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The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine MD/PhD program was established in 1985 to provide the
combined MD/PhD degree education to a few academically capable and highly motivated students accepted to the
College of Human Medicine (CHM).
The CHM MD/PhD program is a well-integrated training program that combines medical training (MD) with outstanding graduate training, leading to PhDs in areas of biomedical research. Our goal is to educate and train the next generation of leaders in biomedical research and academic medicine.
Program Overview
Our program is unique, offering an integrated curriculum. In their first and second years, MD/PhD fellows concurrently take both a selection of medical school and graduate school courses. This provides an opportunity for the fellows to start on their graduate courses while also getting to know both their fellow MD and PhD classmates.
The training program begins during the summer prior to the first year of medical school, with participation in a laboratory rotation and human gross anatomy. Fellows begin their research projects by Year 3, and on average, these projects should be completed by the end of Year 5.
Unique to this MD/PhD program is the introduction of the Integrated Clinical Experience during graduate training (Years 3-5). MD/PhD fellows stay in touch with their medical colleagues and medical training as they participate in one continuity clinic. These clinic assignments are one half-day biweekly in a clinic of interest as selected by the fellow.
MD/PhD fellows are expected to complete all graduation requirements for the PhD program and all
preclinical requirements before proceeding to the final portion of their MD training, the clinical phase, which is expected to occur
in Years 6-7 of t
he program.
MD/PhD fellows will find another unique feature of the program during their clinical training: the introduction of the Integrated Research Experience. MD/PhD fellows can take up to two months of research electives during these two years. These electives count as program credit for the research experience completed during the graduate training component.
To assure successful completion of the program, the fellow’s progress is reviewed by the Research Mentor and the Thesis Committee, as well as annually by the MD/PhD Fellow Progress Review Committee.
Eligibility and Application
An applicant must apply for admission to CHM as a medical student through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Concurrently, applications must also be submitted to both the Graduate School and the MD/PhD Program. If accepted to both CHM and a graduate program, the applicant will be reviewed by the MD/PhD Selection Committee for a final decision. If accepted by the MD/PhD Selection Committee, the applicant will be enrolled iin the MD/PhD program.
Interested applicants should:
Apply to the College of Human Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) by November 15.
Take (or retake, if necessary) the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) by September.
Apply to the Graduate School no later than November 15.
Complete and return the MD/PhD program application and all supplementary materials by November 15:
Your most current curriculum vitae.
A statement of your purpose and reasons for wishing to pursue a PhD degree through the College of Human Medicine.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions from which you have been or will be awarded a degree(s).
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must request three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's qualifications for the MD/PhD Program, as well as their motivation and ability to conduct research. Letters must be mailed directly by the writers.
Interviews
Interviews with MD/PhD Program faculty for the MD/PhD program will be scheduled to 
coincide with interviews for
admission to the CHM MD program whenever possible.
Applicants are interviewed separately for each program by members of the respective interview panels. Each candidate will be interviewed by two or more faculty members, tour the medical school and the research facilities, and given the opportunity to meet with appropriate faculty and current MD/PhD students during her/his visit.
Fees
There is no additional fee for the applications for the MD/PhD program or the Graduate School.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of the decision as soon as possible. Admission to the College of Human Medicine MD Program will not be affected by the decision of the MD/PhD Program Selection Committee.
Financial Support
During preclinical, graduate, and clinical years, MD/PhD fellows will receive a financial package to cover health insurance, tuition, and stipend.
Additional Information
Please visit the CHM Graduate Programs website for more information.
Prospective students may also direct inquiries to the department of major interest. Click here for a complete list of graduate programs.
Specific questions regarding the MD/PhD program may be directed to:
Dr. Elahé Crockett
Director
MD/PhD Program
Email: ecrocket@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 432-8417
Q: What is the deadline for application to the MD/PhD Program?
A: The MD/PhD program application deadline is November 15.
Q: I have not yet heard from CHM about a medical school interview. Should I contact someone?
A: Please send CHM a brief email discussing your concerns. The Assistant Dean for Admissions will review your message, and while your application to CHM will not be evaluated any differently, it may be processed using a timeline compatible with application to the MD/PhD program. CHM conducts interviews through March, and our admissions process is structured so that seats remain available for those applicants who interview later in the year.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE to be eligible for the MD/PhD program?
A: No, but some graduate programs may require the GRE. Please review the requirements for your program of interest on the Graduate School website or contact the MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Elahé Crockett, by email or at (517) 432-8417.
Q: How long does it take to complete both degrees?
A: Seven to eight years is the average to complete the entire program.
Q: How many students are accepted to the program?
A: Up to four students are accepted to the program each year.
Q: I am an international student; may I apply to the MD/PhD program?
A: Any student who is eligible for MD program is also eligible to apply to MD/PhD program. At this time CHM will accept applications only from US citizens, Canadian citizens, and those who hold a US permanent resident visa.
Q: I am an international student. Do I receive the same financial aid package as US citizens?
A: No, international students are not eligible for financial aid. You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident to be eligible for financial assistance.
Q: How can I get more information? Can I take a tour of campus and the medical/research facility?
A: Please contact the MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Elahé Crockett, at (517) 432-8417.
Q: If I am not accepted to the MD/PhD program, will I lose my acceptance to the medical school?
A: No. Admission to the CHM MD program is separate from admission to the MD/PhD program. You will not lose your seat in the medical school class.
Q: Will applying to the MD/PhD program or being accepted by the Graduate School increase my likelihood of being accepted to CHM as a medical student?
A: No, medical school admission decisions and MD/PhD admission decisions are made by two separate committees using two different processes. Your academic successes and research accomplishments will be taken into consideration by the CHM Committee on Admissions, but many other factors are also considered in making the decision to accept applicant into the CHM class.
For more information about qualities of a competitive CHM applicant, please visit our CHM General Information web page.
Q: Do I need research experience?
A: Yes. Research experience is an important factor in the evaluation of your application to the MD/PhD program.
Q: Do I have to apply to a specific graduate program?
A: No. Qualified students who are unsure about which graduate program will best fit their interests should contact the MD/PhD Program Director, Dr. Elahé Crockett, for guidance. She can be reached by email or at (517) 432-8417.
Q: What are some of the PhD programs chosen by MD/PhD candidates?
A: MD/PhD applicants choose to pursue doctorates in a variety of fields, including biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and molecular genetics, neuroscience, pharmacology and toxicology, and physiology.
Q: Do I need to fill out a separate application to the Graduate School?
A: Yes, you must submit an application to the Graduate School. Find the application here.
Q: My application, statement of purpose, and curriculum vitae are ready for submission, but I am having some difficulty securing my official transcripts. Must I wait until I have received all official transcripts before submitting my application and supporting documents?
A: It is strongly preferred that all application materials be sent together. However, if you are having difficulty obtaining your transcripts or any other supporting documents, please email Dr. Crockett.
Q: How can I find out more about MD/PhD programs in general?
A: Additional information for MD/PhD applicants can be found on the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.