those funding models.

However, there are some instances where MD/PhDs might receive bonuses. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Performance-based Bonuses: Some institutions might offer performance-based bonuses for exceptional achievements.
• Industry Roles:  MD/PhDs who move into industry positions, such as in pharmaceutical companies and biotech startups, might receive bonuses as they gain experience.

These bonuses follow the same structure as other MDs or PhDs in those fields, including sign-up, retention, performance, and annual bonuses.

MD/PhDs often make less money compared to MDs because of the general lack of bonuses, necessitating careful planning to achieve financial well-being.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Tax Planning

You must plan your taxes  correctly to keep away from legal issues that may hurt your income. If you have issues with planning your taxes, Physicians Thrive can help you .

Getting the Best Contracts

Negotiating the best contract is a skill that you can learn to get the best possible package . Find out how Physician’s Thrive can help you negotiate your contract .

Paying off Your Loans

Seven years in medical school to become a physician-scientist can quickly pile up your student loan. You must clear your debts early to start making money.

Since MD/PhDs usually work in non-profit organizations, Public Service Loan Forgiveness  can be a good aid.

Final Words

Without bonuses, managing your finances and living expenses as an MD/PhD can be trickier than for other medical specialties.

As such, you’ll need all the help you can get to retain your money.

That’s where Physicians Thrive can be handy. We’ll help you plan your taxes , negotiate your contracts , and help you through acquiring different insurances like life  and disability  insurance.

We offer many more services to help physicians thrive. If you require any sort of help in the medical field, don’t hesitate to reach out to us .

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Everything You Need to Know About MD-PhD Programs

Posted in: Applying to Medical School

Table of Contents

MD-PhD programs are dual-degree programs for pre-medical students who want to both practice medicine and conduct extensive research.

In an MD-PhD program, the medical education of the MD program is combined with the in-depth research training of a PhD program. Students learn to practice medicine, diagnosing and treating patients all while gaining research experience to investigate medical conditions and diseases.

These programs are more intense than standard medical school. Students take additional coursework, typically in the biomedical sciences, graduate training, rotations in different laboratories, and intensive research.

The extra education gives students the tools to advance in the medical field after graduation. If you are interested in investigating diseases as you treat patients and developing innovative ways to provide care, an MD-PhD path may be for you!

What are MD-PhD programs?

MD-PhD programs are unique dual-degree programs designed for students who have an interest in both patient care and research. In these programs, students complete both a medical degree (MD) and a doctorate (PhD). This prepares graduates to function as physician-scientists, seamlessly bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinical setting.

What is the difference between an MD and an MD-PhD? The difference between MD and MD-PhD graduates is that while both degrees are conferred to medical doctors, MD programs focus on clinical practice. MD-PhD programs, on the other hand, combine medical education with extensive biomedical research training. 

Is MD-PhD easier than MD? MD-PhD programs are not easier than MD programs. They require a longer time commitment, but in the end, provide graduates with a broader skill set to pursue careers that integrate medicine and scientific research.

How rare is an MD-PhD? Only about 3% of students that enroll in medical school are in MD-PhD programs. There are 122 MD-PhD programs in the U.S. and 13 in Canada listed on the AAMC MD-PhD Degree Programs by State directory .

Graduate programs aren’t confined to a specific area of study. Each school with this type of program has its own options for its PhD degree. PhD students commonly choose to specialize in topics such as:

• Cell biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical engineering

Upon completion of an MD-PhD program, graduates are awarded the dual degree for their proficiency in both clinical practice and research. 

MD-PhD Program Duration

A significant commitment of time is necessary to complete an MD-PhD program, but the career path is rewarding and well-compensated. 

How many years are MD-PhD programs ? Students can expect to spend 7-8 years total between graduate school and med school, but there is no strict timeline for completing an MD-PhD. Some students complete their programs in as little as six years, and others take as long as 10.

Students usually start with the first year to two years of medical school, followed by 3-5 years of research, then finish with another two years of medical training and clinicals. Current students entering into MD-PhD programs are older , on average, than when these programs first began, and many take longer to complete their studies.

How much does an MD-PhD program cost?

Most MD-PhD programs offer enrolled students tuition-free training and a stipend to cover living expenses.

The cost of an MD-PhD program varies widely depending on the institution, but the stipend and tuition-free training makes many of these programs significantly less burdensome financially compared to standalone MD or PhD programs.

Financial support is available through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Scholarships are offered that cover tuition and provide a stipend for living expenses, making these intensive dual degree programs more attainable.

Not all MD-PhD programs are funded by the MSTP, but some schools offer similar financial support to their MD-PhD students. For any school you plan to apply to, double-check their program website or call an admissions counselor to see if there are options for financial aid. 

MD-PhD Residencies

MD-PhD residencies provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between patient care and research. Graduates often enter residency programs to acquire hands-on training in a particular medical specialty. Some even opt for a fellowship in a subspecialty after that. This training phase can range from 3 -7 years, depending on the specialty.

Although they can enter any medical specialty, they frequently gravitate towards specialties with a strong research component. Here are a few common residencies that MD-PhDs typically enter:

• Internal Medicine: This field covers a broad range of diseases in adults and often involves solving complex medical problems. It’s a popular choice for MD-PhD graduates because of the diversity of patients and conditions, which provides many opportunities for research.
• Neurology: The complexity and the largely untapped understanding of the nervous system provide abundant research opportunities. Advances in neuroimaging, AI , and genetics also offer tools for physician-scientists to explore the nervous system in unprecedented ways.
• Psychiatry: Studying the pathophysiology of mental disorders, exploring new therapeutic interventions, and examining the genetic basis of psychiatric conditions are just a sample of the ways an MD-PhD can continue research in this specialty.
• Pathology: Pathologists often work behind the scenes in medicine, studying the causes and effects of diseases. This field is deeply rooted in medical research, which makes it a good fit for many MD-PhD graduates.
• Pediatrics : Pediatric physician-scientists research a wide array of topics, including childhood diseases, growth and development, pediatric therapies, and many other areas related to child health.

The choice of residency program should align with each graduate’s clinical interests, research interests, and career goals. There is great flexibility in the MD-PhD pathway, and physician-scientists span all specialties in medicine.

MD-PhD Career Path & Salary

Careers for MD-PhD’s often sit at the intersection of healthcare, academic medicine, and industry. Roles vary from practicing physicians, medical researchers, educators, and policy advisors to leaders in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

After completing their residency, MD-PhDs typically divide their professional time between research and clinical practice. They often work in academic medical centers or research institutions where they can see patients and conduct research. Their research may be basic, translational, or clinical, depending on their interests and training.

MD-PhDs may also grow to take on teaching roles, educating the next generation of physicians and scientists. This path can bring them to leadership roles such as department chair, dean of a medical college, or even hospital CEO with their unique understanding of both medicine and research.

The salary for MD-PhDs does vary depending on the chosen career path. Earning potential is generally high due to the advanced and specialized nature of their training.

On average, physician-scientists in the US earn a median salary that is well above the national average for all occupations. According to Doximity’s 2023 Physician’s Compensation Report , the average salary for physicians in the Pharmaceutical/Industry employment setting is highest at $392,534.

Those working in academia or research may have different salary scales. These salaries are frequently dependent on research grants, but still typically fall within a comfortable range.

An MD-PhD opens up a wide range of career options, particularly in the intersecting areas of healthcare and research. Below are careers someone with an MD-PhD might pursue:

• Academic Physician: They divide their time between seeing patients, conducting research, and teaching students and residents. These professionals usually work at medical schools or teaching hospitals.
• Biomedical Researcher: MD-PhDs often find employment as researchers in the field of biomedical sciences. They can work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or government organizations such as the NIH.
• Clinical Investigator: These are physicians who conduct research involving human subjects (clinical trials). They develop and implement studies to understand the effects of new drugs or therapeutic strategies.
• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Professional : Many MD-PhDs work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. They may be involved in drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, or medical affairs.
• Medical Director: In this role, an individual would oversee the medical aspect of a healthcare facility, biotech company, or department in a hospital. This position often requires both a medical and research background.
• Science Policy Analyst/Advisor: They can work in government or nonprofit organizations, helping to shape policies that affect scientific research and healthcare.
• Public Health Official: Some MD-PhDs choose to work in the public sector, addressing health issues at the population level. They may work for entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO).
• Medical Science Liaison: This role often involves serving as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, explaining new therapies and scientific findings to physicians, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Medical Educator: MD-PhDs are uniquely qualified to educate future doctors and researchers, teaching in areas such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, or any other medical specialty. They may design and implement courses, advise students, and contribute to the educational mission of their institution.

These are just a few of the potential career paths. A career choice often depends on an individual’s specific interests, such as which medical specialties they are drawn to, whether they prefer working with patients or in a laboratory, and how they want to contribute to advancing medical science.

Medical Science Training Programs

Some MD-PhD programs in the United States are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This means that students receive full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend throughout their training.

Because of this financial support, admission to an MSTP is very competitive. Many schools have financial support available to MD-PhD students even if they are not part of the Medical Scientist Training Program to allow them to focus on their studies and research.

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4 Benefits of Becoming an MD-PhD

Earning dual degrees in medicine and research is an ambitious endeavor, but the impacts you can make on patient care and scientific research are significant and valuable to public health. An MD-PhD degree comes with some great benefits.

1. Interdisciplinary Perspective

The duality of the MD-PhD training allows graduates the ability to translate clinical observations into research questions, then taking research findings to enhance patient care. You will essentially be a bridge to the gap between the laboratory and the clinic.

2. Career Flexibility

Graduates can become practicing physicians, medical researchers, educators, and/or policy advisors. They may also take on leadership roles within academic institutions, hospitals, biotech companies, or pharmaceutical firms. 

The wide range of possible careers allows the flexibility to pursue a path that aligns with your passion.

3. Influential Impact 

The rigorous training in MD-PhD programs allows graduates to drive innovation in healthcare and medical science. This advanced education will have you asking critical questions and finding answers that can change the course of medical treatment and patient care. 

