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Why Get a Degree in Medicine?

A degree in medicine, also known as an allopathic medicine degree, is a postgraduate degree conferred on those who complete the education and training necessary to become a doctor. In the past those wishing to pursue a degree in medicine would initially take a 4 year course in pre-med, but recently obtaining a bachelor's in a related field, such as biology, chemistry or engineering has become common place.

Though any bachelor's degree along with a high Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) score can be used to obtain admission to medical school, pursuing a related major helps prepare students for the kind of work and knowledge necessary to be successful. Most schools require that students complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) prior to graduation. Those who successfully complete a medical degree program are given the title of M.D (Doctor of Medicine) and are qualified to become physicians.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$209,000

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

82.27%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

708,300

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Medicine Degree

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With over 360,000 alumni worldwide, the university is dedicated to providing excellence in teaching, learning, and research to develop future leaders in various disciplines who can make a difference globally.

With two curricular tracks available, the top ranked MD program at Harvard Medicine School provides comprehensive instruction in medicine while bringing the best out of the students. The Pathways track incorporates pedagogical approaches such as advanced clinical experience, basic/population science experience, and a scholarly project that allows students to develop active learning and critical thinking and create their personalized pathway to the MD degree. The other track, Health Sciences & Technology (HST), is offered by Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to students with a strong interest and background in biomedical research, physical science, or molecular science. The HST curriculum provides a basic and quantitative understanding and a fundamental approach to modern biology and biotechnology. Read more about the program at meded.hms.harvard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Yale University, established in 1701, is one of the oldest and leading private Ivy League research universities in the country located in New Haven, Connecticut. Yale has been reaching people and institutions across the globe to promote cultural understanding and improve the human condition through training the next generations of world leaders.

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) offers four medical degree and joint degree programs namely MD, MD-PhD, MD/MPH, and MD/MHS. All programs are meant to educate students to become creative leaders in medicine and science. The Integrated Basic and Clinical Science Curriculum of the MD program includes courses that explain the professional and ethical responsibility of the profession, introduce biostatistics and research methods, and touch the practical aspects of public health and clinical sciences. Joint degree programs such as MD/JD - Law, MD/MBA - Management, and MD/MDiv - Divinity are also available. For more details, visit medicine.yale.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York or simply Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. The university has been recognized as one of the global leaders in research and distinctive academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students in different scholarly and professional fields.

Several medical degree programs are offered by the Department of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. The Internal Medicine Residency program, available at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, is one of the nation's premier internal medicine training programs with a combination of robust clinical training experience and academic resources and opportunities from an Ivy League institution. The university also offers a 3-year PhD-MD program in the College of Physicians and Surgeons which is available for exceptional Ph.D. scientists in the biological sciences preparing for a career in biomedical investigation. Explore the program curriculum at columbia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Known for its student-centered programs, Brown University is a leading private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. The university serves almost 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, medical, and online students. Brown embraces a flexible yet rigorous approach to education through the implementation of the Open Curriculum.

Brown offers numerous medical degree and residency programs suitable for a student’s individual interests and professional goals. Some of its degree programs are MD, MD-PhD, MD/ScM in Population Medicine, ScM in Medical Physics, and ScM in Medical Science. The MD academic program at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is a four-year program that features a competency-based curriculum. It introduces the profession through an Integrated Medical Sciences and Doctoring course sequence. Students may also take clinical medicine electives at Brown, other universities, or at the member hospitals of the university. Check education.med.brown.edu to view the full program.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With more than 25,000 students, the University of Pennsylvania or simply Penn is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn, founded in 1740, is a proud leader in providing rigorous academic programs in pursuit of innovative knowledge that can improve the lives of communities worldwide.

The Perelman School of Medicine at Penn, the first medical school in the country, provides interdisciplinary research programs led by its internationally renowned community of scientists and physicians devoted to advancing knowledge and fostering a culture of excellence in the field of medicine. The four-year MD program is a multidisciplinary concentration that promotes self-directed learning and small-group instruction with courses centered on the science of medicine, the technology and practice of medicine, and professionalism and humanism. The school also offers combined degree programs such as MD/Ph.D., MD/MBE, MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and MD/MSCE. For more information, visit med.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Initially named the Leland Stanford Junior University in 1886, Stanford University is one of the world’s leading private research universities located in Stanford, California. With more than 17,000 students, the university aims to create a place suitable for learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse.

