Student Academic Planning

Dual-Degree Programs

In addition to the primary MD degree, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons offers fivedual-degree tracks: MD/PhD, MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/MS in Narrative Medicine, and  MD/OMFS.

The MD/PhD program aims to create innovative, comprehensively trained physician scientists prepared to play a key role in the translation of scientific findings to clinical research. The curriculum includes two years devoted to the basic science courses of the Medical School and to one major graduate school course. This is followed by 3 to 4 years of graduate study, supplemented by an ongoing clinical tutorial and by a final 13-14 month "Clinical Year." It is expected that students will complete both degrees in 7 years with some students taking 8 years and a rare student completing in 6 years.

The MD/MBA program is designed to educate the next generation of leaders for our health care system. Students who pursue this track may envision a career as a hospital executive, a health care system CEO, or perhaps the dean of a medical school, or chair of a department. MD/MBA students are required to take their first two Business School terms (spring and summer) consecutively. They may either continue straight through, finishing MBA courses in the following fall term, or they may return to P&S in the fall and finish their third business school term in the following spring.

The MD/MPH dual degree combines the MD and the Master of Public Health programs. It requires thirty-five points in public health coursework beyond the points needed for the MD degree. Most students elect to undertake the public health program between the third and fourth year of medical school, completing both degrees in five years.

The MD/OMFS track is smaller than the other dual degree programs. Two oral and maxillofacial surgery residents per year enter P&S to earn an MD degree, then return to complete the Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program.

The MD/Master of Science in Narrative Medicine program is designed for the student who wishes to improve the effectiveness of care by developing their capacity for attention, reflection, representation, and affiliation with patients and colleagues through writing and reflection of stories of illness. Most students elect to undertake the narrative medicine program between the third and fourth year of medical school, completing both degrees in five years.