The potential to make significant contributions to the field of medicine is a rewarding and prestigious aspect of this career path.

4. Community and Mentorship

During their training, MD-PhD students join a tight-knit community of fellow dual-degree students, mentors, and faculty. This network can provide valuable support, guidance, and camaraderie during the demanding years of study. 

Post-graduation, this network continues to serve as a resource for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.

Are MD-PhD programs more competitive than MD programs?

In general, yes, MD-PhD programs are more competitive than MD programs. 

The statistics here can be a little confusing, though. 10% of applicants are accepted to an MD-PhD program, which is higher than the 3% that get accepted into MD programs. Acceptance rates are nearly the same as traditional medical programs, too.

But the quality of application for MD-PhD programs is inherently higher than traditional pre-meds. Your GPA and MCAT need to be higher, with well-developed extracurricular experiences and glowing letters of recommendation to have a chance at an MD-PhD program. 

Learn more about how we can help you boost your MCAT score.

Preparing to Apply to MD-PhD Programs

Applying for an MD-PhD program is done through AMCAS, just like MD programs. Preparation is key in the application process .

Being proactive, getting relevant experiences, understanding the requirements, and applying to multiple programs will significantly enhance your chances of success in securing a spot in an MD-PhD program. Applicants must be prepared to showcase themselves as doctor material and make a case for their desire to take part in research.

Here are a few tips for increasing your chances at acceptance.

Make sure you have the right extracurriculars under your belt.

Gaining relevant experiences beyond the classroom is crucial to showcase your commitment to a career in medical research. Admissions committees are looking for candidates with experience in research projects. 

It is absolutely necessary to have taken part in research to have a chance at getting into an MD-PhD program.

Check application requirements well in advance.

You’ll be required to meet all the AMCAS application requirements of MD programs. This includes the prerequisite coursework, your MCAT score and GPA, letters of evaluation, and personal statement . 

There are also two additional essays that are required on MD-PhD applications, which we’ll cover later.

We advise checking with each specific medical school on the requirements for their applications . Non-medical graduate programs may ask for your GRE scores. You want to make sure you’ve taken this test well in advance of the AMCAS open date. 

Our advisors can help you craft a personal statement for your MD-PhD that will stand out.

Apply to several programs.

Because of the limited number of programs and the competitive nature of MD-PhD programs, you should apply to multiple programs. Students who have gotten into these programs report applying to as many as 30 programs for the best chance to be accepted. 

Along with MD-PhD programs, we also recommend applying to some MD programs as well. On your AMCAS application, you can easily designate as an MD candidate or MD-PhD candidate.

Even if you don’t make it into the MD-PhD program of a medical school, you will still have the opportunity to be considered for their MD program.

MD-PhD Application Timeline

Get your medical school application in early — the same goes for MD-PhD applications. In fact, it’s even more important to have your primary application in as soon as possible to give yourself plenty of time to write your secondary essays. 

The MD-PhD application process follows the AMCAS application timeline :

• May: AMCAS application opens. You’ll receive your secondary application shortly after you submit your primary. 
• July-August: Submit your supplemental application within two weeks.
• October-March: Prepare for and attend all scheduled interviews.
• December-March: Application committees make final decisions. For schools with rolling admissions, this may happen shortly after an interview. Other institutions wait until after all interviews are complete to make decisions.
• March-April: Applicant decisions are made.
• June-August: Your MD-PhD begins.

Additional Essays in the MD-PhD Application

The MD-PhD application process includes two additional essays that showcase your commitment to a career as a physician-scientist. 

MD-PhD Essay

The MD-PhD Essay is your opportunity to express why you have chosen the dual-degree path and how it aligns with your career goals. Discuss your motivation for pursuing the ambitious MD-PhD degree. You should explain why both clinical practice and research are integral to your career vision and share personal experiences that ignite your interest in this path.

Describe your career goals and how integrating clinical practice and scientific research will allow you to achieve those goals. If you’re interested in a particular field, discuss how the blend of clinical and research training in the MD-PhD program will enhance your contributions to this field.

Significant Research Experience Essay

This essay is your chance to elaborate on your research experiences and demonstrate your scientific curiosity, perseverance, and ability to work independently. You’ll explain the objectives of the research project you have been involved in, your role in achieving these objectives, and the significance of the research.

You can also write about instances where you faced challenges and had to use your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and critical thinking to overcome them. Highlight your ability to learn from others, like your mentors, how you can collaborate, and contribute to a team-oriented goal.

If your work led to any significant findings, presentations, or publications, be sure to include this. Use this opportunity to communicate your passion for research and how these experiences have prepared you for a career that combines patient care and scientific investigation.

MD-PhD: The career path that moves medicine forward.

MD-PhD candidates have a commitment to both medical practice and research on this path. The journey is long and at times challenging, but for those driven by a passion for both clinical medicine and biomedical research, the reward lies in the unique ability to contribute to the advancement of healthcare as a physician-scientist.

Speak with a member of our enrollment team who can help you prepare your MD-PhD application.

Kachiu Lee, MD

Dr. Lee specializes in BS/MD admissions. She was accepted into seven combined bachelor-medical degree programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University and proceeded to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. After completing a dermatology residency at Brown University, Dr. Lee pursued a fellowship in Photomedicine, Lasers, and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Academically, she has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and lectures internationally.

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Md vs md phd: how to choose your best path.

Reviewed by:

Luke Hartstein

Former Admissions Committee Member, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Reviewed: 5/13/24

You’re a prospective med student, and you’ve started your preliminary research on how to choose a medical school that will cultivate your interests and teach you the skills needed to be a leader in healthcare. Perhaps you greatly enjoy biomedical research and would like to combine your two passions: practicing medicine and conducting scientific research. 

So, what is the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree versus the MD PhD, and how do you choose your best path? This blog will comprehensively review the similarities and differences between the MD and MD PhD degrees, including the application process and the education you can expect to receive for each program. 

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What is an MD? ‍

An MD is simply a Doctor of Medicine or physician who obtained their MD degree at an allopathic medical school accredited by the LCME (Liaison Committee of Medical Education). Allopathic medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disease. When people think of physicians, they generally think of MDs. 

To become an MD, you must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university and complete all required prerequisite courses for medical school . Your pre-med major doesn’t need to be in the sciences, but you need to complete science prerequisite coursework, including labs. Every school has specific requirements regarding which prerequisites to take, so check with the schools to ensure that you fulfill all undergrad requirements. If you need help with selecting and scheduling your prerequisite coursework, connect with a pre-health advisor. 
• Take the MCAT and earn a competitive score . The MCAT is one of the most important selection factors for medical schools, and it is a strong indicator of your academic performance. Matriculated students often exceed the school’s minimum required MCAT score, so you should aim to fall within or exceed the school’s median MCAT score. In addition to the MCAT, some medical schools require the CASPer test .
• Graduate from an accredited allopathic medical school. Most MD programs are four years, with a few exceptions. For example, some schools have accelerated MD degrees that you can complete in just three years.
• Complete a residency . Residency programs typically last from three to eight years. Residents perform extensive duties in a clinical setting, such as interpreting charts and lab work, taking patient histories, attending conferences, and conducting physical exams. Residency applicants are matched to programs depending on their personal preferences via the National Resident Matching Program.
• Obtain licensure. MDs must obtain a license to practice medicine by passing the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). Each state has different requirements to become licensed. For example, some states limit the number of times you can take the USMLE, while other states have no such restrictions on exam attempts. 
• Continue your education. Generally, physicians must complete state-required continuing education before renewing licensure every couple of years. 

What is an MD PhD?

An MD PhD is also a Doctor of Medicine who additionally holds a PhD in scientific research. MD PhDs are known as physician-scientists or medical scientists. There are over 100 MD PhD programs affiliated with medical schools, and approximately 40 programs are partially supported by training grants known as MSTPs (Medical Science Training Programs).

Physician-scientists focus on both scientific research/discovery and treating patients in clinical settings. They have the unique skill set to research healthcare topics, including biomedical sciences, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, physiology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. 

In short, MD PhDs blend scientific research with clinical medicine. 

To become an MD PhD, you must:

• Complete all of the requirements for medical school to obtain your traditional MD degree. 
• In addition to attending medical school for your MD, you must also attend graduate school for your PhD. Because you are completing both programs dually, the duration of your education is seven to eight years (four years for the MD; three to four years for the PhD).
• Complete medical training and conduct mentored, integrated, and mechanism-based research throughout the PhD program and for your thesis. 

MD PhD programs actively seek applicants who exhibit the core competencies of entering medical students and have an aptitude for biomedical research. Applicants must have strong critical thinking and analytical skills to conduct and interpret research. Lastly, and most importantly, prospective candidates should have substantial research experience .

MD vs MD PhD: Application Process and Education

The application process for the MD and MD PhD programs is very similar. For most allopathic medical schools, you will use the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service).

There are exceptions; for example, Texas medical schools use the TMDSAS (Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service). As always, follow every school’s individual requirements to use the appropriate application service portals. 

In the AMCAS, you will have to select which degree you’re applying to and enter all required information. For the MD program, there are nine sections:

• Sections 1-3 are where you will input background information, such as your name, biographical information, identifiers, and the schools you’ve attended. 
• Section 4 is where you will enter your school transcripts and undergraduate coursework. 
• Section 5 is the work and activities section where you will enter relevant extracurricular activities , work experience, and appropriate hobbies . 
• Section 6 is where you will upload your letters of evaluation. 
• Section 7 is where you will enter the school’s information, such as the program to which you’re applying and whether you’re applying for an early decision. 
• Section 8 is the personal statement . 
• Section 9 is where you will enter your test scores, such as the MCAT. 

To apply to the MD PhD program, you will have to complete all nine sections of the AMCAS. Additionally, you will have to complete two additional essays that describe your reasons for pursuing the MD PhD degree and your research experience.

Here is a general idea of what the MD PhD education looks like, year by year, according to the AAMC:

Discover how Patrick got into six fully funded MD/ Phd programs in the video below.

