Penn State College of Medicine MD/PhD Program provides the opportunity for students interested in careers in academic medicine and research to obtain the necessary training in clinical and basic sciences in a seven to eight year period. The dual-degree provides the student with knowledge of the breadth of clinical science plus the ability to design experiments and conduct biomedical research, with modern technology.

The program provides depth in fundamental disciplines and prepares trainees for basic or clinical research. The program has been supported in part by a Medical Scientist Training Program grant from NIH.  

Electronic supplemental applications

Applications to the program must be done through the AMCAS application service by choosing the Combined Medical Degree/PhD as the program choice. A supplemental application for the College of Medicine is also required.  After receiving notification from AMCAS that you have applied, our url will be emailed to you where you can access the combined medical school supplemental and the MD/PhD application which is filled out online and sent electronically.  (there is not a separate MD/PhD application). Your AMCAS Identification number is needed to access the supplemental application.  An application fee of $70 must be paid before we receive your supplemental application.  A credit card must be used to make this payment since it is also done electronically.  Instructions are included on the web site of the supplemental application.  AMCAS applications must be received in the Student Affairs Admissions Office by November 15.  The supplemental application and letters of recommendation must be received by January 15. All letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to AMCAS.  More information about electronic submittal of letters of recommendation can be found on the application website.  Penn State is participating in this pilot program.  Applicants selected for interview will be invited to the College of Medicine on selected MD/PhD interview days. Interviews are carried out by faculty who are members of or affiliated with the MD/PhD Program.  International students are welcome to apply. Separate letters of recommendation are not required for the MD/PhD Program. 

MD/PhD Interview Days

Interviews will be 2 days in length.  Applicants will arrive on Sunday afternoon, will be given a tour of Hershey, then dinner with students.  Monday will be interviews with faculty, lunch and poster session with students and a tour of the campus.  Our goal is to have our applicants gain a better understanding of our program, campus and the Hershey area during their visit.