For many students who excel in the sciences and wish to continue their education, it may seems as if only two options exist: to pursue a medical degree or to attend graduate school to receive either a masters or doctorate degree. Most students are satisfied by these different options, but for a rare few, both paths seem equally appealing.

For such students, a third option exists, which is often unknown to students studying the basic sciences. This option is the MD/PhD dual degree program. Most MD/PhD programs are called Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs). This designation indicates that these programs receive most of their funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH). As part of such programs, the student's entire tuition is paid for throughout their training. In addition, students receive a yearly stipend that often helps to cover personal expenses. The UIC MD/PhD Program, which falls into this category, awards a medical degree from the College of Medicine along with an advanced degree from the Graduate College. MD/PhD candidates typically pursue both degrees at the same educational institution. Often, credit for coursework completed during graduate school may be transferred to courses required in medical school. This may allow students to complete their degrees in a shorter period of time.

The program is unique in that PhD study is inserted into the middle of the medical school curriculum. The first two years are spent at the medical school, where MD/PhD students have a schedule identical to that of a regular medical student. The uniqueness of the program is that, as an M1 and M2, a student is exposed to many research possibilities and given academic guidance. This early exposure to research is helpful in deciding what area of science a student wants to study in graduate school. The exposure to various areas of research is carried out through different laboratory rotations. The most common areas of research that students choose to study are biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology. The research opportunities vary among schools (e.g., Rush University offers only six areas, Penn State University offers nine areas; however the University of Chicago offers the opportunity to research in almost any area-one can even obtain a PhD in English). The students then complete four years of graduate school, similar to a graduate student, in order to complete their PhD dissertation. Finally, students finish the last two years of medical school.

Students in the MD/PhD program seek a connection between the medical and scientific fields. UIC MD/PhD program coordinator Roberta Bernstein explains that the program "is for people who want to become 'medical scientists'. combining research and clinical work, each of which contribute to the other, leading to a rich understanding of diseases and their causes." She adds, "A physician today wants to know what the cause of disease is. An MD/PhD wants to understand disease, the acuteness of need, and what is involved in human terms." Dr. Larry Tobacman, Director of the UIC MD/PhD Program, agrees by saying: "The whole idea of a university medical center is that at the interface between science and medicine, there is great promise for the future. The idea of getting the combined degree is for the student to be at the interface."

One major concern for the students is what to do with the dual degrees once both degrees are completed. Currently, a shortage of jobs for PhDs exists. Obtaining a combined MD/PhD degree may make an individual more competitive for research positions. Additionally, according to Bernstein, MD/PhDs place very well in residency programs and often receive their first choice of specialty. Secondly, if graduates are unable to secure a job in academia right away, they are still prepared to practice medicine.

In addition to completing a post-doctoral position in a research laboratory, MD/PhD students have the option of completing a medical residency. Many students decide to complete either one, sometimes both, of these options. Most people who have obtained dual degrees occasionally see patients and spend time doing clinical work. Their primary job, however, is usually as a research scientist for private companies or academic centers.

Admission to an MD/PhD program is very competitive nationwide. The factors considered by an admissions committee vary among every medical and graduate school. However, as a general rule, students must have strong research experiences, an MCAT score of at least a 30, and a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0. If one is looking to engage in medically relevant research as a career, applying to an MD/PhD program is worth considering. Such a program, in addition to covering tuition and other expenses, offers a highly-tailored educational experience for those students interested in the science of medicine.