MD vs MD PhD: Career Outlook and Salary ‍

A benefit of the MD PHD vs MD debate is that both enjoy lucrative, rewarding careers in medicine. Typically, MDs become physicians who practice medicine in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and other medical centers. MD PhDs become physician-scientists, and according to the AAMC , nearly 80% of them follow career paths consistent with their training, which include working in medical schools as faculty members or in other research institutions, such as the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and other federal agencies. 

Physician-scientists are highly valued for both their medical training to treat patients and their extensive knowledge of public health, disease, treatment, and hot topics in healthcare. They can work in academia and teach, or they can combine clinical service with independent research. According to the AAMC, over 80% of graduates said that they would choose the MD PhD program again if given the chance. This should give you an idea of how passionate physician-scientists are about biomedical research.

For MDs , depending on their specialty and setting, the average annual salary is around $220k. For MD PhDs , depending on the type of role and place of employment, the average annual salary is about $100k.

Which is Better? Tips for Choosing Between the Two ‍

So, now that you know a bit more about the MD and MD PhD degrees, which is better? To make the best decision for your goals, keep the following tips in mind:

Examine your passions honestly.

Are you excited to work with patients, but research doesn’t motivate you as much? Then you should stick with the traditional MD degree. Students who pursue the MD PhD do so because of their equal passion for clinical medicine and research. Keep in mind that the MD PhD has additional years of school, so it is not a decision that should be made lightly.  ‍

Use your experiences and extracurricular activities to guide you. ‍

Think back to your medical shadowing or clinical experience . Compare your insights to your research experience. Which experience was the most rewarding to you? Which did you enjoy the most? Can you see yourself conducting research your entire career? It would be helpful to use your experiences and extracurricular activities as a measure of your interests.

In short, students who don’t absolutely love research should consider pursuing an MD degree, while those who do love research should look into the MD PhD dual degree.

1. What Are the Top MD Programs In the United States?

According to the US News & World Report, the following medical schools consistently rank the highest:

• Harvard Medical School
• Perelman School of Medicine
• Grossman School of Medicine (NYU)
• Johns Hopkins University
• Stanford Medical School
• Columbia University
• Mayo Clinic School of Medicine 
• David Geffen School of Medicine (UCLA)
• Washington University
• Cornell University
• Duke University
• University of California - San Francisco
• Vanderbilt University
• Yale University

2. How Do I Know Which MD PhD Program Is Right for Me?

Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself which program is the best fit for your particular interests and career goals. However, take a look at the US News & World Report’s list of signs that an MD PhD program is a great fit:

• There is ample funding.
• The location is desirable for your requirements.
• There is a good balance between clinics and research.
• The school has a history of strong publications/research.
• The program’s academic breadth is multi-disciplinary, ensuring that students will have a good selection of topics to research.
• Clinical training is introduced early in the program.
• There are numerous mentors available to oversee research projects.
• Current MD PhD students are satisfied with their program.
• The program’s alumni perform high-level research and publishing, which is a strong indicator of future success.
• The program’s mission and culture align with your academic and career goals.

3. Can I Apply to the MD Program And the MD PhD Program at One School In the Same Cycle?‍

In the AMCAS, you must indicate the program to which you are applying, and it cannot be both for one school in the same application cycle. However, if you indicate that you are applying to the MD PhD program, most schools will first consider you for the dual degree program, and if you are not accepted, they will consider you for the MD program. Please reach out to your selection of schools to learn more about their application procedures regarding dual degrees and final decisions. ‍

4. What Topics In Healthcare Do MD PhDs Research?

According to the AAMC , MD PhDs can research various topics in the following disciplines:

• Biochemistry and Macromolecular Biophysics 
• Cell and Developmental Biology 
• Immunology 
• Molecular Biology and Genetics 
• Microbiology and Infectious Disease 
• Neuroscience 
• Pathology and Mechanisms of Disease 
• Pharmacology 
• Bioengineering and Biomedical Imaging 
• Chemical and Physical Sciences 
• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics 
• Public Health, Epidemiology, and Preventative Medicine 
• Social and Behavioral Sciences 

There may be variations among different programs, so verify with the school before you apply. ‍

5. Is Financial Assistance Available For MD Programs?

Generally, yes. The cost of attendance is an important consideration when applying to medical schools. There is federal assistance through FAFSA, in addition to scholarships, grants, and loans. To learn more about financial planning, please reach out to the Student Financial Services office for every school you apply to discuss your options. 

6. Is Financial Assistance Available For MD PhD Programs?

One of the most significant perks of MD PhD programs is that most either partially cover or completely waive tuition for students. Stipends are also very common to cover the costs of living expenses for students. Because of this, many MD PhDs graduate with little to no debt. Although this shouldn’t be the only deciding factor for pursuing the MD PhD degree (remember to keep your goals in mind), it is a benefit that may spare you from, on average, $200k in debt.

7. What Counts As a Substantial Research Experience?

Substantial research experience involves some effort and commitment on your part. Before applying to the MD PhD program, be sure to have multiple summer research projects. You are also encouraged to have one or more years of pursuing research after completing your bachelor’s degree. This may mean that you have to take a gap year to bolster your application with research experience, but don’t worry. 

Many students take a gap year for this very reason, to gain relevant experiences and strengthen their application. You should also strive to have publications, and it’s important to list them in your application materials. You must also have experience in accurately testing a hypothesis. It is also important to note that gaining more research experience will strengthen your skills in this field, but you will work with supervisors and mentors who can become potential letter writers for strong letters of recommendation . 

8. Where Can I Find More Information About the MD PhD Degree?‍

For more information about the MD PhD degree , please visit AAMC’s MD PhD authority site .

Final Thoughts

As you can see, both the MD and MD PhD programs will lead to lucrative careers in medicine. Whether you pursue the MD degree or the MD PhD dual degree depends on your interests, motivations, passions, academic goals, and career aspirations. When you’re applying to either program, be sure to follow the medical school’s specific application guidelines and procedures.

Make sure your research experience is substantial. It’s important to have a competitive edge over other MD PhD candidates who undoubtedly will have their own strong research experiences and publications. No matter which path you choose, we wish you the best of luck in your efforts. 

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Is an MD/PhD Program Right for You?

MD-PhD programs may be right for you if you are interested in a career path that melds both clinical practice and in-depth scientific research. MD-PhD graduates aren’t simply doctors; they are “physician-scientists” or “medical scientists.”

MD-PhD programs offer a dual-degree track that combines the clinical training of a standard MD degree with the added coursework of a PhD. The PhD training is particularly rigorous and includes classes usually in the realm of biomedical sciences, as well as advanced research training, lab rotations, and intensive investigative work.

The payoff for choosing an MD-PhD program is that these clinical medicine graduates are equipped to treat patients while also participating in the discovery and development of innovative healthcare solutions. 

Here are a few reasons you might want to pursue an MD/PhD career:

• You want to participate in cutting-edge medical research.
• You want career options beyond clinical medical practice.
• You want to help train future generations of medical doctors.
• You want more collaborative research opportunities with colleagues.
• You want funding opportunities only available to MD/PhD students.

The Difference Between MD & MD/PhD

The difference between MD and MD-PhD is that graduates with an MD-PhD receive PhD training and hold a PhD degree in addition to their MD degree.

The cost of an MD-PhD program varies widely depending on the institution. Still, the stipend and tuition-free training make many of these programs significantly less financially burdensome compared to standalone MD or PhD programs.

MD/PhD students will complete graduate school and medical school qualified to hold positions in academic medicine and biomedical research (in addition to being qualified to practice clinical medicine. 

What Is an MD?

A medical doctor has earned a standard medical degree or MD and is skilled to practice clinical medicine. Medical students must complete 4 years of medical school to earn their degree, followed by 3-7 years of residency and fellowship training to practice medicine.

What Is a PhD?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy in reference to their critical knowledge and research experience in a particular field of study. A PhD is the highest possible academic degree.

Earning a PhD is often considered harder than earning an MD due to the scientific research required to stimulate original thought and develop quality hypotheses.

How Competitive Are MD/PhD Programs?

Physician-scientist programs are slightly more selective and competitive than the average medical program.

Between 2018 and 2023, a little more than one-third of students who applied to an MD/PhD program (37.7%) were accepted. The acceptance rate for medical school applicants in general was 41.2% for the 2022-23 application cycle.

The test scores of these programs also indicate how much more competitive these programs are. The average MCAT score of MD/PhD matriculants in the 2022-23 cycle was 516.2, and their mean GPA was 3.82. In comparison, medical school matriculants overall had an average MCAT score of 511.9 and average GPA of 3.75 during the same cycle.

How Long Are MD/PhD Programs?

The MD-PhD dual degree takes approximately 7-8 years of coursework to complete, followed by an additional 3-7 years of residency to be eligible to practice medicine. 

Generally, MD coursework is emphasized in years 1-2, followed by research training in years 3-5, and ending with medical training and clinicals in years 6-8. 

Requirements for MD/PhD Applicants

If you are considering applying to an MD/PhD program , know that having strong essays and letters is more important than incrementally higher MCAT test scores and GPAs. Numbers get your foot in the door; storytelling gets you a seat at the table. 

In general, the requirements for MD/PhD applicants include:

• MCAT score in the 90th percentile: Specific MCAT requirements for MD/PhD programs vary by school. However, in general, most students have the best chance at success with an MCAT score in the 90th percentile or higher. In the 2022-23 application cycle, MD/PhD applicants had an average MCAT score of 511.3, while matriculants averaged 516.2.
• GPA of 3.7 or higher: Like MCAT scores, the GPA requirements for MD/PhD programs differ by program. But your chances are highest with an average GPA of at least 3.7. In the 2022-23 application cycle, MD/PhD applicants averaged a science GPA of 3.61 and overall GPA of 3.68, while matriculants averaged a 3.78 science GPA and 3.82 overall.
• Compelling personal statement: Your personal statement essay should explain why you want to become a physician and is required for both MD & MD/PhD applications . All prospective doctors must write a personal statement that stands out, and this is doubly true for MD/PhD applicants.
• 2 additional essays: You’ll write one essay conveying your personal interest in pursuing an MD/PhD dual degree specifically, and one essay covering your substantive experiences in the field of research . These may include multiple summer projects, senior thesis research, or 1+ years of post-undergrad research programs and activities.
• 2-3 letters from research mentors who can praise your scientific potential.
• 1-2 letters from clinical mentors who know your aptitude for patient care.
• 1 letter from the premed committee.
• 1 letter from a mentor who can discuss your leadership skills and personal traits in an extracurricular setting.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering an MD/PhD Program

By answering these questions, you can choose the graduate program that is the best fit for you over the next 8 years.

