Dual Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD-PhD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacology and Toxicology
Unit(s): School of Medicine
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): MED_MD and PHARPHD
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Program Overview
Admission
Dual Degree Requirements
Program of Study
Contact Information
Program Overview
The dual MD‑PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology prepares physician‑scientists to investigate how chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental agents interact with biological systems to influence human health and disease. The program integrates pre‑clinical medical study, advanced doctoral coursework, laboratory research, and clinical rotations to provide comprehensive training in both medicine and the biomedical sciences.
Pharmacology and toxicology encompass the study of drug action, drug development, mechanisms of toxicity, and the body’s responses to therapeutic and harmful substances. Students explore fundamental and emerging topics such as molecular pharmacology, cellular signaling, biochemical toxicology, environmental health, and the pathways that drive drug efficacy, metabolism, and adverse effects. Training emphasizes rigorous experimental approaches, hands‑on research experiences, and close faculty mentoring across a broad range of investigative areas aligned with departmental strengths and the School of Medicine’s strategic priorities.
Graduates are well prepared for careers that integrate clinical practice with biomedical research, academic medicine, pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation, regulatory and public health roles, and leadership positions in governmental or industry research settings. Students receive full tuition remission, a 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 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 Pharmacology and Toxicology 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 Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology 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 Pharmacology and Toxicology, 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 | |
| PhD Requirements 1 | ||
| PHTX 606 | Seminar | 2 |
| PHTX 625 | Scientific Writing | 2 |
| PHTX 619 | Research | 19 |
| BIOC 630 | Responsible Conduct of Research: Survival Skills and Research Ethics | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 193.5 | |
- 1
Passing the USMLE Step 1 examination, along with completing Clinical Anatomy, Development, Examination and Neurosciences (IDEP 811) and Molecular Basis of Life, Defense, and Disease (IDEP 812), demonstrates mastery of learning outcomes for many required and elective courses in the PhD curriculum.
Program of Study
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 | ||
| Fall - Spring | ||
| Medical School Year Two Curriculum 2 | 40 | |
| Summer | ||
| United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 | Passed | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHTX 606 | Seminar | 1 |
| PHTX 625 | Scientific Writing | 2 |
| PHTX 619 | Research | 6 |
| Spring | ||
| BIOC 630 | Responsible Conduct of Research: Survival Skills and Research Ethics | 1 |
| PHTX 606 | Seminar | 1 |
| PHTX 619 | Research | 7 |
| Summer | ||
| PHTX 619 | Research | 6 |
| PhD Qualifying Exam | Passed | |
| Years 4 - 5/6 | ||
| DOCT 600 | Doctoral Candidacy 3 | 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 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 Pharmacology and Toxicology Director of Graduate Studies
- Dr. Nobuyuki Matoba, PhD — (502) 852-8412
- Email: n.matoba@louisville.edu
