Special MD Programs
Many programs exist allowing the individual to obtain an MD and a second advanced degree. The most prevalent is the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) which leads to a combined MD and Ph.D. About 170 new students each year enter the combined program at 33 schools. The University of Minnesota takes 6-10 students per year. The program is highly competitive and is designed for students interested in a career in biomedical research and academic medicine. The program takes a minimum of seven years with full financial support. Most applicants have had extensive undergraduate research experience, high MCATS (over 30, usually 33-39; U.MN. 34.4) and a high GPA (over 3.7; U.MN. 3.75). Some programs require the GRE in addition to the MCAT. Applications usually are made to both the medical school and graduate school.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a unique MD/Ph.D. where the Ph.D. can be in any area from English to Biology. Other institutions (ten schools) have MD/JD; an increasing number offer an MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and an MD/MHI in Health Informatics.
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