Dual Degrees

[Algophiliac]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I was wondering what dual degrees were possible for medical school applicants (both common combinations like MD/PhD (and I'm curious...PhD in what exactly?) or more unique ones like MD/JD) and what can be done in undergrad to increase chances of being accepted into each of the possible programs (for example, MD/JD...is law experience or some specific major required?). After researching on some medical school websites, I've realized these are extremely competitive! I'll probably be told off for getting ahead of myself, but humor me. 😀 Here is a list of a few programs I'm aware of:

MD/PhD
MD/JD
MD/MBA
MD/MPH

Are there any more interesting programs I don't know about?

 

[URHere]

I can really only speak for the MD/PhD on this one, but I'll tell you what I can.

If you want to go into an MD/PhD program, RESEARCH IS KEY. In general, applicants need 2 or more years of substantial research, and should have participated directly in designing experiments, carrying out the research, doing statistical analysis, and writing up/presenting results. Publications, posters, and talks at conferences are nice but not mandatory. The ability to talk about research critically, pick apart publications, etc. is absolutely vital.

Generally, the average GPAs and MCAT scores are higher for successful MD/PhD applicants than for MD-only applicants. GPA is a bit more flexible, but MCAT average tends to be around 35.

The program requires that all medical school requirements are also completed, although MD/PhD applicants can generally get away with less clinical exposure than MD-only candidates. If you want to know more, check out the MD/PhD subforum - Neuronix's sticky is especially helpful.

As for the PhD - what you are allowed to pursue varies by school. Almost all schools offer degrees in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Pharmacology & Physiology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and other large Biology subdivisions. A substantial number offer programs in Bioengineering and/or Bioinformatics, and a smaller number offer PhDs in the humanities or social sciences.

If you want to increase your chances as an undergraduate, get into research early, build strong relationships with a lab or two, handle your own research project, and stay on top of your academics.

 

[tiamat360]

There are some schools which also offer MD/MS programs, such as the JMP with UCSF and UC Berkeley and CCLCM.

 

[tennisball80]

Is it true that combined degrees programs are harder to get into than the traditional MD degree programs ?

 

[URHere]

Is it true that combined degrees programs are harder to get into than the traditional MD degree programs ?

That really depends on the particular applicant and the particular school. It is true that there are fewer applicants to combined degree programs than to traditional MD programs. It is also true (for MD/PhD applicants at least) that the dual degree applicants have higher GPAs and MCAT scores on average than MD-only applicants. However, there are other factors that go into dual degree admissions.

There are some people with phenomenal research backgrounds with average GPAs who have a much easier time getting into an MD/PhD program than an MD-only program. On the other hand, there are some applicants with near perfect stats who would have no prayer of getting into an MD/PhD dual degree program because they lack research experience. As for the people in the middle, it's really hard to say. There is less competition, but the competition is very tough. Personally, I would say that it is harder for most non-superstars to be accepted to dual degree programs than MD-only programs.

Also, several schools require dual degree applicants to be accepted by the MD program before they stand a chance of getting into the dual degree program. At those schools, it is obviously harder to be accepted to the dual degree programs.

 

[Algophiliac]

I can really only speak for the MD/PhD on this one, but I'll tell you what I can.

If you want to go into an MD/PhD program, RESEARCH IS KEY. In general, applicants need 2 or more years of substantial research, and should have participated directly in designing experiments, carrying out the research, doing statistical analysis, and writing up/presenting results. Publications, posters, and talks at conferences are nice but not mandatory. The ability to talk about research critically, pick apart publications, etc. is absolutely vital.

Generally, the average GPAs and MCAT scores are higher for successful MD/PhD applicants than for MD-only applicants. GPA is a bit more flexible, but MCAT average tends to be around 35.

The program requires that all medical school requirements are also completed, although MD/PhD applicants can generally get away with less clinical exposure than MD-only candidates. If you want to know more, check out the MD/PhD subforum - Neuronix's sticky is especially helpful.

As for the PhD - what you are allowed to pursue varies by school. Almost all schools offer degrees in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Pharmacology & Physiology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and other large Biology subdivisions. A substantial number offer programs in Bioengineering and/or Bioinformatics, and a smaller number offer PhDs in the humanities or social sciences.

If you want to increase your chances as an undergraduate, get into research early, build strong relationships with a lab or two, handle your own research project, and stay on top of your academics.

Thanks, URHere! 😀

For the research aspect, are independent research and possible publications both considered necessary components? I intend to do my best in obtaining the former, but I hear the latter is mainly a matter of luck, which worries me. I'd hate to have to choose a lab mainly for its publication potential as opposed to what actually seems interesting.

Slacking off in academics and MCAT is a no-no. Got it. 😀 Something tells me that smile won't be there in a year...😉

Thank you for guiding me to the correct forum for further research!

Neuroscience will most likely be my choice if I consider this path. And on that note, could you explain the advantages of MD/PhD over just MD in academic medicine? Some individuals on this site seem to claim the differences are marginal, at best, but that seems a little odd.

Again, thanks, URHere! 🙂

 

[URHere]

Thanks, URHere! 😀

For the research aspect, are independent research and possible publications both considered necessary components? I intend to do my best in obtaining the former, but I hear the latter is mainly a matter of luck, which worries me. I'd hate to have to choose a lab mainly for its publication potential as opposed to what actually seems interesting.

And on that note, could you explain the advantages of MD/PhD over just MD in academic medicine? Some individuals on this site seem to claim the differences are marginal, at best, but that seems a little odd.

Again, thanks, URHere! 🙂

The only thing you technically need in terms of research is a solid research background where you contribute to the project in terms of design, data collection, and analysis (presenting your research is also good). This will almost always mean that you head up a certain project (I would call that independent research, but some people would call it something else). Publications are not required, and many people get into MD/PhD programs without them.

As for the advantages of an MD/PhD...you will hear very mixed things about that topic, but this is my take. For people who want to do clinical research or research on a topic they already have experience with, the PhD component is probably not necessary. It is possible to do research with an MD alone, and if the research field is familiar to you, you can learn everything you need to during a fellowship (research time after residency).

On the other hand, if you want to do research in an area that is new to you, or one that relies very heavily on basic science techniques, the PhD can be extremely valuable. The PhD years are a time to learn the techniques of the field from experts without grant deadlines or the end of your fellowship looming over your head. Sometimes, it can take YEARS to learn how to do things like design a genetically-modified animal or synthesize a new chemical, and it would be foolish to tackle something like that during fellowship. Furthermore, the PhD portion of the program teaches students how to think about science, design valuable experiments, criticize and re-evaluate their own experiments, and present their work. Also, students can really rack up publications while earning the PhD. When it comes time to look for faculty jobs, those publications and skills are extremely valuable, so I would say that the dual degree is more than worth it if you need the time to develop complex skills and build a resume.