M.D./Ph.D. Frequently Asked Questions
The Prospective Students page has information regarding the application process as well as program information. There is more information in the drop down menu on the left of the page as well.
The requirements for the Letters of Recommendation are the same as the MD only program (3-6 LORs allowed; at least one from a physician or clinician recommended). Students are required to have at least one reference letter written by a mentor of their research experience.
How does the secondary app differ from the supplemental material AMCAS require of MD/PhD applicants?
The process is that you apply to UC Davis School of Medicine indicating interest in the M.D./Ph.D. program and completing the supplementary essays. If you pass the initial screening by the school, the application is then sent to the M.D./Ph.D. committee for secondary screening and interview requests. So, in short, you don't need to do anything beyond what AMCAS requires.
Over the past 5 years, the mean GPA was 3.76 and the mean MCAT was 516.
No preference on type of research - it's the quality and commitment that counts.
M.D./Ph.D. applications are considered for the M.D./Ph.D. program only. If you don’t get an interview with the M.D./Ph.D. program, then you are NOT automatically considered for M.D. only.
The school requires that you go through the process of applying to a graduate group during the first two years of medical school. This is, in part, administrative, and in part because students often don't know which graduate group they'll be joining, or change/make up their mind after starting medical school. Every M.D./Ph.D. applicant has been admitted to the graduate group of their choice, without exception, so it is not a major concern.
Yes, students may join any Ph.D.-granting graduate group at UC Davis. We are particularly interested in students who wish to pursue their research in the social sciences and humanities. However, due to differences in how graduate students are funded in some programs, it is important to express these interests in advance.
Our program is undergoing a period of rapid expansion and we are now authorized to matriculate 5 students per year.
Due to funding limitations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. We will consider DACA applicants on a case-by-case basis.
During the 4 medical school years, the UC Davis School of Medicine provides a stipend ($38,000 for the 2024/2025 year), as well as a tuition waiver and health insurance. Support during the Ph.D. graduate years is like other graduate students and is the responsibility of the lab, graduate group, and may involve training grants. Students who successfully obtain an F30 fellowship from the NIH will receive a $5,000 bonus to their stipend.