Dual Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD-PhD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Unit(s): School of Medicine
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): MED_MD and BIOCPHD
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Program Overview
Admission
Dual Degree Requirements
Program of Study
Contact Information
Program Overview
The MD‑PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics prepares physician‑scientists to investigate the molecular mechanisms that shape human health and disease. The program integrates pre‑clinical medical study, advanced research training in biochemistry and molecular genetics, dissertation work, and clinical rotations. Students gain experience in laboratory investigation and patient care, supported by close faculty mentoring and access to extensive research and clinical resources. This dual‑degree option benefits students interested in careers that combine medical practice with molecular and genetic research, academic medicine, or innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other research settings. Students receive full tuition remission, a competitive stipend, and health insurance during the graduate research phase. For more information on program benefits and examples of student research and publications, visit the MD‑PhD Program website.
Admission
Applicants must meet the School of Medicine admission requirements and apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), including submission of MCAT scores. Applicants indicate interest in the MD-PhD program within the AMCAS application. Selected applicants interview with both the School of Medicine Admissions Committee and the MD-PhD Program Committee. Research experience and interest in a physician‑scientist career are important considerations.
Current UofL medical students may apply after completing the second year of medical school by contacting the MD-PhD Program Director.
Dual Degree Requirements
The MD‑PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics dual degree is delivered through an integrated curriculum that allows students to complete requirements for both degrees in fewer total credit hours than would be required if the degrees were completed separately. This structure is made possible by allowing selected courses and training components from the MD curriculum to satisfy requirements for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics when they meet the same learning outcomes. In this format, the dual degree may be completed in approximately seven (7) to eight (8) years with a minimum of 193.5 total credit hours. Students must also complete all remaining degree requirements for both the MD and the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, except where those requirements are modified by the approved dual degree structure. Students should consult with the MD‑PhD Program Co‑Directors to develop an individual plan of study.
Minimum Credit Hours and Milestone Requirements
The table below summarizes the minimum credit hours and milestones typically required for the dual degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Degree Requirements | Credit Hours / Milestone | |
| MD Requirements | 169.5 | |
| United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 | Passed | |
| PhD Requirements 1 | ||
| BIOC 648 | Journal Club in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics | 2 |
| BIOC 619 | Research 2 | 14-15 |
| BIOC 630 | Responsible Conduct of Research: Survival Skills and Research Ethics | 1 |
| BIOC 606 | Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 620 | Scientific Method and Grant Writing | 2 |
| Upper-Level BIOC Elective 2 | 3-4 | |
| PhD Dissertation Research Proposal | Successfully Defended | |
| DOCT 600 | Doctoral Candidacy | 0 |
| PhD Dissertation | Successfully Defended | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 193.5 | |
- 1
A passing score on the USMLE Step 1 examination substitutes for the PhD qualifying exam requirement, as the exam demonstrates competency in foundational biomedical sciences comparable to the program’s qualifying assessment. In addition, the learning outcomes of Clinical Anatomy, Development, Examination and Neurosciences (IDEP 811) and Molecular Basis of Life, Defense, and Disease (IDEP 812) align with the learning competencies embedded in many required and elective courses in the PhD curriculum. Completion of these courses therefore fulfills a substantial portion of the core course requirements for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics.
- 2
Students must complete at least three (3) credit hours in upper-level BIOC electives. To remain enrolled in the required nine (9) credit hours for full‑time status during the fall and spring semesters, students may complete one (1) additional credit hour of BIOC 619 Research if the upper-level BIOC electives selected carry only three (3) credit hours instead of four (4).
The table below outlines the typical sequence of coursework, research, and clinical training required for the MD-PhD dual degree, including important program milestones. Students should consult with the MD‑PhD Program Co‑Directors to develop an individual plan of study.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to Year 1 | Credit Hours / Milestone | |
| Summer | ||
| Summer Biomedical Research 1 | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall - Spring | ||
| Medical School Year One Curriculum 2 | 44 | |
| Summer | ||
| Summer Biomedical Research 1 | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall - Spring | ||
| Medical School Year Two Curriculum 2 | 40 | |
| Summer | ||
| United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 | Passed | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOC 648 | Journal Club in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics | 1 |
| BIOC 619 | Research | 4 |
| Upper-Level BIOC Elective 3 | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOC 630 | Responsible Conduct of Research: Survival Skills and Research Ethics | 1 |
| BIOC 648 | Journal Club in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics | 1 |
| BIOC 606 | Biochemistry Seminar | 1 |
| BIOC 620 | Scientific Method and Grant Writing | 2 |
| BIOC 619 | Research | 4 |
| Summer | ||
| BIOC 619 | Research | 6 |
| PhD Dissertation Research Proposal | Successfully Defended | |
| Years 4 - 5/6 | ||
| DOCT 600 | Doctoral Candidacy 4 | 0 |
| PhD Dissertation | Successfully Defended | |
| Year 6/7 | ||
| Medical School Year Three Curriculum - Core Clerkships 2 | 55 | |
| Year 7/8 | ||
| Medical School Year Four Curriculum - Clinical Rotations 2 | 30.5 | |
| Residency Interviews | Completed | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 193.5 | |
- 1
Dual degree students are encouraged to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program before the first year of medical school and in the Summer Research Scholar Program between the first and second years. These experiences are not required but are strongly recommended to help prepare students for biomedical research. More information is available on the School of Medicine Research Programs website.
- 2
Find detailed information about the medical school curriculum in the School of Medicine Bulletin.
- 3
Students must complete at least three (3) credit hours in upper-level BIOC electives. To remain enrolled in the required nine (9) credit hours for full‑time status during the fall and spring semesters, students may complete one (1) additional credit hour of BIOC 619 Research if the upper-level BIOC electives selected carry only three (3) credit hours instead of four (4).
- 4
Students must remain enrolled in Doctoral Candidacy (DOCT 600) until they successfully defend their dissertation. This stage typically takes two (2) to three (3) years, depending on the scope of the student’s research study.
Contact
MD-PhD Program Co‑Directors:
- Dr. Maxwell Boakye, MD, MBA, FACS, FAANS — (502) 407‑3276
- Dr. Kenneth Palmer, PhD — (502) 852-1339
- Email: mdphd@louisville.edu
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Director of Graduate Studies:
- Dr. Brian Clem, PhD — (502-852-8427)
- Email: brian.clem@louisville.edu