At Stanford School of Medicine, the one-of-a-kind MD program offers an exceptional learning environment, education, and training for future leaders in medicine and science. The flexible curriculum features multiple learning pathways, clinical and leadership opportunities within and outside of the university, dual degree options across schools within Stanford, and subsidized dual degree programs for students who wish to complete a Ph.D. degree at the university. More details can be seen at med.stanford.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois committed to empowering students to challenge conventional thinking in seeking innovative ideas since 1890. The university, recognized as one of the world’s greatest academic institutions, develops the critical, analytical, and writing skills of its students through its interdisciplinary core curriculum.

Recognized as one of the highest-ranked medical schools in the United States, the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago puts an emphasis on active learning and integration among disciplines when appropriate. The top rated MD program integrates patient care with professionalism, knowledge for practice, and systems-based practice to provide a solid foundation in the basic sciences and related fields. The school also offers degrees in Medical Scientist Training and Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities as well as dual degrees in business, public policy, public health, and biomedical informatics. At the end of the program, all medical students are required to conduct a scholarly project and apply all the knowledge and skills they gained from the curriculum. Get more information at pritzker.uchicago.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College, considered one of the world’s greatest academic institutions, is an Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Since 1769, the university has been educating the brightest and most promising minds across the world to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership.

The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth is the country’s fourth oldest medical school with numerous medicine degrees and graduate programs. Building the curriculum with a strong foundation of the basic sciences, the four-year MD degree equips students with knowledge and skills in the basic sciences and outstanding clinical care in order to discover new knowledge and improve the systems of healthcare delivery. Throughout the program, clinical skills are developed through extensive coursework and experiential learning. Aside from the MD program, the school also offers MD-PhD, MD/MBA, and MPH/MS programs. Learn more at geiselmed.dartmouth.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University is a research university located in Durham, North Carolina that aims to contribute to local communities by providing a superior liberal education to undergraduate and graduate students from all over the globe. With its affiliation to the Methodist Church, the university has had a lifelong mission to foster a lively relationship between knowledge and faith since 1838.

Duke School of Medicine offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate health education programs. The MD program at Duke offers a condensed yet innovative curriculum where students learn the core in basic sciences in the first year, complete clinical clerkships in the second, and conduct a scholarly investigation in the third year. The final year is then dedicated to finishing elective rotations which gives students the opportunity to pursue their own independent research interests. The school also offers a Medical Scientist Training (MD/Ph.D.) program which is one of the oldest programs in the country, while some students opt to earn a dual degree in Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health, or Master of Science. To know more, go to medschool.duke.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Georgetown University, established in 1789, is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit research university in the United States. The university, located in Washington, District of Columbia, has a forward-looking, diverse community with a strong commitment to social justice and the common good.

The MD degree at Georgetown School of Medicine intends to train future leaders of medicine through a generalist professional education. The program curriculum integrates the scientific, clinical, and professional aspects and competencies needed to deliver patient-centered care. The program has a Population Health Scholar track ideal for students who want to apply population health principles to clinical practice. The Health Justice Scholar track, on the other hand, provides extensive experience for students interested in social justice and public health. The last option is the Medical Education Research Scholar track which has a scholarly approach to medical education and research opportunities. For more details, visit som.georgetown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Northwestern University is a comprehensive research institution offering various programs across multiple schools and units. Along with two campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar, Northwestern’s campus at Evanston, Illinois houses more than 21,000 students. The university, founded in 1851, aims to provide excellent teaching, innovative research, and personal and intellectual growth for its students.

The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern, a research-intensive medical school, prepares future physicians and scientists to become productive leaders in their respective fields. The individualized MD program is composed of three phases which integrates the four main elements of medicine: Science in Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Health and Society, and Professional Development. This allows students to practice modern medicine while promoting inquiry and evidence-based learning. During the last phase, students have the chance to volunteer in clinics in the communities of Chicago. More information can be seen at feinberg.northwestern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With several campuses around Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri. The university, founded in 1853, is committed to teaching, research, patient care, and service to society by preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and habits of lifelong learning and leadership. Across its 10 schools and divisions in various areas of study, WUSTL has been developing productive members of the global society for over 150 years.

