Last Updated: August 13, 2008

Disclaimer Notice: The following information was provided by MD/PhD students, and is not official data from the MD/PhD program administration or from APSA. For official information, please contact the program administration listed below. If you are aware of any outdated or incorrect information on this page, or if you can think of anything useful to include, please let us know at ssh@physicianscientists.org so that we may improve the page.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Social Science/Humanities PhD Field Supported: Any (including professional schools – Law, Policy, Business)

Program Overview:

This information is modified from the online program description, which can be found, along with other information (FAQs, contact info, admission timeline, faculty sponsors) at http://pritzker.uchicago.edu/jointdegrees/mesh/index.shtml. Note that the MeSH program replaces the MSTP as the current avenue for funding MD/PhDs in social sciences and/or humanities. An important difference between the two is that MSTP normally funds part of a student’s graduate school years, whereas the MeSH program requires the student to secure his or her own PhD funding. Another important difference is that students in the MSTP do not need to have selected a field of research prior to matriculating, whereas MeSH students must already have been accepted into one or more PhD programs before starting medical school. If a student is not sure which program they plan to enter (i.e. Divinity School, Philosophy, Anthropology, Public Policy, etc) they are allowed to apply to multiple programs and then decide on a program once they have had a chance to attend graduate classes during their first year of medical school.

The program in Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities (MeSH) at the University of Chicago trains medical students to become innovative physician-scholars at the critical interface of medicine and society. The University of Chicago MD/PhD Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities is an opportunity for students interested in pursuing a PhD degree outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences. Former students have pursued their PhD in such wide ranging fields as anthropology, economics, public policy and philosophy. Started in 1985, MeSH is one of the only programs of its kind in the country.

The MD/PhD Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Aging is a special opportunity within the MeSH program for students who have a particular research interest in aging and the social sciences. This program is funded through a grant from the National Institute on Aging.

Generally, medical students begin their PhD studies after their second year of medical school, and enter their medical clerkships after completing their PhD. MeSH students have the option of taking anatomy with the MSTP students during the summer before their first year of medical school, so that they have time during their first year to take up to six graduate classes. Other combinations of MD and PhD years are possible (e.g. starting PhD after first year of medical school, completing preliminary PhD requirements –classes, oral exams- before starting medical school).

Center for Health and Social Sciences

MeSH trainees are currently considered part of the Center for Health and Social Sciences. This center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration for research and training in the areas of health and social sciences at the University. In addition to their specific coursework, MeSH students participate in interdisciplinary seminars and courses offered through the center. MeSH trainees have access to the center's office space, computer labs as well as research and mentoring.

Average number of students accepted per year: 3-4
 

Application Process:

See the MeSH program description and application details online at http://pritzker.uchicago.edu/jointdegrees/mesh/index.shtml

Note: Some PhD programs will require the GRE – others will accept MCAT scores. Check with your department of interest.

Funding/Support:

MeSH students receive tuition support for the MD degree only. Financing for the PhD degree depends upon the discretion of the chosen PhD program. Students are encouraged to contact their departments of interest to discuss their plans and determine whether or not they would be suitable candidates. Students desiring full financial support should apply for financial aid from both the Pritzker School of Medicine and their PhD program.