Why pursue an M.D./Ph.D. Combined Degree?

Physician-scientists play a unique role in medicine by combining clinical practice with cutting-edge research. They take observations from the bedside into the laboratory, make basic discoveries, and translate their discoveries into new methods for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. 

Getting a Ph.D. sets you apart from the vast majority of physicians. Advantages include acceptance to top residency programs as well as training for a successful career in academic medicine.  Wright State University is home to state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognized research mentors, giving you the resources and connections you need to thrive. 

Program Description

Students spend the first 2 years taking all the classes taken by traditional M.D. students. After passing step 1 of the boards, students begin the Ph.D. portion of their training. 
The Ph.D. portion lasts 3 to 5 years. The first step is passing the oral and written preliminary examination in which the student writes and defends a grant proposal. The Ph.D. portion of training culminates with writing and defending their Ph.D. proposal, which should represent a significant new biomedical finding. 

After completing their thesis work, the student resumes their medical training consisting of the last two years of medical school. 

Completion of the program is expected to take between 7 and 9 years. 

Financial Support

Students receive a tuition waiver for the entire portion of both the M.D. and the Ph.D. training. During the Ph.D. portion of their training, the student also receives a stipend each year. Students who write and receive an F31 grant also receive a stipend during the last two years of the MD portion of their training. 

Admission

Traditional route: Students applying to this dual degree program should follow admission guidelines for both the School of Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program.  Prospective students will complete a separate application for each school. Students interested in pursuing the MD-PhD program must first complete all medical school application materials through the AMCAS online portal and be accepted to the MD program. Once accepted to medical school, the applicant must complete an application for the Ph.D. program at Wright State. Admission to the MD/PhD program will be decided in a separate interview.  

Alternate Route

Currently enrolled first- or second-year students in the School of Medicine may also apply for admission to the M.D.-Ph.D. program. 

Questions should be directed to Dr. Mark Rich (mark.rich@wright.edu) for additional information.