Medicine (MD)/PhD

Major: Medicine (MD) / PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0102
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 

About the Program

The MD/PhD program allows students to integrate their medical education with intense research training by selecting a training mentor from one of the PhD programs. Once a research training mentor is selected, the student will be enrolled in the mentor's academically affiliated PhD program. MD/PhD students learn the fundamental clinical aspects of medicine and receive advanced training in a specific field of research. Physicians with extensive research training are uniquely positioned to advance medical care and to teach at the cutting edge of medical discovery.

For more information, please visit the MD/PhD web page.

Admission Requirements 

MD/PhD Program Application Procedure

Applications are submitted to the medical college through AMCAS. Please select the MD/PhD option in the AMCAS application. After the verified application is received, Drexel University College of Medicine will send the secondary application. If the MD/PhD option was not initially selected in the AMCAS application, applicants may indicate their interest in the program by selecting the MD/PhD option in the secondary application.

Both options place the application in a separate review group specific to the MD/PhD dual degree program. Please ensure that at least one of the recommendation letters is from an individual who is able to assess the applicant's research capabilities and potential.

Required Application Materials

1. AMCAS application
2. Medical school supplemental application (sent via email after AMCAS application is verified in our system)
3. AMCAS letters of recommendation (make sure all of your recommenders have submitted their letters to AMCAS)
4. Photo (submitted with medical school supplemental application)

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If the applicant is a permanent resident of the U.S., a copy of the applicant's green card is required when applying.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all MD requirements, which also substitute for Year One PhD requirements. The remaining PhD requirements per program are listed below.

MD/PhD in Biochemistry of Health & Disease

*

Taken each semester until the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken 

MD/PhD in Microbiology & Immunology

*

Taken each semester until the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken 

MD/PhD in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics

*

Taken each semester until the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken 

MD/PhD in Neuroscience

*

Taken each semester until the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken 

MD/PhD in Pharmacology & Physiology

*

Taken each semester until the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken 

 

 

Sample Plan of Study  

MD/PhD in Biochemistry of Health & Disease

MD/PhD in Microbiology & Immunology

MD/PhD in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics 

MD/PhD in Neuroscience

MD/PhD in Pharmacology & Physiology

Program Level Outcomes

MD/PhD students must meet the program level outcomes of their selected PhD program, as well as those of the MD program, which include:

• Be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health in all patients across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.
• Demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and to improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and lifelong learning.
• Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families and other health professionals.
• Demonstrate adherence to ethical principles, development of physician attributes and commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities.
• Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.