M.D./Ph.D. Application Process
Admission to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s M.D./Ph.D. Program is a coordinated, dual-acceptance process. You must be independently accepted into the M.D. program to be eligible for dual-degree training and funding.
How to Apply
Path One: External Applicants (AMCAS)
Follow the same steps as a SLU M.D. applicant. When you submit your American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) primary application, select the “Combined Medical Degree/Ph.D.” track.
View AMCAS Application Instructions
Path Two: Internal Applicants (Current M.D. Students)
Already an M.D. student in your first or second year? If you’re in good academic standing and meet the program requirements outlined below, you can still apply to the M.D./Ph.D. program. You’ll be quickly screened and may be considered for acceptance at any time during the year.
For more information, email Jane McHowat, Ph.D., program director, at jane.mchowat@health.slu.edu.
Selection Process
Your completed application is reviewed by admission committees for both the M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs and evaluated for the following:
- Quality and breadth of undergraduate training, including science/math GPA and MCAT scores
- At least one year of research and demonstrated intellectual involvement via honors theses, abstracts or peer-reviewed publications
- Letters of recommendation assessing your research aptitude, integrity, interpersonal skills and training commitment
Interviews
If selected, you’ll be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview in December, during which you will introduce yourself and answer standardized questions from the admission committee.
If you advance, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview in January. Expect to make a 20- to 25-minute presentation of your previous research experience and answer any questions from faculty. You’ll also meet privately with current students and at least three potential Ph.D. mentors of your choice.
Funding Availability
Each year, full funding is offered to two domestic M.D./Ph.D. students pursuing basic science degrees. If selected, you’ll receive full tuition coverage and a stipend throughout your training, provided you meet academic and research requirements.
Should you join the program on the standard M.D./Ph.D. tuition track (rather than the fully funded track), your total tuition is capped and will not exceed the cost of an M.D. degree.
Please note: While funded positions are reserved for domestic applicants, qualifying international students may be considered for admission on the standard tuition track.