To be considered for the MD/PhD program, applicants must:

• Show strong academic and research preparation
• Meet all Lewis Katz School of Medicine MD admission requirements
• Demonstrate high-quality scientific preparation
• Have at least one year of research experience prior to admission (in most cases)
• Provide outstanding letters of recommendation, including one that addresses research directly
• Present GPA and MCAT scores that are typically higher than the average for Katz MD admission
• Be reviewed and approved by the MD/PhD Advisory Committee

To apply to the MD/PhD program:

• Submit an AMCAS application and select the MD/PhD application type
• When you choose the MD/PhD option, your application is automatically considered for both the MD and MD/PhD programs. You do not need to submit two separate applications, but you must be accepted into both programs
• Complete the MD/PhD essays within AMCAS, which ask about:
  • Your interest in an MD/PhD degree/career
  • Your significant research experiences
• Include at least one letter of recommendation focused on your research background
• If invited, attend a combined interview day with both the MD program and the MD/PhD program

Since entry to the program significantly depends on a candidates’ research skills, we strongly recommend you include at least one letter of reference that specifically comments on your research experience.

Step 1: Initial Review

The MD/PhD program director and a screener from the MD program perform a holistic review of complete applications.

Step 2: Interviews

Selected candidates attend a combined interview day with:

• The Medical School Admissions Committee 
• The MD/PhD Advisory Committee 

Step 3: Decision

• The Medical School Admissions Committee oversees admission to the MD program
• The MD/PhD Advisory Committee serves as the admissions committee for the dual-degree track and makes final decisions about MD/PhD acceptance
• Together, the committees ensure applicants are qualified for both degrees

Additional Pathway:

First-year Katz MD students may also apply to join the MD/PhD program after matriculation.

Most of the students accepted into the Program are provided with a MD/PhD fellowship throughout the seven or eight years of study. This includes full tuition remission throughout both the medical and graduate school years and a stipend. The stipend is presently $36,000/year while in the program.