WUSTL School of Medicine offers numerous options for medical degrees. The WUSTL MD program offers an innovative yet flexible curriculum that fits students’ individual professional goals. The facilities have state-of-the-art tools and equipment that provide limitless learning opportunities for students to discover their passion. Students are also given the chance to engage in research with the faculty members and graduate students to gain real-world experiences, get published, and prepare for residency. Other degrees such as MD/Ph.D., MD/MPHS, and MD/MPH are also available at the school. Visit medicine.wustl.edu to know more.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University, a globally renowned private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs across internationally recognized schools in the fields of law, education, business, medicine, nursing, and divinity. Founded in 1873, the purpose of establishing the institution is to provide transformative education and research across all sectors.

The top MD program at Vanderbilt School of Medicine prepares students to assume leadership roles in the field of medicine and science. The program curriculum, known as Curriculum 2.0, is centered on the core sciences, touching the importance of cultural understanding and excellent communication skills to allow a lifelong learning process for students. The first two years in the program focuses on the foundations of medical knowledge and clinical care with clinical clerkships on the side. The third and fourth years are called the Immersion Phase where students do research and advanced clinical rotations that build upon the foundational knowledge gained earlier. Aside from the MD program, the school also offers a Medical Scientist Training program, Medical Innovators Development program, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery MD program. For more details, go to medschool.vanderbilt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

As the country’s first private research university, Johns Hopkins University houses several world-class academic divisions that work together to fulfill the university’s mission of bringing knowledge to the world. This university, based in Baltimore Maryland, revolutionized higher education in the United States in 1876 and presently continues to prepare students in becoming effective citizens and global leaders.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has a rich history employing the latest technology and medical innovations in their medical programs. The passion for medicine shared by the students and faculty makes the Genes to Society curriculum of its highly innovative MD program ideal for training future leaders in the field of medicine and science. The said curriculum creates a model of health and disease based on the principles of adaptation to the environment and variability of the genotype and stratification of risk. This is a modern way of teaching medicine compared to the simple dichotomous view of normal human biology and abnormal physiology. The school also offers multiple personalized programs and combined degree programs. Check other options at hopkinsmedicine.org.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

With almost 46,000 students on its campus in Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California (USC), a private research university, is considered a global center for arts, technology, and international business. Established in 1880, USC has been offering diverse academic programs and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration with researchers around the world.

The Physician – Citizen – Scientist curriculum of the MD program at USC Keck School of Medicine integrates clinical study and core of basic sciences to achieve a well-rounded education in the domains of clinical, research, and scientific. Students work closely with the faculty members to prepare them in taking leadership roles in the field of medicine and science. Aside from these, students are immersed in clinical settings early in the program to learn interacting with patients at the university’s affiliated hospitals including Keck Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country, LAC+USC Medical Center. The curriculum covers content and real-world experiences in health justice, clinical skills, health systems science, humanities, ethics, and economics. Access the program curriculum at keck.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Tufts University is a moderately-sized private research university on the border of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts. The university, known for providing students with a personal experience, is one of the leaders in the country’s higher education system. Founded as Tufts College in 1852, the university serves nearly 12,000 students across campuses in Boston and Grafton Massachusetts, and Talloires, France.

The four-year MD program at Tufts School of Medicine offers a rigorous academic curriculum and diverse clinical experiences in order to produce exceptional researchers and patient-centered physicians. Through the university’s state-of-the-art Anatomy Laboratory and Clinical Skills and Simulation Center, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for clinical rotations. The 400-bed Tufts Medical Center is the primary teaching hospital in the program but students also rotate at over 15 major teaching sites across Massachusetts. The school also offers dual degree programs with MD such as MA in International Relations, MBA in Health Management, and Master of Public Health. Explore the program at medicine.tufts.edu.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), considered the southern branch of the University of California, is a public research university in Los Angeles, California. Since its founding in 1919, UCLA aims to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge in different disciplines for the improvement of our global society by committing to academic freedom at all times.

There are numerous medical education programs at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. The MD program is designed to create an environment for students to prepare for a career that values scientific knowledge, societal values, and human needs. The curriculum is still being redesigned by the faculty members to ensure that graduates demonstrate excellence and innovation in research, health, education, and advocacy. The school also offers a Medical Scientist Training program and UCLA PRIME which is a five-year dual degree MD and Master’s program. More details are available at medschool.ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia (UVA) is recognized as an iconic public institution of higher education in the country. The university was built to advance human knowledge, educate leaders, and pursue the greater good. UVA, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, houses top-ranked schools and programs, accomplished faculty, diverse student bodies, and a major academic medical center.