• What skills do you want to develop? Choose a program that has ample opportunities to explore your field of interest and in which you can identify potential mentors for rotations and thesis projects.
• What is your preferred MD/PhD program size? Choose a smaller program of MD-PhD students if you prefer hands-on guidance with individualized attention and a larger program if you prefer a larger community with more networking opportunities. 
• Where do you want to live for 8 years of medical school ? Choose a location that fits your needs for cost of living, housing, transportation, extracurriculars, as well as opportunities for fun and making friends. 
• Does the program offer financial aid? Choose a program that meets your financial needs in the form of stipends and tuition waivers. It’s important to note that if you drop out of an MD-PhD program, some schools require you to pay back the investment that the school made in you. 
• Will you fit into the school’s culture? Choose a program after you’ve visited the campus, talked with the current students and faculty, and asked about opportunities in your field of interest as well as other’s experiences at the school and living in the city.
• Does the MD/PhD Program align with your timeline? Choose a program with coursework that allows you to graduate in your preferred timeline, which could be sooner or longer than eight years.

Possible Career Paths for MD/PhD Graduates

A career choice often depends on an individual’s specific interests, such as which medical specialties they are drawn to, whether they prefer working with patients or in a laboratory, and how they want to contribute to advancing medical science.

The salary range for MD/PhD graduates varies significantly by position and type of work. Policy analysts’ starting salary is around $57,000 per year, while attending physicians who do research can make upwards of $500,000.

Below are careers someone with an MD-PhD might pursue:

Attending Physician with Research Responsibilities

An MD/PhD holder in this position would have a traditional medical role seeing and treating patients, but they might also have dedicated time for research. This role allows one to continue practicing medicine while contributing to academic or clinical research. 

Individuals in this role often split their time among patient care, research activities, and instructional duties. Typically, they are found in educational hospitals or medical schools.

Physicians’ salaries can vary significantly based on specialty and experience, but generally, they are well-compensated. An attending physician in a specialized field can expect to earn upwards of $200,000 to $500,000 or more, especially if they have dual responsibilities that include research.

Translational Medicine Specialist

These specialists work at the intersection of basic research and patient care, focusing on turning research insights into practical medical applications. 

This role may exist within academia, industry, or clinical settings and is tailored for those who understand both the clinical and research aspects of medicine.

The salary for this role can also vary based on industry, location, and level of experience but would likely fall in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 or more.

Biomedical Researcher

Those with MD-PhD qualifications commonly secure jobs as researchers within biomedical science. Employment settings can range from academic institutions and drug companies to governmental agencies like the NIH.

Salaries for biomedical researchers typically fall somewhere between $85,000 and $104,000 per year.

Clinical Research Director

These are medical doctors responsible for overseeing clinical trials and research projects, usually within a hospital, academic institution, or pharmaceutical/biotech company. This role leverages both the clinical insights from an MD and the research methodology of a PhD.

Salaries can vary widely depending on the setting (academia, private industry, etc.) and geographic location. In general, a Clinical Research Director could expect to earn a six-figure salary, often ranging from around $150,000 to $250,000 or more per year.

Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Professional

A significant number of MD-PhDs join the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors. Responsibilities might include roles in the development of new medications, overseeing clinical trials, regulatory compliance, or managing medical affairs.

The average salary for this position will likely differ quite a bit depending on the exact role and company, but the average is generally between $125,000 and $133,00 per year.

Medical Director

In this capacity, a person is in charge of the medical elements of a healthcare facility or a specific department within a hospital. The role usually calls for expertise in both medical practice and research.

This position is likely to be one of the most lucrative of the MD/PhD field, with an average salary from $319,000 to $329,000 per year.

Science Policy Analyst/Advisor

Individuals in this role often find themselves in governmental or nonprofit settings, where they influence policy decisions related to scientific research and healthcare.

The typical salary for a science policy analyst starts at around $57,000 per year. Advisors have a slightly higher upper salary range and may make as much as $75,000.

Public Health Official

Some MD-PhDs opt for roles in the public sector where they focus on health concerns at a societal level. They may be employed by organizations such as the CDC or WHO.

In many cases, public health officials can expect to make a yearly salary of between $101,000 and $111,000.

Medical Science Liaison

This role typically serves as an intermediary between pharmaceutical enterprises and medical professionals. These liaisons disseminate information about new treatments and scientific advancements to doctors, researchers, and other medical stakeholders.

This role also typically commands a six-figure salary, usually ranging from approximately $100,000 to $200,000, depending on experience, location, and the hiring organization.

Medical Educator

Professors teach medical students, residents, and fellows in an academic setting while also conducting research. These doctors often have clinical responsibilities as well. An MD/PhD is especially well-suited for this role due to the dual focus on clinical care and research.

They may teach various medical subjects like pharmacology or genetics and actively participate in the educational goals of their institutions.

In academia, salaries can vary widely based on rank (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Full Professor), institution, and geographic location. Salaries may range from $100,000 to well over $200,000 for senior roles or those at prestigious institutions.

Best MD/PhD Programs in the US

There are 122 different American Universities that offer MD/PhD degree programs, according to the AAMC list of MD-PhD Programs by State . A further 13 Canadian programs also use the AMCAS application system.

Some MD-PhD programs in the United States are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This means that students receive full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend throughout their training.

Medical schools with fully funded MD-PhD programs :

• Dartmouth University, Geisel School of Medicine
• Duke University School of Medicine
• Harvard/M.I.T MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School
• John Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science
• University of Florida College of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
• University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine
• Yale University School of Medicine

Medical schools with the most MD-PhD spots historically: 

• Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• University of Illinois College of Medicine
• Weill Cornell Medical College
• Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
• University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical School
• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School
• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Ohio State University College of Medicine
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
• New York University School of Medicine
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine

Medical schools with MD/PhD programs that accept international students:

• Emory University School of Medicine
• Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine/California Institute of Technology
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
• Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

The MD/PhD Application Process

The application process for MD-PhD programs is similar to that of typical MD programs. The two major differences are that you’ll designate yourself as an MD/PhD candidate on the AMCAS application, and you’ll submit 2 additional essays on that primary.

The Application Timeline

• AMCAS (submit by end of May): You’ll fill out a primary application through AMCAS in the spring of the first year of your application cycle (e.g., to matriculate in fall 2026, you’ll submit AMCAS in spring 2025). AMCAS opens at the end of May each year. Aim to submit the primary application no later than the end of June, as early applications are more likely to be reviewed and accepted.
• Secondaries (submit by end of August): You’ll respond to secondary applications in the summer after your primary application is reviewed by each school you submitted it to. Each program sends secondary applications to students who generally meet their minimum requirements.
• Interviews (October-March): You’ll then attend interviews as invited between October and March. Some schools won’t contact you at all to reject your application; others will offer conflicting invites. You must prioritize your options and prepare for the opportunities that do come. 
• Final decisions (December-March): Final decisions are made by schools between December and March. Schools with a rolling admissions cycle (most of them) accept students after completing interviews and determining a student is a fit. A smaller number of programs wait to send acceptances until after all interviews are complete.
• Choose your program (March-April): Students choose where to matriculate between March and April.
• Programs start (June-August): Programs begin between June and August, depending on the school.

How to Prepare for an MD/PhD interview

You should prepare for your MD/PhD interview by practicing mock interviews to rid yourself of the jitters and fine-tune your responses in various scenarios. In addition to developing your personal narrative, you must be able to explain your research training at multiple levels.  

If you’re interested in participating in a mock interview with a physician who has served on an admissions committee, consider a mock interview with MedSchoolCoach .

What to Do if You Get Waitlisted

Finding out that you’ve been waitlisted for the MD/PhD program of your dreams is never a good feeling. However, you are not helpless in the wait. It’s a good idea to remain in contact with program leaders and administrators by sending a Letter of Intent or a Letter of Interest.

Listen: An MD/PHD’s Journey to Medicine [PODCAST]  

What is a Letter of Intent vs. a Letter of Interest? 

A Letter of Intent is a formal statement that you would commit to matriculating into a program if you are accepted. A Letter of Interest conveys that you are strongly interested in the program, but it does not indicate any commitment or explicitly state that a program is your first choice.

Both letters should summarize why you believe the program and school are a great fit for your interests and how you will be able to uniquely contribute to the school, in under one page.

Finding Out You’ve Been Accepted!

The day you receive that phone call or email — the one from the MD-PhD program director contacting you to say you have officially been offered acceptance into their program — provides a feeling of joy worth being patient for!

Our Physician Advisors can support you through the application process for your best shot at getting into the school of your choice.

What specialties can MD/PhD graduates earn their PhD in?  

PhD students commonly choose to specialize in topics such as:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

What is the salary range for an MD/PhD graduate? 

MD/PhD graduates can expect an average annual salary of about $100K, depending on the type of work and place of employment.

What is the difference between a PhD and a Postdoctorate? 

A Postdoctoral Fellowship is a temporary period of mentorship and research training for graduates with doctoral degrees, offered by the National Institutes of Health, to acquire skills needed for a chosen career. A PhD thesis must be successfully defended, whereas a postdoc is a non-defendable temporary employment assignment from an organization such as a university.

Can an MD/PhD be a doctor? 

Graduates who earn an MD/PhD are fully qualified doctors and may practice medicine in a clinical setting upon completing their residency training.

