What does MD/PhD actually mean?

[Hermoinely]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I'm researching schools and programs to apply to, and I'm stuck on one thing that isn't directly stated anywhere

MD/PhD program meas you have to do the PhD too, right? Like the slash doesn't mean MD or PhD, it means MD and PhD?

Because I'm looking to do MD, not the PhD, so while searching for schools, I should look for schools with an MD program available, right?

This could be very trivial, I know, but I need to know before I go and cross out the MD/PhD schools

 

[Chansey]

Yep. MD/PhD means you have to complete both the MD and the PhD. This usually takes 8 years. You get a full ride to the medical school, and a stipend of about $30,000. People who do the MD/PhD are primarily interested in research over clinical medicine.

All MD/PhD schools have MD-only programs. Just make sure you don't check the box that says, "I'm applying for MD/PhD" and you'll be fine. Many schools even allow you to apply to both programs simultaneously.

 

[Goro]

As an aside, some MD/PhD programs differ in the rigor of the PhD thesis part. I had a friend who got hers at Baylor, and the PhD part was the real deal...she took five years just for that.

I've known other MD/PhDs for whom the latter degree was essentially a glorified MS.

Yep. MD/PhD means you have to complete both the MD and the PhD. This usually takes 8 years. You get a full ride to the medical school, and a stipend of about $30,000. People who do the MD/PhD are primarily interested in research over clinical medicine.

All MD/PhD schools have MD-only programs. Just make sure you don't check the box that says, "I'm applying for MD/PhD" and you'll be fine. Many schools even allow you to apply to both programs simultaneously.