Dual MD/PhD Program

The MD/PhD Program offered by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University provides the opportunity to obtain expertise in clinical medicine and become broadly trained in basic science research at an institution noted for excellence in teaching and research. The program is comprehensive, demanding and challenging, and thus attracts bright, highly motivated individuals drawn to a research career in academic medicine. The successful candidate can generally expect to spend two years in the medical school curriculum and the next three years carrying out an original research project and completing courses and other requirements for the PhD degree under the guidance of a preceptor in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. For the final two years, the student returns to medical school for clinical training.

Student Outcomes

Recent graduates of the Temple University MD/PhD program have received combined postgraduate medical (residency) and postdoctoral research training at the following institutions, as well as other prestigious medical institutions.

• Boston University Hospital
• Brown University
• Cornell University
• Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Temple University Hospital
• University of California at San Francisco
• University of California at San Diego
• University of Texas
• Yale University
• Jefferson University
• University Health Center of Pittsburgh
• University of Michigan
• Columbia University
• College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Duke University Medical Center
• University of Chicago
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Program Description

A state-affiliated institution founded in 1844, Temple University is now one of the largest universities in the country. The Health Science Center includes the schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy; the College of Allied Health Professions; and Temple University Hospital. It is located on Broad Street in Philadelphia, five blocks from the North Philadelphia Amtrak Railroad Station and about 1 to 1/2 miles north of Broad Street and Montgomery Avenue, the site of the main campus of Temple University.

Programs of Study

Students can complete an area of concentration in one of the following five clusters: cancer biology and genetics; infectious disease and immunity; molecular and cellular biosciences; neuroscience; and organ systems and translational medicine.

The majority of program advisors are associated with the School of Medicine research centers, including the following.

• Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine
• Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center
• Center for Substance Abuse Research
• Independence Blue Cross Cardiovascular Research Center
• Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing
• Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center
• Center for Translational Medicine
• Center for Inflammation and Lung Research
• Center for Metabolic Disease Research
• Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center
• Alzheimer's Center at Temple
• Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program provides rigorous scientific training within a concentration in one of the five cluster areas and a strong association with disease-based research centers. Research opportunities include cardiovascular disease; cellular differentiation and stem cells; platelet biochemistry; substance abuse research; repair of the spinal cord, brain and peripheral nervous system; and more.

The seven/eight years of study are divided into three periods: basic biomedical sciences (2 years); graduate studies (3 or 4 years); and clinical rotations (2 years).

Program Requirements

The academic requirements for admission to the MD/PhD program are high and include the following.

• Meeting the requirements for admission to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
• Demonstration of high quality scientific preparation
• In most instances, research experience of at least one year prior to admission to the program
• Outstanding letters of recommendation
• Acceptance by the MD/PhD program committee

Review of Applicants and Selection of MD/PhD Students

MD/PhD students are selected from a pool of applicants directly to the MD/PhD program, all of whom must submit a separate application for admission to the MD Program. Close coordination and cooperation exist between the medical school admissions committee and the MD/PhD program committee, which also serves as the admissions committee for the MD/PhD program. In addition, students may be recruited from the first-year Katz School of Medicine class.

The criteria for admission for the MD/PhD applicants from the general applicant pool are based upon those currently in use for regular admission to the MD program. Overall GPA and MCAT scores should be significantly higher than normally required for Katz admission. The applicant's academic background must demonstrate exceptional research or scholarly interest and experience.

Application Process

Applicants are responsible for submitting a completed AMCAS application and MD/PhD application. Since official academic records and MCAT scores will have been sent by the originating sources to the medical school admissions ciommittee, we do not require this information to be submitted directly to the MD/PhD committee. Requests for both the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and MD/PhD supplemental applications will be sent by TempleMedOnline following receipt of verified AMCAS applications by the Admissions Office at Katz. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least one letter of reference that can specifically comment on the applicants research experience.

Financial Aid

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.

Temple is a state-affiliated university. For tuition information, visit the Bursar's Office website.