Can an MD/PhD graduate be a surgeon? 

While an MD/PhD graduate CAN be a surgeon if they choose surgery specialties in their residency programs, a surgical resident is not required to obtain a PhD in addition to their MD.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with MedSchoolCoach to learn how we can help boost your chances of success getting into medical school .

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Why Pursue an MD-PhD?

New section.

Just some of the reasons why people choose a career as a physician-scientist.

• The career of a physician-scientist is unique. There are few comparable careers that allow one to experience the passion of solving a patient's medical struggles while pursuing research that may define the mechanism of that patient’s disease and may ultimately translate into a clinical cure for the disease.
• MD-PhD trainees are research scientists who solve mechanisms underlying disease, combined with their passion to treat patients in a clinical setting.
• MD-PhD training efficiently integrates the scientific and medical education of the physician-scientist.
• During the PhD training years, MD-PhD students take the coursework and formal training in research methodology that are important for the development of the research scientist.
• Most MD-PhD programs provide trainees with a stipend and tuition scholarships. This financial support recognizes the time that a student must spend in training for the MD-PhD career. The extent of financial support varies among programs and may only support U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Areas of Research Interest for MD-PhD Training

• Most MD-PhD candidates earn their PhD in biomedical laboratory disciplines such as cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering.
• Some MD-PhD Programs also allow trainees to do their graduate work in fields outside of laboratory disciplines, including computational biology, economics, epidemiology, health care policy, anthropology, sociology, or the history of medicine.
• The spectrum of graduate degree programs offered is an important element to consider when applying to specific MD-PhD Programs.
• @AAMCpremed

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.

• Medical School

MD PhD vs MD: Which is best for you?

If you find yourself struggling between pursuing an MD PhD vs MD degree, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll explore the similarities and differences between medical doctors and physician-scientists to help you determine how to choose the pathway that is best suited for you.

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Article Contents 7 min read

Md phd vs md: education.

While those with MD PhD and MD degrees are both medical doctors, MD PhD graduates also possess a PhD and are therefore known as physician-scientists or medical scientists. Obtaining this extra degree requires a different program structure and length compared to MD programs. MD PhD programs are generally 7-8 years in length and require attendance at both medical and graduate school. MD programs, on the other hand, will be completed in four years, half the time it will take MD PhD students. While both programs are classroom-based during the first two years, MD PhD students will move on to graduate school to complete their PhD thesis for between 3-4 years. They will then return to medical school for a year or two completing clinical rotations. Both MD PhD and MD graduates will complete their residency training for between 3-7 years before being licensed to practice medicine.

MD PhD vs MD: Application and Tuition

Whether you're interested in an MD PhD or an MD program, the application process is similar. You'll apply to most programs through AMCAS where you'll complete all sections of the application including the AMCAS work and activities section and you'll upload your coursework, letters of evaluation, and medical school personal statement . Make sure to find out if the schools of your choice require you to take CASPer test. If so, start practicing using CASPer sample questions as soon as you can. In addition to the standard application components, MD PhD applicants will have to complete two additional essays that describe both their reasons for pursuing an MD PhD degree and their research experience. Review our medical school application timelines  blog to ensure you're aware of the application process and corresponding deadlines.

It's no secret that both MD PhD and MD programs are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates on average between 1-4%. There are far fewer MD PhD programs available compared with MD programs and the large benefit of reduced or waived tuition makes for even higher competition, especially in MSTPs vs MD programs. It's a good idea to use our medical school chance predictor to see how your grades and test scores compare with the average scores of accepted individuals into either program. Last year, MD PhD matriculants had an average MCAT score of 516 and an average GPA of 3.80 compared with the 511.5 MCAT score and 3.73 GPA of MD matriculants. So, we can see that in order to be a competitive MD PhD applicant, you'll have to possess a higher GPA and MCAT score than if you were to apply as an MD applicant. Of course, the level of competition varies between schools, and there are certainly MD programs that receive a high volume of applicants competing for few spots making some MD programs more competitive than MD-PhD programs, it's entirely dependant on the school, program, and application cycle.

MD PhD vs MD: Career Outlook and Salary

Although it may seem obvious that students who graduate from MD programs become medical doctors and most practice medicine at hospitals, clinics, medical centers, and private practices, some students are unsure of what a career looks like as a physician-scientist. Many MD PhD graduates choose to complete their residency training in internal medicine, pathology, pediatrics, and neurology, however, many other specialties are also represented, from surgery to radiology to emergency medicine. Internal medicine is also a common specialty choice for MD graduates as well as pediatrics, emergency medicine, and family medicine. According to a study conducted by the AAMC, nearly 80% of all MD PhD graduates enjoy careers as faculty members at medical schools or work for the National Institute of Health (NIH), other research institutions, industry, and federal agencies with many devoting a large portion of their time to research. Also, out of roughly 7000 MD-PhD alumni that took part in this study, 82% said that they would partake in MD-PhD training again, even if they had the chance to go back in time and change their mind.

Physician-scientists not only possess in-depth knowledge in the medical field, they also have knowledge of population health and disease and will be trained to conduct independent research and analysis. With this dual degree, physician-scientists are highly valued for their ability to treat patients while also contributing to detecting health threats, developing new treatments, therapies or even cures. Physician-scientists working in academia can teach and provide clinical service, while also conducting their own, or joint, research. The annual salary for physician-scientists is usually between $60,000-$115,000, depending on the type and place of employment.

Physicians manage and support the health and well-being of those in their care. Through physical examinations, diagnostic testing, treatment, and communication, they can manage and significantly improve the health of their patients. Depending on the type of physician, they may perform surgeries and treat either general or specific illness and disease. Annual salaries generally correspond to level of training and specialization and usually range from $180,000-$280,000

For some, from the moment they put on safety glasses in science class or that time they resuscitate their childhood teddy bear, they knew what they were going to be when they grew up. Not everyone has an immediate passion or the typical “aha” moment later on in life. Sometimes, a student's drive to medicine or research develops later on in life, through experiences, education or even while overcoming hardships, and this is perfectly normal. So, what if you have a passion for both science and medicine? How can you choose whether to pursue an MD degree or a joint MD PhD degree? It's important to choose only once you've considered a variety of factors and are 100% sure in your decision, because the reality is, neither option will be easy and you'll have to be willing to invest the time, money, and effort to be successful.

Find out what drives you.

Start by thinking about what you're interested in and what motivates you to help you determine where your true passions lie. If you know that you are really interested in medicine and in helping others but only have a slight interest in research, then it's probably a good idea to pursue medicine on its own. At nearly twice the length of an MD program, the MD PhD program is no walk in the park. Students should only pursue this joint degree if they have a serious passion for both medicine and research. In addition to feeling passionate about treating patients, if you find yourself interested in the mechanisms behind disease, are curious about the unknowns and can't picture a career that doesn't involve research, it's a good sign that the joint program will be suitable for you.

Determining whether or not you are interested in becoming a medical doctor or a physician-scientist is the first and most important decision you'll have to make when deciding between the two pathways. If you're motivated by your passions, you're likely to enjoy your career because it's actually what you want to do. By putting in the time and effort to be the best version of yourself, you'll have a fulfilling rewarding career.

So, how can you know for sure which path is the best for you? Gain experience in the field well in advance of filling out your applications. This will be closest you'll get to test drive your potential career choice. If you're struggling to decide between an MD and MD PhD program, be sure to gain both clinical and research experience. This will be a great way for you to get hands-on experience in both fields to see which areas really spark your interest and which areas you're not as keen on. Learn how to ask to shadow a doctor , sign up for volunteering experiences that place you in the medical or research field, and partake in scientific experiments where you'll be testing hypotheses to gain research experience. Not only will these experiences be essential when filling out your medical school applications, the key is that through a variety of different experiences, you'll be able to hone in on your interests.

Consider the affordability of each program.

According to the AAMC, approximately 76% of medical school students graduate with debt. For the students that borrow money, the median debt is approximately $200,000 at public medical schools. Of course, with an average physician salary of $300,000, this debt can be repaid, but it can be a rocky start for students as they begin entering their careers. A major benefit of MD PhD programs is the fact that most programs partially cover or completely waive tuition for enrolled students, and many also provide a stipend that can be used to cover the costs of living expenses. Due to this, some students can finish their training debt-free, and potentially even with a decent amount of savings. Now, this isn't to say that you should simply pick a program based on the cost but it's an important factor to consider if you want to pursue either option. What's important is that you pick your path depending on which best aligns with your interests, motivations, and short and long term career goals.

Check out this video for a recap:

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MD vs. MD PhD [Which Is Better For You?]

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Are you still contemplating: MD vs. MD PhD ? Through this article, I’ll help you understand the difference between the two so you can decide which one suits you the most.

If you’re ready to proceed, let’s start diving deeper into the differences between an MD and PhD !

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Table Of Contents

What Is An MD?

People who aspire to become a physician can pursue a Doctor of Medicine or MD degree, and they are highly responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating patients while following correct protocols. An MD undergoes practical training, chooses medical specialization, and gains experience in the field .

MD students attended allopathic medical school and had to pass the USMLE or the United States Medical Licensing Examination . A designed USMLE assesses a student’s medical competency and it consists of three levels.

There are numerous types of medical doctors, and their title varies depending on their area of specialization . Successful MD students are more likely to enter clinical environments.

What Is An MD PhD?

An MD PhD is a dual doctoral degree known as a Doctor of Medicine and Philosophy . They have a different curriculum than MDs, where they are more hands-on in researching and discovering new knowledge . 

A career with an MD PhD, a combination of physician-scientist , allows you to solve a patient’s medical issues through extensive research . The program’s approach highly influences the students’ path, making them more likely to enter academic environments.

MD vs. MD PhD: Education

MDs have to complete a 4-year curriculum before applying to medical schools . 

• Often, the first two years are for pre-clinical focusing on core foundations .
• It is followed by another year for training in similar specialties , such as Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and many more.
• An internship would be the last hurdle.

