The first two years of the program include four laboratory rotations to establish a solid research foundation. In subsequent years, students concentrate on one of five areas within the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program for their doctoral research. For the final two years, the student returns to medical school for clinical training.

• Phase 1 of the medical school curriculum 

• 3 or 4 years: Original research project and PhD course completion under the guidance of a preceptor 

• 2 years: Phase 2 and 3 (core clinical and advanced clinical rotations) of the medical school curriculum

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

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, Translational and Clinical Lung Research
• Center for Metabolic Disease Research
• Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center
• Alzheimer's Center at Temple

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.

Applicants interested in the MD/PhD program should submit an AMCAS application with an MD/PhD application type. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least one letter of reference that can specifically comment on the applicant’s research experience.

Review of Applicants and Selection of MD/PhD Students

Both the MD/PhD program director and a screener from the MD program perform a holistic review of complete applications. Candidates invited to interview for admission to the MD/PhD program have both the MD and MD/PhD interviews on the same day. Close coordination and cooperation exist between the medical school admissions committee and the MD/PhD advisory committee, which also serves as the admissions committee for the MD/PhD program. In addition, students may apply to join the MD/PhD program during the first year of medical school. The MD/PhD program seeks students whose academic background demonstrates 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.