M.D./Ph.D. Program
Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s M.D./Ph.D. Program forges physician-scientists who connect human empathy with advanced discovery. If you aspire to be both a compassionate physician and a leading investigator, our purpose-driven, mission-centered training is right for you.
Why a Dual Degree? Choose Medicine Without Choosing Between Passions
Pursuing M.D./Ph.D. training means you never have to choose between your patients and your lab. Whether you combine your medical education with traditional basic science or healthcare ethics, you’ll be prepared for elite career opportunities across hospitals, medical schools, government and research industries.
What’s more, SLU graduates don’t settle for the status quo. Your program will be anchored in the University’s Jesuit mission, challenging you to provide whole-person care and conduct research that actively promotes human dignity, health equity and support for underserved communities. The more you learn, the more you’ll feel called to be part of something bigger.
Full Financial Support
If you’re pursuing a basic science degree, you’ll be considered for full funding that covers your entire M.D./Ph.D. tuition and provides a stipend throughout your training. This competitive support is contingent upon meeting academic and research progress milestones.
Your M.D./Ph.D. Options
Explore your training options. If you pursue a basic science degree, 30 credits of your M1 and M2 coursework will transfer toward your Ph.D. requirements. If you choose healthcare ethics, you’ll transfer seven medical school credits and receive specialized course waivers.
Combine your clinical education with rigorous experimental training and publication-driven research. You’ll develop expertise in molecular mechanisms of disease, structural and cellular biology, metabolism, signaling pathways and translational science.
Explore the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Pair your clinical training with preparation for a career in academic science or biotechnology. You’ll conduct research in cell and molecular biology, virology, immunology, cancer therapy and antiviral drug development while receiving dedicated training in scientific writing and oral presentation skills.
Explore the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Prepare to treat patients and become an independent investigator in the interrelated disciplines of physiology and pharmacology. You’ll develop research competence, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills while working on projects that span from subcellular to integrative levels.
Become a physician who challenges the healthcare system and policymakers to consider the ethical implications of clinical practice, institutional policies and governmental regulations. You’ll collaborate with internationally renowned faculty who have expertise in both foundational bioethical theory and the practical aspects of clinical decision-making and policy-setting — including the ethics of pediatric care, end-of-life care, biomedical research and public health.
Please note: M.D./Ph.D. applicants pursuing degrees in healthcare ethics are not eligible for full financial support.
Your Training Timeline
| Duration | Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1.5 Years |
|
| 4 Years |
|
| 2.5 Years |
|