To receive the degree, MD students must prove their knowledge through skills application during an internship and residency , allowing them to experience the job first-hand and learn from professional doctors. Other than that, a licensure exam is a must for this degree before they can practice independently.

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An MD PhD’s curriculum generally takes more years to finish than an MD’s. This program might take at least seven years, and it will supposedly be composed of the following:

• It starts with classroom-based classes .
• Then, the following is a few more years in graduate school for a PhD thesis . One should complete research and defend it from a panel. It can be about biomedical sciences, engineering, and other disciplines such as health policy, epidemiology, public health, chemistry, and so on.
• Then they’re back for clinical rotations .
• And finally, residency training is needed before getting a license.

As of 2022, the average yearly medical school tuition fees for MD students range from $37,000 to $62,000 . In comparison, it’s easier for your budget to take MD PhD programs since several offered scholarships and stipends exist that you can use as financial support for the whole duration of your career training.

MD vs. MD PhD: Career And Salary

MDs can pursue a research career, and an MD PhD can pursue a clinical career. However, one can’t deny that MDs are more suitable to pursue careers in the hands-on medical field , while PhDs would fit research-heavy careers more .

For both MD and MD PhD, depending on what interests you, you can work in clinical research, health services research, or laboratory science research, and you can also teach introductory courses, supervise student research, and teach physician assistants. 

If you pursue an MD degree you might end up in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, and private practices. Here are some of the job options and their respective average annual salary:

Anesthetists 

They are responsible for providing anesthesia to patients before the operation proceeds. They can earn an average salary of $331,937.

Cardiologists 

Cardiologists assess, diagnose, and treat patients with heart diseases, and they can earn an average salary of $351,827.

Clinical Radiologist

They are trained professionals who can read and interpret medical images to assess possible diseases and diagnose patients. They can earn an average salary of $437,590.

General Practice Doctor

General Practice Doctors or General practitioners’, their role is to provide medical treatment to patients with typical medical conditions. They can earn an average salary of $219,090.

Hospital Doctors

Their work involves interacting with patients, specializing in various medical areas, and treating medical conditions, and they can earn an average salary of $260,000.

Neurologists

They are trained professionals who diagnose and treat diseases that affect the brain and nervous system. They can earn an average salary of $270,900.

Ophthalmologists 

Specialize in eye care; they can handle treatment, surgery, and prescription for eye problems. They can earn an average salary of $311,471.

Pathologists

Pathologists partners up with different healthcare providers to diagnose a patient. They study body tissues and fluids and can earn an average salary of $200,890.

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist specializing in assessing and treating mental health problems can earn an average salary of $224,247.

Surgeons 

They are responsible for performing operations on patients, administering postoperative care,  and are considered surgical team leaders. They can earn an average salary of $415,692.

Meanwhile, if you pursue an MD PhD degree, then the following are where you can end up:

Academic Medical Centers

You’ll mostly be doing research and can go to various departments in academic medicine, such as Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Pathology, Neurology, Surgery, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, and many more. You are also eligible to become a faculty member in academic schools.

Government and Private Research Institutes

In these institutes, you’ll again spend more time applying your knowledge concerning health and diseases to do independent or group research.

Private practices

Compared to MDs, MD PhDs earn less. The salary depends on the job and the institute one gets in, but you can expect an average annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $115,000.

MD vs. MD PhD: Which Is Better For You?

If you have a specific career you’ve set your mind on, it’ll be easier to know which degree you’ll take. But if you can’t think of a particular job that resonates with you, it’ll be harder to decide and would most likely waste more of your time and brain power.

Fortunately, several helpful pieces of advice can help in organizing your thoughts. For a better understanding, the following are a few tips you can try to know whether MD or MD PhD suits you :

• You can start by assessing your primary interest . Having an initial fascination with something specific allows you to narrow down your considerations.
• Know and understand where your interests lay, what motivates you, and what your passions are . Also, understand what matters more for you and what aligns with your ideal future.  Are you interested in mainly diagnosing and treating patients ? Or are you interested in r esearching and finding cures for a specific disease ? Find out which one weighs more for you.
• Gain experience in the field you are eyeing . Prior experiences before deciding between the two degrees would help you understand whether that field is where you see yourself working more or if it fits you.  Only when you experience something will you truly realize what sparks your interests and whether you can last long in that area of expertise.
• Not everyone can afford medical school tuition fees ; if you’re one of those also highly considering that, it’ll affect your decision-making, too. Carefully consider whether having tuition debt is alright or if you prefer those that offer tuition and stipend assistance.
• Consider where and how you want to work, then do your research, and compare your wants and needs to how MD or an MD PhD careers work. The career’s work environment differs; for example, an MD allows you to associate with patients, have long shifts, and rarely have standard schedules , while an MD PhD might spend more time working independently on research .

Here is a quick recall of the differences between MD vs. MD PhD:

Hopefully, you have found this article about MD vs. MD PhD helpful enough. Now, you can take your time deciphering all the pieces of information given in this article and adequately decide between the two.

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• Should I Go To Medical School? [How To Know If It’s Right For Me]
• Hardest Medical School To Get Into [Full Breakdown]
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How much tax do I pay?

Just because most MD Phd students don’t receive W2 or 1099 forms from their university (and therefore don’t have income reported to the IRS), doesn’t get you off the hook for paying taxes. As of 1986, graduate stipends are taxable. In the US, individuals are responsible for calculating and paying their taxes.

• Summary points:
• All income beyond your tuition and fees is income and is taxed
• If you’re single and take a standard deduction, all income over ~$8k is taxable
• It’s your responsiblity to pay estimated taxes each quarter to the IRS
• During your PhD, your mentor’s grant often pays your salary. When this happens, you’re a compensated employee, you get a W2, some of your taxes will be withheld by the university…just like a regular job
• Generally, you can exclude income used for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for your courses
• Room & board is not deductable (except in Oregon, see ORS 316.846 )
• Some students work with an accountant the first year to maximize deductions while minimizing risk. This may cost a few hundred bucks.
• Some students create a potential liability for themselves by not filing a return; this is not advised unless otherwise told by your personal tax advisor.

Disclaimer: we’re not tax experts; we’re not accounting students. Everyone’s situation is different. Consult your tax advisor. Thanks

Supplemental loans for md/phd students.

Because the MD/PhD stipend offered by the NIH at participating MSTP programs is designed to meet your financial need, it is usually difficult to find need-based scholarships to cover additional family obligations for students with families and those carrying personal debt. But this is the great US of A, and with a strong earning potential in front of you banks would love to loan you money. The downside is that your loans will begin accruing interest throughout your residency, if not immediately. We recommend talking with your financial aide office about private loan information that may meet your personal circumstance before heading out to the regular market.

NRSA NIH Fellowship

One avenue to increase your stipend during some of your PhD years and your final years as a medical student is through a NIH F30 fellowship. The prestigous fellowships, often called an “F30” or “NRSA grant”, provide an opportunity to fund your research. Importantly, they also provide an additional $3,000 stipend payment (may vary slightly across universities). F30 program is specifically designed to support training in an accredited, combined MD/PhD program.

• More info on the NIH site for (formal grant title): Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral MD/PhD Fellows (F30)
• NRSA Application checklist (PDF) from UIUC.
• Strategic Planning for Grant Funding for MD/PhDs (PPT) from Emory.
• NRSA Fellowship Guide from U. Wisconsin

Other Things to Keep in Mind

• The NIH has a loan repayment program to encourage clinicians to enter research programs. In exchange for a two-year commitment to your clinical research career, NIH will repay up to $35,000 per year of your qualified educational debt, pay an additional 39% of the repayments to cover your Federal taxes, and may reimburse state taxes that result from these payments. See http://www.lrp.nih.gov/ for more info.

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No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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A sampling of md/phd faculty salaries.

After a recent post, I decided to look up some of the publicly reported MD PhD faculty salaries at my institution. These are people that I know spend a significant amount of time doing research and are scattered across their career from early career (less than 5 years out of fellowship) to late career (20 years out of fellowship). The lowest salary person I know has a dual appointment and unclear if this reports pay from both (loosely affiliated) institutions. So in 2020, these were the numbers I pulled (rounded to the nearest 10k).

120,000 160,000 160,000 180,000 180,000 210,000 250,000 290,000 310,000 350,000 410,000 440,000

Everyone from the 250k point down I know was less than 5 years out of fellowship in 2020, the rest are so where mid to late career. Comparing this to median physician salary, it's definitely a paycut, but even doing mostly research in academic medicine, you will make a pretty comfy income.

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MD/PhD salary

• Thread starter francisdoss
• Start date Mar 12, 2006

francisdoss

• Mar 12, 2006

Scottish Chap

Full member.

francisdoss said: Does anybody has any info about Md/PhD salaries?How do they work? Click to expand...

Senior Member

SIMMER DOWN

Stealthfully Sarcastic

Very little. There is no economic benefit to getting a Ph.D. unless you go into pharm. There only real reason that you should get an advanced degree is if you want to do research; and even then, I'm not so sure that spending 3-4 years on a research project is such a good idea. A solid residency program or fellowship will give you ample opportunities to do research.  

You will make less as an MD/PhD even if you do both. You will probably see patients 20% of the time or less, since your main focus is your research group. If you want to make a lot of money don't do MD/PhD unless you have an upcoming blockbuster drug. It's not all about the money.  

CaipirinhaQuinho

can we get some posts of real numbers or at least a range of money for an academic MD/PhD. Are we talking <100K, or like 100-150K...?  

Millionaire, Superhero

CaipirinhaQuinho said: can we get some posts of real numbers or at least a range of money for an academic MD/PhD. Are we talking <100K, or like 100-150K...? Click to expand...

Doctor&Geek

25 > 5 / 15 < 8.

There was a website that specifically compared renumeration for PhD vs. MD vs. MD/PhD. Can't remember where it was though.  

Given that the current surgeon does not have a PhD, I'd say that that getting both degrees is not going to open up any jobs for you in the near future.  