The UVA School of Medicine offers a one-of-a-kind MD program that challenges students in their system-based curriculum. The Next Generation Cells to Society curriculum combines the practice and science of medicine and integrates system-based learning to educate future physicians in providing patient-centered care and practice evidence-based medicine. In the first two phases, students learn the foundation of clinical medicine and conduct medical training through clinical clerkships. The last phase, the post-clerkship phase, includes 10 weeks of required courses that will allow students to prepare for residency training. Read more about the program at med.virginia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is the top public research university in the United States located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The university, founded in 1817, continues to fulfill its mission of creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values in developing responsible and productive leaders and citizens.

At the University of Michigan Medical School, the MD program has a systems-based basic science curriculum that allows students to prepare for the clinical rotations and clerkships towards the end of the program. The first and second years are the scientific and clinical phases where students learn the foundations of medicine and apply that knowledge to the clinical setting. The third year focuses on choosing among four branches namely Patients and Populations, Procedure-Based Care, Diagnostic and Therapeutic, and Systems and Hospital-Based Care, on where the students want to align their research and projects. The final year is focused on honing clinical skills through sub-internships in hospitals. Learn more at medicine.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University is a leading private research university and a member of the Association of American Universities. Emory, founded in 1836 as Emory College, is built with passion and purpose to help improve global communities through providing exceptional academic programs in the fields of health, business, law, and theology.

With an emphasis on small-group learning and increased interaction with the faculty members, the MD curriculum at Emory School of Medicine is designed to train superb clinicians who exhibit professionalism and outstanding clinical competency. The clinical training and rotations happen during the first two years which integrate basic and clinical science to clinical settings. The program is meant to expose students to first-hand clinical training throughout the program to let them experience all 14 disciplines in both hospital and outpatient settings before applying to residency programs. Explore the program curriculum at med.emory.edu.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is a public research university offering an academic experience equivalent to an Ivy League university. The university campus at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system. Through its innovative programs, students’ learning is enriched by connecting and collaborating with different institutions globally.

UNC School of Medicine offers its Translational Education at Carolina MD curriculum that modernizes the teaching method of the art and science of medicine through the integration of basic sciences and clinical skills and earlier clinical opportunities. The curriculum is composed of three phases: Foundation Phase, Application Phase, and Individualization Phase. The foundation phase integrates coursework in the basic sciences and organ systems while the application phase focuses on core clinical rotations. The last phase, the individualization phase, allows students to explore the field of medicine through electives and research opportunities as well as clinical opportunities for them to prepare for residency programs. To inquire about the program, visit med.unc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

With its two primary campuses in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is a private research university founded by the United Methodist Church in 1839. The university currently houses over 34,000 students from all states and 130 countries and offers more than 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges.

The Boston University School of Medicine offers several medical education programs such as MD-PhD, MD/MBA, MD/JD, and MD/MPH that integrate different interests into the art and science of medicine. The MD program aims to educate physicians with the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to provide the best care to patients. The program features an integrated, hybrid curriculum that incorporates brief traditional lectures with small group discussions and problem-based laboratory exercises. The clinical training begins early in the program while building a foundation in the basic sciences. As students progress, clinical clerkships which begin in the third year allow them to apply the knowledge and tools of evidence-based medicine during first-hand clinical practice. Get more information at bumc.bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Tulane University, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most distinguished research universities in the United States and is a member of the Association of American Universities. Originally founded as a medical college in 1834, the university offers more than 70 majors in its five schools in the fields of science and engineering, architecture, business, liberal arts, and public health.

As the country's second-oldest medical school and one of the most recognized centers for medical education, Tulane University School of Medicine offers an MD program designed to prepare future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to deliver patient-centered care and service. The three phases of the curriculum start with phase 1 where students learn the normal structure and function of the body systems, followed by phase 2 where students apply the knowledge they acquired to the pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of disease states within the fields of clinical medicine. Clinical training is integrated in every year of the program while specialty-based clinical training only begins in the second year. The final phase is where students can choose and prepare for their residency program option while enhancing their skills in emergency medicine and cultural competence. For more information, visit medicine.tulane.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Ranked as the 30th national university in the country, Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational collegiate university in North Carolina with a liberal arts curriculum. The university was founded in 1834 and currently houses more than 8,000 students on its campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Wake Forest School of Medicine has been training physicians at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for over 50 years. The school boasts its most advanced MD program where students can explore their interests while slowly choosing to specialize in one field based on their professional goals as they apply to residency programs. The Wake Ready curriculum is made to advance students’ skills in biomedicine, population health, team interactions, and humanism which are essential in today’s changing healthcare environment. Compared to the traditional 2 preclinical + 2 clinical years, the preclinical consumes less than 2 years to allow more time for students to explore and evaluate their goals. Check the program requirements at school.wakehealth.edu.

