M.D./Ph.D. Program

How to Apply

Eligibility

Currently, the program is open to New Mexico residents* only. Students currently in the first year of Medical School at UNM may also apply. Students must meet the minimum requirements for admission into the UNM School of Medicine.

* The university is also a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Therefore, consideration is given to residents of participating states that at present have no medical schools (i.e., Montana and Wyoming).

Admissions to the Program

The MD/PhD Admissions Committee consists of faculty members from the graduate school and medical school. Based on the American Medical College Admissions Service (AMCAS) application, supplemental application, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation, the Admissions Committee selects applicants to interview. Interviews are conducted over a two day period early in the spring semester. Three to four personal interviews are conducted by members of the MD/PhD admissions committee. Students will be required to give a research presentation as part of the interview process.

Successful applicants will have highly competitive academic records and scores on the Medical College Admissions Test and be able to document substantial interest in research. One MD/PhD fellowship will be awarded in 2007. Currently, students in the program are fully funded, meaning that they receive a merit-based scholarship consisting of tuition and fee expenses, a stipend and health insurance. Students in the program are expected to excel academically and play leadership roles in the School of Medicine.

Application Process

A) New Students:

  1. Complete AMCAS application (deadline November 15, 2006) specifying that the application is for the combined MD/PhD degree program.
  2. If it is determined that minimum requirements are met, students will be contacted by the Admissions Office with instructions on how to complete a supplementary application online.
  3. Applicants should also complete the statement of purpose form and arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be submitted on their behalf. These letters should address the past research and clinical experience, potential for a future scientific career and unique qualifications of the applicant for the MD/PhD program.

B) Current 1st Year Medical Students:

  1. Complete the 1st Year Medical Student MD/PhD Application form. The deadline is November 15, 2006. Bring this form to Frances Browning, Undergraduate Medical Education Office, BMSB 114.
  2. Applicants should also complete the statement of purpose form and arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be submitted on their behalf. These letters should address the past research and clinical experience, potential for a future scientific career and unique qualifications of the applicants for the MD/PhD program.

Statement of purpose and recommendation letters should be sent directly to:

Biomedical Research Education Program
MD/PhD Program
MSC08 4560-School of Medicine
BMSB B61
915 Camino de Salud, N.E.
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Deadline for the AMCAS application is November 15, 2006 for consideration for the Fall 2007 semester.