• Mar 13, 2006

Most 80/20 physician scientists in the primary care specialties will earn an equivalent salary with their clinic-only counterparts. If you're in a much higher paying specialty, then your salary is negotiable, but be warned that the more you get paid, the more chairs will ask you to commit to clinical volume rather than research funding. You must be able to support your salary off your grants, and this may be more difficult when you are your clinic-only counterparts are working less and making more money for the department than you are. If you're totally research, then you earn equivalent salary with your basic science tenure-track counterparts (much less than clinician), and your MD is really useless.  

I think people have basically already said all of this, but as an MD/Phd you won't make more money than would an MD who is in the same position. Will an MD/PhD be of benefit in applying for many of the most competitive residencies and fellowships at academic centers? Definitely, if your research is strong, and it probably will be with the PhD. As for academic medicine, my opinion is that the MD/PhD is probably the gold standard. You could also do a straight MD and then a long fellowship with research, but in the end the time spent is similar to doing the dual degree. Personally I would rather learn research as a relatively young graduate student than later in my career post-residency when I may be asked to take call between running experiments. If you have interest in working in pharma then having both degrees is definitely an advantage over either single degree. One only need scan through a lot of the high-level research positions in industry and many of them--disproportionately I think, but this is only an estimate--are filled with MD/PhD's. I gave a lot of thought to this before I 'signed up.' My best advice to anyone starting out is to try your best to define what goals you have for your career. Then decide if they are best served by the dual degrees or either one alone. Don't let the added time of doing a PhD intimidate you! Look ahead to the very long term--thirty years from now the added few years of a PhD will probably not seem like a significant period of time, but what you learned during it and the potential doors it might have opened could be hugely important. Anyway, I am nearing the end of the PhD part and I can tell you that it goes by faster than you think!  

I know an MD/PhD who makes >500,000 per year by doing a lot of stuff on top of research-- mainly consulting for biotech companies, but maybe that sort of thing is going to be happening less and less now....  

Hey, Sorry if my question was asked 10000 times. I really appreciate the responses. The school I want to go to med school is McGill University in Montreal. I got in as an international student. First they accepted me for MD. Then on Friday they told me I got in as MD/PhD. I have until May 31st to let them know if I want the joint program. At McGill, even if you accept you have until the first 1.5 years into the program to decline the PhD part. I don't know if I want to do that. I feel it's a real bad move. I want to make the decision NOW then later. But maybe I should wait? How McGill works...the first 1.5 years is basically all classes (with some hospital). But after that the last 2.5 years is ALL hospital rotations. So you do the PhD in between those times. They also let you do the PhD in ANYTHING you want. It could even be in engineering. Ehh...this is tough... I've always wanted to be a cardiologist...have a family...live a comfortable life...but at the same time I do like research....i want an exciting life and not routine. God damn... Hoomsy  

Junior Member

• Mar 14, 2006

"At McGill, even if you accept you have until the first 1.5 years into the program to decline the PhD part. I don't know if I want to do that. I feel it's >a real bad move. I want to make the decision NOW then later. But maybe I should wait?" Wait until you do some rotations at least. Med school is nothing like grad school (an obvious statement). Grad school will actually prepare you to do research, while in my experience med school doesn't. Dont' get me wrong though. Grad school can be tough... especially when all your former classmates are about to match... and you're still in the lab.  

Myempire1 said: "At McGill, even if you accept you have until the first 1.5 years into the program to decline the PhD part. I don't know if I want to do that. I feel it's >a real bad move. I want to make the decision NOW then later. But maybe I should wait?" Wait until you do some rotations at least. Med school is nothing like grad school (an obvious statement). Grad school will actually prepare you to do research, while in my experience med school doesn't. Dont' get me wrong though. Grad school can be tough... especially when all your former classmates are about to match... and you're still in the lab. Click to expand...

• Mar 15, 2006

deuist said: Very little. There is no economic benefit to getting a Ph.D. unless you go into pharm. There only real reason that you should get an advanced degree is if you want to do research; and even then, I'm not so sure that spending 3-4 years on a research project is such a good idea. A solid residency program or fellowship will give you ample opportunities to do research. Click to expand...

Haven't really thought about this until now, but there is a decreasing trend in physician compensation. So now a specialist clinician may make 250k-500k or whatever, but in the future it will most likely not remain as high, when we enter the workforce. As a physician scientist working 80/20, if you can continue to pull 200K (I'm assuming they're less influenced by managed care), then the difference really isn't that great. Who knows, the lack of loans, reduced clinical workload, higher independence may pay off in terms of lifestyle in the future. I'm being way over optimistic.  

who would make more money in general? In industry? In academia?  

hoomsy said: I've always wanted to be a cardiologist...have a family...live a comfortable life Click to expand...

CaipirinhaQuinho said: who would make more money in general? In industry? In academia? Click to expand...

I think the salary thing is quite variable for MD, PhD and MD/PhD. I was privileged to see salaries for medical faculty at a big academic medical center during an interview trail. It appeared the clinicians made slightly more money than their biomedical research colleagues (about 20-40K in excess of PhD and MD/PhD counterparts). New MD clinicians (clinical assistant professor) started at 90-120K. PhD and MD/PhD investigators at about 70-110K (assistant professor), but no one started below 70K except the MD guys who were "Instructor of Medicine" (at about 60K). MD/PhDs with some clinical responsibilities made slightly more money (roughly 20K in excess on average compared to research-only faculty). However, for senior faculty it became much more variable. It seemed experience and career accomplishments/administrative positions largely dictated their salaries. Highest earners were the surgeons of course (about 150-250K). Research-only full professors made anywhere from 90K-185K, with an exceptional one at 220K--this guy had been at the school for 20 years and was now director of a research center. Bottomline: Want money, go to industry or private practice. Or do strictly clinical medicine.  

Nuel said: I think the salary thing is quite variable for MD, PhD and MD/PhD. I was privileged to see salaries for medical faculty at a big academic medical center during an interview trail. It appeared the clinicians made slightly more money than their biomedical research colleagues (about 20-40K in excess of PhD and MD/PhD counterparts). New MD clinicians (clinical assistant professor) started at 90-120K. PhD and MD/PhD investigators at about 70-110K (assistant professor), but no one started below 70K except the MD guys who were "Instructor of Medicine" (at about 60K). MD/PhDs with some clinical responsibilities made slightly more money (roughly 20K in excess on average compared to research-only faculty). However, for senior faculty it became much more variable. It seemed experience and career accomplishments/administrative positions largely dictated their salaries. Highest earners were the surgeons of course (about 150-250K). Research-only full professors made anywhere from 90K-185K, with an exceptional one at 220K--this guy had been at the school for 20 years and was now director of a research center. Bottomline: Want money, go to industry or private practice. Or do strictly clinical medicine. Click to expand...

Well, the cost of living in the town where I picked this data is quite low. And it was the general surgeons who were making 150K (the least though).  

Nuel said: Well, the cost of living in the town where I picked this data is quite low. And it was the general surgeons who were making 150K (the least though). Click to expand...

• Mar 16, 2006

what about researchers that take home tons of grant money? how much do they see from that? I heard a rumor that the institution takes a cut (50%), the PI gets some(50% of what's left), and the rest goes to actual research. any truth in this? that would surely increase researchers money.  

CaipirinhaQuinho said: what about researchers that take home tons of grant money? how much do they see from that? I heard a rumor that the institution takes a cut (50%), the PI gets some(50% of what's left), and the rest goes to actual research. any truth in this? that would surely increase researchers money. Click to expand...

• Nov 16, 2007

I am a postdoc at an institution following the NIH salay scale for postdocs. I am an MD/PhD and ended up earning only 38.000 and will slowly make a little more during the years of my postdoc. Does anyone know how the NIH salary scale treats dual MD, PhD degrees?  

MSTP Director

• Jan 4, 2008

what do you plan on doing with your MD/PhD degree?  

I am going to cut my phd into squares and use it for toilet paper after I enter a private surgical practice and take no insurance. Can you tell I've been in the lab too long?  

jlm0185 said: what do you plan on doing with your MD/PhD degree? Click to expand...

Fencer said: The first and last statements are not true. With the 80 hr week, a solid residency exposes you to bits of research and lots of clinical care. A solid fellowship might have some time for research in a 2nd or 3rd year, but not the same as a PhD. Now if you are very successful in your professional career in research while providing clincial care, then you become chief/chair potential. To give you an idea, a chair might earn 150K more than a full professor ("05-'06 medians for professor and Chair - all specialties - all MD schools; $227K vs $391K ). Who becomes a chair? a well-known clinician scientist in an area. Will the PhD gives you an advantage over just an MD to develop leading edge research? you bet! However, the first sentence of your middle statement is very true! "There only real reason that you should get an advanced degree is if you want to do research" Click to expand...

• Jan 5, 2008

After receiving a MD/PhD degree, does one have to go into research or can they go and work for a hospital? I want to go for my MD/PhD and become a cardiologist and have the option of doing research in that field if I wanted to in the future...  

solumanculver

jlm0185 said: After receiving a MD/PhD degree, does one have to go into research or can they go and work for a hospital? I want to go for my MD/PhD and become a cardiologist and have the option of doing research in that field if I wanted to in the future... Click to expand...

deuist said: You're talking about competitive spots that are very rare to come by. Given that earning a Ph.D. will result in 3-4 years of lost income, you will have a difficult time making up that salary unless you seek a competitive specialty. In which case, you might as well apply directly to the competitive specialty with just an M.D. I stand by my previous statement, there is no financial benefit to getting a Ph.D. Click to expand...

One of my residents is an M.D./Ph.D. who also has an MPH. She's currently working on a dual meds/peds residency. She is going to be the most over educated primary care physician in the country.  

Who, me? A doctor?

deuist said: One of my residents is an M.D./Ph.D. who also has an MPH. She's currently working on a dual meds/peds residency. She is going to be the most over educated primary care physician in the country. Click to expand...