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University (NYU) is one of the country's leading institutions of higher education based in New York City. It has additional degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai and manages 11 global academic and research centers in over 25 countries. Established in 1831, NYU continues to provide support and resources needed by the students across 19 schools and colleges to create a dynamic learning environment.

The Grossman School of Medicine at NYU offers several flexible options in their MD program that can help students achieve their career goals. For students who already know their specialization, the accelerated three-year MD program is a perfect option as it allows students to finish the MD curriculum faster and immediately apply to a residency program. For aspiring physician-scientists, on the other hand, the university’s Medical Scientist Training Program provides an MD/Ph.D. degree that combines clinical insight and scientific inquiry in one program. The final option is dual MD/master’s degrees which enables students to explore other interests along with medicine. Some of the fields of study are health policy and management, bioethics, global health, translational research, and general management. Evaluate each program at med.nyu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Careers in Medicine

The medical field provides professionals with a wide swatch of career options. There are approximately 150 accredited medical schools in the United States. Med schools on this list award a Medical Doctor designation to graduates. Additionally, there are around 30 accredited medical schools that award a Doctor of Medicine. A doctor can be a graduate of a college of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, podiatry, chiropractic, optometry, or veterinarian medicine. Graduates can then go on to pursue medical careers as a licensed:

Surgeon Chiropractor
Pediatrician Dentist
Obstetrician Optometrist
Anesthesiologist Podiatrist
Family Practitioner Veterinarian

 

Med School Requirements

While every university will have their own admissions criteria, the degree programs and courses will be quite similar.  As such, we have gathered essential admissions data from years of research.  Our goal is to help prospective med school students understand the admissions process and connect with schools that make sense through our portal.

Students will need to have a qualifying four-year college degree prior to applying to a medical school.  Qualifying bachelor's degree programs must include prerequisite programs that may typically include organic chemistry, biology, English, physics, and general chemistry.  There are distinct differences between the requirements for a Medical Doctor programs and Doctor of Medicine degree detailed out below.

Medical Doctor (MD) College Admission Requirements

A specific application is required for students interested in applying to med schools conferring a MD designation.  Students must utilize the AMCAS or American Medical College Application Service application.  The AMCAS application contains 9 different sections including: 1) transcripts, 2) personal information & work experience, 3) extracurricular activities, 4) memberships, 5) letters of evaluation, 6) awards, 7) desired medical schools, 8) written essays, and 9) standardized test scores such as MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and/or MAT.

Several medical schools offering MD designations also offer dual degree programs like the MD/PhD or MD/MPH.  A dual degree will serve specific purposes for the student and university with varying areas of specialty and emphasis.  Case in point, a MD/PhD track will frequently lead students into faculty positions at medical schools, research institutes, and universities while the MD/PhD dual degree will invest in research and patient-facing activities.

After successful completion of the MD program, students connect with the NRMP (National Residency Match Program) and gain entrance into a qualifying residency program in their area of specialty.  The final step in the process is to sit for the required 3-part United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) needed to earn licensure as a medical doctor.

Doctor of Medicine (DO) College Admission Requirements

Doctor of Medicine students will utilize the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).  The AACOMAS application will include a number of similar features as the AMCAS.  Elements of the AACOMAS include applicant information, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement from a prospective Doctor of Medicine.

Upon completion of the DO program, students get matched to one of five-hundred osteopathic residency programs.  After students complete their residency, they must then sit for the COMLEX-USA examination to be eligible for medical licensure in their state.

Job growth in the medical field is expected to expand over the next decade due to various factors, such as an increasing trend toward obesity, an aging population and increased life expectancy. Demand for physicians in particular is expected grow faster than average. Those willing to work in lower income and rural areas will also have an easier time finding work. Physicians can choose to specialize in a particular field or practice general medicine.

How Long is Medical School?

