Calc-Based Physics a Necessity for MD/PhD and MSTP Programs?

[hiphopcrates]

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What do you all think? I have heard multiple opinions.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

MD/PhD course requirements are the same as the MD programs, at least at all the schools I've looked at. The only exception is if you want to do bioengineering (or some other non-traditional PhD or you're applying to Harvard HST), in which case you need to fulfill the engineering requirements as well which would necessitate calc based physics along with some other courses like linear algebra and diff.eq. You will also usually need to take the GRE in addition to the MCAT. However, if you're only applying to traditional biomedical PhD fields (immuno, neuro, molecular, biochem, etc.) then you shouldn't need anything beyond the MD requirements.

 

[hiphopcrates]

Excellent - thanks very much for the prompt reply and advice!

 

[red doctober]

What do you all think? I have heard multiple opinions.

I'll echo what was previously stated that it depends on the PhD program you'd intend on entering. Areas like structural bio, BME, chemistry might require it (or at least strongly recommend.) I would say though that adcoms (especially MD/PhD ones) like to see course rigor. Programs would probably prefer you to take calc-based physics, but it's not a requirement with the exceptions previously talked about.

 

[Loveless]

You will also usually need to take the GRE in addition to the MCAT.

Really? I was under the impression that at 99% of schools MD/PhDs only need the MCAT regardless of PhD subject.

 

[Lambda Phage]

Really? I was under the impression that at 99% of schools MD/PhDs only need the MCAT regardless of PhD subject.

+1

Most MD/PhD projects do not require the GRE.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Really? I was under the impression that at 99% of schools MD/PhDs only need the MCAT regardless of PhD subject.

The GRE isn't usually required unless you're applying for a PhD in a field outside the usual biomedical sciences. If you do apply to a non-traditional field, then they will likely want to see the GRE. The reason you don't have to take the GRE for almost all MD/PhD programs is that the biology department (and other biomedical departments) are willing to accept the MCAT in lieu of the GRE since it's material is more relevant to the biomedical sciences and it's generally considered to be significantly harder. However, programs that have material substantially different from biology like physics, engineering, and the humanities don't view the MCAT as a relevant test, so they still want to see you take their admissions test, which is the GRE. However, you still need the MCAT to appease the med school, so you end up having to take both.