Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine offers a program designed for exceptional students to earn both a M.D. and a Ph.D. degree, in preparation for a career in academic medicine.

The program is flexible, individually tailored, and provides an opportunity to work concurrently toward an M.D. and a Ph.D. degree in a basic science discipline of special interest. This program is designed to be completed in approximately seven years, depending on the student’s goals, background, workload, and specific course schedule. Both degrees are conferred at the end of the entire course of training. Ideal candidates for inclusion in this program should demonstrate a strong interest and exceptional motivation toward research.

The M.D./Ph.D. Program benefits from all the biomedical science departments of the graduate school located at Loyola University Medical Center. Their teaching programs are integrated with those of the medical school, particularly in the first two medical school years. The Ph.D. degree may be earned in one of seven areas: Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy; Microbiology & Immunology; Molecular Biology; Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; or Physiology. A wide range of excellent courses, seminar programs, research opportunities and teaching faculty affords a rich experience in the student’s field of choice.

The M.D./Ph.D. candidate undergoes a specialized and highly individualized training experience, tailored to the student’s interests and career goals. During the training period, this interdisciplinary program provides access to various clinical and basic science faculty. The program is extremely challenging and offers an excellent learning and research training experience. The program’s ultimate goal is the student’s achievement of both an M.D. and a Ph.D. degree, completed in a span of time that is considerably shorter than that which would be required to obtain both degrees individually. The program presently accepts three students each year.

Students pay no tuition for the seven-year program and receive a stipend (currently $23,000/year) for each of the graduate school years and last two years of medical school. This is explained in further detail in the Financial Aid section. Financial assistance for uncovered expenses is available.