Medical school will typically take four years to complete. For a physician and other specialty doctors, however, another 3-7 years will be spent in a residency program which must be added to the list below. For the first two years of med school, we have detailed out a few requirements for the first two years and the second two-year span of time.

Medical School, Years 1-2: The first 2 years of med school will be a mix of lab and classroom time. The classes required by colleges and universities require students to take general education courses like psychology and sociology to help understand human behavior coupled with science-rich classes such as pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology.

Course clustering four to five similar subjects is common for med schools as a way to aggregate knowledge in common areas. For example, some schools invest an entire class on a particular organ of the body followed by another such class and tie each class together by understanding the interdisciplinary nature of body organs within the human body system. Students will need to sit for the USMLE Step 1 at the completion of their second year of med school.

Medical School, Years 3-4: Students in year 3 and 4 of med school, will begin their clinical rotations with school-approved hospitals and medical institutions.

Clinical rotations are designed to help marry the academic elements of classroom-based learning with pragmatic hands-on experience in a real-world setting. While performing clinical rotations, med students will often align themselves with a specialty (pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, oncology, etc.) and begin to communicate with patients about medical events and treatments. Before completing year four of the program, med school students will need to sit for the USMLE Step 2.

Top Doctor Specializations

There are myriad vocational tracks for professionals holding a DO or MD that can be broken into 3 job clusters.  The three primary areas of specialization for medical professionals include 1) surgical, 2) medical, and 3) diagnostic.

Surgical Doctor

Surgical doctors are medical specialists focusing manually operative and instrumental techniques to help treat diseases. The American College of Surgeons has formally recognized a total of 14 surgical specialties that include: cardiothoracic surgery, colon & rectal surgery, general surgery, gynecology & obstetrics, orthopedic surgery,  otorhinolaryngology, pediatric surgery, gynecologic oncology, neurological surgery, plastic surgery and urology, ophthalmic surgery, oral & maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery.

Surgical doctors perform a number of procedures where elements can include one or more of the following:

  • Time-bound: emergency, elective, semi-elective
  • Procedure-based: transplant, replantation, amputation, reconstructive
  • Purpose-driven: cosmetic, exploratory, therapeutic
  • Invasiveness: minimal invasiveness to open surgical
  • Equipment specific utilizing: scalpel, laser, microsurgery, robotic
Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors are specialists invest resources in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of known and unknown diseases. With patients in this arena being dependent upon medical care, doctor’s in this area of specialty are often found working in a hospital.  The 16 primary specialties within internal medicine include: oncology, sports medicine, pulmonology, pediatrics, oncology, hepatology, hematology, infectious disease, neurology, nephrology, geriatrics, cardiology, vascular medicine, critical care, gastroenterology, and  endocrinology.

Diagnostic Doctor

Diagnostic doctors are specialists in pathology.  They are highly trained doctors that diagnose and manage changes in body fluids and tissues caused by diseases.  A diagnostic doctor can specialize in the following:

  1. Clinical Laboratory Sciences: hematology, cellular pathology, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, transfusion medicine, and clinical immunology
  2. Pathology: cytogenics, morphologic, flow cytometry, physiologic, gene rearrangement, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescent in situ hybridization
  3. Clinical Neurophysiology: evoked potential, electromyography, electroencephalography, nerve condition, polysomnography, and evoked potential
  4. Nuclear Medicine: studying organs with radiolabeled substances and imaged by a PET or gamma scanner
  5. Diagnostic Radiology: ultrasonography, x-rays, nuclear magnetic resonance tomography, and x-ray computed tomography

Employment Outlook for Doctors

Doctors and physicians will experience a 14% increase in job growth through 2026 adding 99,300 highly paid, well trained medical professionals to the field.  The rage of growth for physicians is more than twice the average composite for all professions in the United States.  The primary driver for this increase for highly trained, well qualified medical professionals can be explained via a growing and aging population.

Top States of Employment for Surgeons
California 4,770
Texas 3,320
Massachusetts 2,480
Ohio 2,300
Pennsylvania 1,800
Top Paying Cities for Surgeons
Minneapolis-St. Paul $285,850
Greenville, SC $265,260
Atlanta, GA $263,160
New York-New Jersey $247,870
Chicago, IL $242,080

 

Average salaries for physicians can range wildly based on location and specialization. Primary care physicians had a median annual salary of $186,000 per year; those practicing medical specialties had a median annual salary of $340,000 per year. Physicians with their own practice can earn significantly more than those who are salaried.

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