• Jan 6, 2008

I'm going to throw this out there. There is some financial benefit to the MD/PhD that has not been mentioned. One, it does pay for medical school and provide a stipend, so if you don't take too long to finish, you may break even or maybe come out ahead financially when you count the few years of lost physician income. And two, if you are seeking a competitive specialty in a desirable location, having the MD/PhD will make you a more desirable applicant for a wide variety of programs, especially if you are in the "borderline" range for those specialties as far as grades and board scores. This may be more "valuable" than just the dollars...if you want to say do ENT at Stanford for example, well the combined degree is going to help you a lot, and may put you in position to make much more $ than if you did pathology at upstairs hollywood medical college.  

If you take a look at the application data from this past year's match, you'll notice that you do not need an M.D./Ph.D. to get into the more competitive specialties. While I'll agree that the diploma might push the applicant forward who is otherwise considered borderline, nothing compares to good ole board scores and recommendation letters.  

• Jan 7, 2008

http://drslounge.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=5867533&postcount=13 I wrote this recently, and I'll repost/rephrase a bit here. What I'm saying is a generalization and totally depends on the institution, the department, etc... But, it seems to me that the more like a researcher you are, the more like a PhD's salary you will have. The more like a clinician you are, the more like a MD's salary you will have. There is many caveats to that, however. If the clinical department brings in little revenue anyway (many of the traditional MD/PhD residency/fellowships) and is losing money for every patient it sees (this happens in several at my institution), then they don't mind you doing research as long as you're successful. In this case you'll probably make roughly the same if you're an 100% clinical MD as you would as a PhD in the department anyway. For many departments I'm aware of, starting salaries are in the range of an assistant professor (PhD-only), and private practice may pay better but the job market is not great. If you're in a wildly profitable specialty, however, you're going to get dinged. This is why I said it's a total generalization. I know in the field I'm going into you take a tremendous pay cut by doing mostly research at most institutions, and so it's almost impossible to find new young MD 80% or greater researchers. In the intermediate pay specialties, everyone knows there's a huge pay grade going from PP (highest) to smaller/less prestigious academic institutions to big name academic instituitions (lowest). Why is this? Well there's a reputation factor, but the reality is the biggest name places have the most resources and most other big name faculty and will likely be the most flexible about giving you protected time for research. So while everyone in at the big name academic place is getting paid the same, the pay is lousy compared to the rest of the field regardless. All this and you'll probably work harder and get less vacation with your less pay to boot. So the more you want to just be a clinician, the more sense it makes to get away from the big name academic place where we will likely go to get a 80/20 (if it's even possible). That being said I'm aware of at least one department with a very obvious pay difference between MDs. In the department with which I'm most familiar, the pay differential comes in the form of bonuses and I think this is an institution wide thing. The yearly bonuses are a very substantial contribution to one's salary, and they're entirely based on RVUs. But this is kind of a moot point because I'm not even sure it's possible to get a position here as an 80/20. I've been laughed at for mentioning 80-90% research as a MD/PhD so many times I don't even bother anymore. Also, your pay is determined by the "track" you're on. Some tracks pay better than others--and of course the ones that pay more have more clinical duty. There's all kinds of games played at this at other institutions. Sure, one other big name place might give you as much protected research time as you want and you're making the same lousy pay as everyone else, but all the routine clinical stuff gets outsourced to a different department. BTW, make no mistake. When I say lousy, in my specialty we're talking about 2-fold pay cuts between comparative institutions where you'd do 100% clinical and even 3-fold compared to private practice. As far as I can see you have to make tremendous sacrifices to be a MD (or MD/PhD) who does significant research, especially in the current funding environment. Every recent graduate from my lab has gone into private practice or is very discouraged by the academic environment they've seen (except one guy who didn't even do residency), and you'd have be really dense to not figure out why. Regardless, you're still going to improve your pay quite a bit in most specialties by going into private practice and being 100% MD. The short answer to the op's question is still, yes, expect to take a salary cut by doing the MD/PhD. There are cases where this isn't true of course, but you should expect it. If this doesn't appeal to you, don't go MD/PhD.  

gstrub said: if you want to say do ENT at Stanford for example, well the combined degree is going to help you a lot, and may put you in position to make much more $ than if you did pathology at upstairs hollywood medical college. Click to expand...

• Jan 18, 2009

gstrub said: I'm going to throw this out there. There is some financial benefit to the MD/PhD that has not been mentioned. One, it does pay for medical school and provide a stipend, so if you don't take too long to finish, you may break even or maybe come out ahead financially when you count the few years of lost physician income . And two, if you are seeking a competitive specialty in a desirable location, having the MD/PhD will make you a more desirable applicant for a wide variety of programs, especially if you are in the "borderline" range for those specialties as far as grades and board scores. This may be more "valuable" than just the dollars...if you want to say do ENT at Stanford for example, well the combined degree is going to help you a lot, and may put you in position to make much more $ than if you did pathology at upstairs hollywood medical college. Click to expand...

And to think . . . I hesitated

• Jan 19, 2009

As an MSTP grad now in residency (2.5 years from completion), let me reiterate what others have posted above (eg. Neruonix). You absolutely WILL make LESS doing an MD/PhD if you have any reasearch component in your work. Despite the economic calculus spin others use I prefer to deal in reality. If you are seriously concerned that you will be making less than your MD counterparts then do yourself a favor and avoid MSTPs like the plague. I am still planning a research career but am fully cognizant of the finacial realities I will face.  

WorkaholicsAnon

Gfunk6 said: As an MSTP grad now in residency (2.5 years from completion), let me reiterate what others have posted above (eg. Neruonix). You absolutely WILL make LESS doing an MD/PhD if you have any reasearch component in your work. Despite the economic calculus spin others use I prefer to deal in reality. If you are seriously concerned that you will be making less than your MD counterparts then do yourself a favor and avoid MSTPs like the plague. I am still planning a research career but am fully cognizant of the finacial realities I will face. Click to expand...

WorkaholicsAnon said: What about an MD/Ph.D doing research vs. an MD-only doing the same amount of research? Would the MD/Ph.D's salary still be lower? Click to expand...

jefgreen said: Is this true for all programs? What is the catch? Click to expand...

gstrub said: And two, if you are seeking a competitive specialty in a desirable location, having the MD/PhD will make you a more desirable applicant for a wide variety of programs, especially if you are in the "borderline" range for those specialties as far as grades and board scores. Click to expand...

if you want to say do ENT at Stanford for example, well the combined degree is going to help you a lot, and may put you in position to make much more $ than if you did pathology at upstairs hollywood medical college. Click to expand...

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A major benefit of MD PhD programs is the fact that most programs partially cover or completely waive tuition for enrolled students, and many also provide a stipend that can be used to cover the costs of living expenses.

MD programs, on the other hand, will be completed in four years, half the time it will take MD PhD students.

The spectrum of graduate degree programs offered is an important element to consider when applying to specific MD-PhD Programs.

The MD/PhD Program trains physician scientists who are well prepared for both research and clinical practice, highly competitive and productive.

Regardless of where they eventually work, MD-PhD candidates are being prepared for careers in which they will spend most of their time doing research, in addition to caring for patients.

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Information for Prospective Ph.D. Students

Phd in computer science.

Our Ph.D. program is designed for individuals aiming to pursue a career in computer science research. Applicants should have a strong background in computer science and demonstrate the ability to conduct research both independently and collaboratively 

PhD Degree Requirements

The Graduate Policy Manual details all of the information on degree requirements, but at a high level:

Our graduate students receive the training and are expected to develop a mastery of their field, gaining a broad familiarity with their discipline by the time they graduate. 

Requirements for the PhD Degree include:

• Coursework: Six graduate-level courses covering four areas out of {artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, systems, databases, scientific computing, software engineering and programming languages, theory, and visual and geometric computing}, and two more graduate courses from any area. Also, 12 credit hours of CMSC 899 (Dissertation Research).
• Proposal: You must pass an oral Ph.D. Preliminary Examination on a research proposal and prepared readings. This must be completed within five years of entering the program.
• Defense: Finally, you must prepare a dissertation presenting an original contribution to the field of computer science and pass a final oral examination on your dissertation research. This must be done within four years after passing the Preliminary Examination.

Program Duration

Typically, full-time doctoral students will:

• Become engaged in research in their first year.
• Identify a dissertation adviser by the end of their second year.
• Identify a dissertation topic by the end of their third year.
• Secure admission to candidacy within 3-4 years.
• Depend on the standards in their fields, publish at least one paper prior to advancing to candidacy, and several prior to graduating.
• Complete all requirements and graduate within 4-6 years.

Financial Information

We are committed to funding all of our PhD students throughout their program,  contingent on making satisfactory progress. This is made possible with a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. 

Assistantships and Stipends:

• Guaranteed Assistantships: All PhD students are guaranteed assistantships upon admission. These include positions as research assistants (RAs) on funded projects or as teaching assistants (TAs).
• Competitive Stipends: For the 2023-2024 academic year, stipends range from $29,000 to $31,000 for a 9.5-month appointment, based on educational background and experience. Opportunities to earn additional income during the summer are available through further assistantships or internships at external research labs and companies.
• Tuition and Benefits: Teaching and research assistantships cover tuition for up to 10 credits per semester and provide health insurance, paralleling the benefits offered to university staff and faculty.

Tuition and Fees 

PhD students with full-time graduate assistantships receive tuition remission for up to 10 credits per semester, aligning with the typical enrollment of 6-9 credits. Half-time assistantships cover up to 5 credits. For detailed information about tuition rates and related expenses, please visit the Graduate Tuition & Fees .

Fellowships

Fellowships can be sourced both from within the University of Maryland and through external organizations:

• Internal Fellowships: Offered directly by UMD or specific departments within the university. For details on these opportunities, you can check out UMD's Fellowship & Awards website .
• External Fellowships: Examples include prestigious awards like the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships and Fulbright Fellowships . To apply for these, students should directly contact the administering agencies or seek assistance from the financial aid office at their current or UMD’s Fellowship Office .

To apply for these fellowships, you should contact the agency which administers them, check with the financial aid office in your current university, or contact UMD's Fellowship Office .