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MD/PhD program

Thank you for your interest in Alpert Medical School's MD/PhD program. This program enables students to attain both the MD and the PhD degree over a period of six to nine years. Although individual cases may vary, students generally spend the first two years taking the basic medical science courses required for medical students. The next two to five years generally are spent in study and research completing the requirements for the PhD degree. Two years of clinical studies follow to fulfill the requirements for the MD degree.

Applications to the MD/PhD Program are considered from internal Brown candidates only, described in one of the following categories:

  1. First or second year students currently enrolled in Alpert Medical School (AMS);
  2. PLME seniors currently enrolled in the undergraduate college or on fellowship leave;
  3. Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a degree program at Brown University who have fulfilled the premedical course requirements;
  4. Brown graduates and employees in Brown-affiliated research programs who have fulfilled the premedical course requirements.

All applicants require approval of eligibility from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid before completing the application process. Contact MDPhD_Admissions@brown.edu to obtain approval. Once approved, applicants other than those currently enrolled AMS medical students must complete and submit both the AMCAS application and the MD/PhD Program online secondary application (with accompanying fees). Currently enrolled AMS students complete only the MD/PhD online secondary application (with accompanying fee).

Candidates for admission also must submit either one composite recommendation from their undergraduate school’s premedical committee or three individual letters of recommendation their premedical or research advisor, professors at the institution where they last studied, or other individuals of the applicant’s choice. We accept letters of recommendation sent electronically through VirtualEvals or Interfolio. Paper letters must be submitted directly from the institution or the individual letter writer.

MCAT scores also are required for non-medical students and non-PLME applicants.

Individuals who are not US citizens or permanent US residents may apply.  However, funding for international students is extremely limited.

For more information regarding the MD/PhD program, go to MD/PhD Program.