About the MD-PhD Program
Students who want a career in medicine and research can apply to the MD-PhD Scholars Program. Training begins the summer before medical school, where students participate in laboratory rotations to select a research mentor.
After the second year of medical school, the student begins the graduate studies portion of the program. This part of the program lasts about three to four years. After that, the student rejoins the medical class for two years of clinical training. The combined degree takes about seven to eight years.
Students will take core medical school classes (first and second years) in the state-of-the-art Michael F. Sorrell Center building, the home of the College of Medicine. Research and lab activities can take place all over campus, including in the Durham Research Center towers and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Program Mission
Our mission is to provide an excellent, integrated program of medical and research training for physician-scientists with a wide variety of biomedical interests. We try to offer a balance of direction, advice, and facilitation of ideas so that students not only get a solid foundation for their future but also have the opportunity to follow the course that really excites them.
Summer Program Option
Undergraduate students interested in summer research opportunities should visit the MD-PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program website for application instructions and information.