Roadmap to MD/PhD: Blending Science and Service
- Sreya Sanyal
- Dec 21, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Author: Sreya Sanyal
Photo: Sreya Sanyal stands outside the Life Sciences and Engineering Center at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).
A Note from the Author
The MD/PhD journey is as much a testament to resilience and passion as it is to intellect and skill. For many individuals, including myself, it's about embracing and working towards achieving a dual identity—one part as a physician dedicated to healing, and one part as a research scientist committed to advancing knowledge.
The roadmap that follows integrates practical advice, personal anecdotes, and reflections on what it takes to pursue this challenging and rewarding path.
The Why Behind the MD/PhD Journey
An MD/PhD program is not for the faint-hearted. It's a marathon requiring the endurance to balance two demanding worlds. For me, the motivation to pursue this path stems from my personal experiences growing up in an immigrant household that valued both service and education.
When I was just 11 years old, I lost my mother to gastric cancer, and this difficult experience taught me the fragility of life. It also ignited my passion for seeking answers in the face of uncertainty. I didn't want to only treat diseases—I also wanted to understand them on a molecular level and find better solutions.
Advice
Reflect on your motivations. Why do you want both degrees? Your "why" will sustain you through grueling clinical rotations and long nights in the lab.
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Understanding the Pathway
MD/PhD programs typically span 7–8 years. You'll start with the foundational pre-clinical years of medical school, transition to full-time PhD research, and return to medical school to complete clinical rotations. This structure allows you to immerse yourself in both worlds; however, it requires strategic planning and flexibility.
During my clinical rotations, I quickly learned that the MD/PhD program is more than a timeline—it's a mindset. You need to embrace ambiguity and be prepared to pivot between patient care and research questions.
An MD/PhD program is designed for individuals passionate about both clinical practice and biomedical research. Graduates often pursue careers in academic medicine, at research institutions, or in the biotechnology industry, contributing to advancements in patient care and medical science.
Advice
Speak with current MD/PhD students at programs/universities that interest you. Understanding the nuances of different programs can help you identify the right fit for you.
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Academic Preparation
My academic journey began at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where I majored in biology and history with a focus on medical humanities. I balanced challenging coursework with research in Dr. Vivek Kumar's lab, where I developed a peptide to block proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) for cholesterol regulation—a project that earned me the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. These early experiences taught me the value of asking the right questions and pursuing impactful projects.
Advice
Take rigorous science courses; however, don't neglect the humanities. Being a well-rounded scholar and thinker will serve you in clinical care and research.
Start research early. Approach professors with a clear idea of what you want to learn, and don't be afraid of rejection.
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Extracurricular Activities
Your activities outside of the classroom demonstrate your personal values and interests. I founded the Saswati Gupta Cancer Research Charity, named after my mother, and this pursuit allowed me to combine my passion for mentorship with my desire to honor her legacy. Similarly, participating in a capella and volunteering with Crisis Text Line showed balance and empathy.
Finally, as an aspiring MD/PhD, research is clearly important. The average MD/PhD applicant has about 2000 hours of research and usually at least one publication by the time of application.
Advice
Choose activities that align with your interests, not just ones that look good on paper. Authenticity shines through.
Leadership roles are key. They show that you can manage responsibilities, which is crucial for dual-degree training.
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MD/PhD Application Process
The MD/PhD application process is a storytelling exercise. Your personal statement should weave together your clinical, research, and personal experiences. My essay highlighted the impact of my mother's illness, my love for research, and my desire to address disparities in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care.
Advice
Start the application process early and seek feedback from advisors, mentors, and fellow students/peers.
Highlight specific examples, such as a patient interaction or research project that you contributed to, in order to ground your narrative.
Choose recommenders who know you well and who can speak to both your clinical and research skills.
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Program Selection
When choosing programs, I searched for institutions with strong research opportunities in oncology and immunology, along with robust clinical training offerings. Conversations with MD/PhD students and academic faculty on interview days gave me a sense of each program's culture and priorities.
Advice
Consider funding, location, academic faculty expertise, and program structure.
Visit campuses, if possible, and ask specific questions: What are the lab rotation options? How are students supported during the transition back to clinical rotations?
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Financial Considerations
Most MD/PhD programs offer tuition waivers and stipends, making them more financially accessible than standalone MD programs. However, living on a stipend requires careful budgeting.
Advice
Research funding details for each program. Some NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)-funded programs offer higher stipends or additional benefits.
Consider the cost of living in the program's geographical location.
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Balancing Medical and Research Training
Switching between clinical rotations and PhD research requires adaptability. During my PhD years, I plan to keep my clinical knowledge fresh by attending lectures and periodically shadowing physicians.
Advice
Set clear boundaries for your time. When in class or clinic, immerse yourself in patient care. When in the lab, focus on research.
Find mentors who can guide you through transitions between the MD and PhD phases.
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Career Opportunities
MD/PhD graduates often pursue careers in academic medicine, health policy, or industry. My goal is to become a physician–scientist focusing on GI cancers, integrating patient care with translational research to improve outcomes.
Advice
Network early and often. Attend conferences, join professional medical and research organizations, and reach out to alumni from your program.
Be open to evolving career goals. The MD/PhD journey often leads to unexpected opportunities.
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Closing Remarks
Pursuing an MD/PhD is about more than degrees—it's about the impact that you want to make in medicine and research. My journey has been shaped by resilience, mentorship, and a desire to honor my mother's legacy through science and service.
Wherever your path leads, know that the challenges are worth it for the privilege of bridging the worlds of patient care and research.
Believe in your ability to meaningfully contribute to medicine and research, even when the road feels very long. Surround yourself with mentors, fellow students/peers, and family/loved ones who remind you why you started. This is not just a career—it's a calling.
A Note from the Editor
The Research Girl, Inc. Science Content, Communications, and Grants Team is developing a recurring feature on paid student research opportunities, and paid early career research opportunities, for the blog, e-newsletters, and social media communications.
If you are a student, academic faculty member, or staff member at a research institution and would like to share paid opportunities for inclusion across these content mediums, please contact Science Content and Communications Manager and Site Editor, Patricia Fortunato, at patricia@researchgirl.org
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