Ohio University

M.D./Ph.D. programs are designed for students preparing for a career in medical research. It usually takes approximately 6-8 years to complete the degrees. A common sequence of study is 2 years of medical school, 3 years for Ph.D research and dissertation, followed by an additional 2 years of medical school. A credible candidate to an M.D./Ph.D. program should have an outstanding undergraduate record and test scores and substantial research experience. Because the programs require that the applicant be accepted by the graduate school or department as well as the medical school, application frequently entails additional interviews and a strong performance on both the GRE and the MCAT.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is an M.D./Ph.D. program funded by the federal government’s National Institute of General Medical Studies. MSTP grants are awarded to schools, which then select the students and administer the programs. Nationally, only about 150 new MSTP positions are available each year. Consult the MSAR for a list of schools offering MSTP’s or for the contact persons for M.D./Ph.D. programs.