Medical Doctor (M.D.)/Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Research

Why an MD/PhD?

MD/PhDs blend the discovery of new knowledge with clinical medicine at the intersection of science and medicine. Most graduates work as physician-scientists at medical schools, conducting disease-related research and applying the results to the treatment of patients. They have a unique perspective on both the basic science and clinical science behind disease. Further information is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges website (aamc.org).

Overview of MD/PhD program 

Students in this program will be involved in course work, research activities and clinical training for the entire calendar year for the duration of the program. While the first year of medical school begins in August, the MD/PhD program begins the first week of July with orientation followed by a month-long research lab rotation. Students are also required to submit an MD/PhD fellowship application before the end of the third year of the program.


Contact Us

Submit form below with any questions you have about the program.

  • AMCAS Application must be submitted by November 1.
  • Supplemental Application must be submitted by December 15.
  • Submit official MCAT score.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, or a post-baccalaureate (e.g., Master of Science) GPA of 3.4 or better, are preferred.
    • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered with exceptional research productivity [as evidenced by multiple peer reviewed publications] on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Preference is given to West Virginia residents, Marshall University graduates, and students within the Master of Science in Biomedical Research with Medical Sciences and Research Emphasis. Regardless of the state of residency, applicants are considered only if they are U.S. citizens or have permanent resident visas.
  • Submit official transcripts highlighting all prerequisites passed with a grade "C" or better.  
    • Prerequisite coursework includes:

MD Required Courses 

PhD Required Courses 

2 semesters of General Biology (with lab) 2 semesters of General Biology (with lab) 
2 semesters of General Chemistry (with lab) 2 semesters of General Chemistry (with lab) 
2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (with lab) 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (with lab) 
2 semesters of Physics (with lab) 2 semester of Physics (with lab) 
1 semester of Biochemistry (with lab) 1 semester of Biochemistry or Cellular Biology (with lab)
2 semesters of English 
2 semesters of Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Applicants who are admitted to the MD/PhD program will earn the following:

  • A tuition waiver for the entire length of the program.
  • A yearly stipend equivalent to the PhD student stipend ($28,500) for all years of the program. The stipend and tuition are considered in-house, no interest educational loans that will be forgiven by completion of the MD/PhD dual degree program.

If a student chooses to leave the MD/PhD program, he/she will have to reimburse the School of Medicine for the stipend and tuition benefits received.

  • Applicants must demonstrate quality research outside of classes at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level in the form of recent, past five years, published abstracts for scientific meetings and/or publications. 
  • Up to 3 applicants are admitted each academic year.
  • Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis until class is filled.  
  • Preference is given to West Virginia residents, Marshall University graduates, and students within the Masters of Science in Biomedical Research with Medical Sciences and Research Emphasis.  
    • Regardless of their state of residency, applicants are considered only if they are U.S. citizens or have permanent resident visas.

Taylor Boggess

Mentor: Dr. Chris Risher
Project Name: Investigating the role of astrocytes in the development of synaptic connectivity in a rodent model of neonatal abstinence syndrome
Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida 
boggess69@live.marshall.edu

Laura Farr

Mentor:  Dr. Lydia Bogomolnaya
Project Name: TBD
Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh
farr17@marshall.edu

Cora Miracle 

Mentor: Travis Salisbury, Ph.D.
Project Name: Obese Adipose Derived Secretome fuels triple negative breast cancer through the stimulation of mTOR complex 1
Undergraduate Institution: University of Cincinnati 
miracle13@live.marshall.edu

N. Radant

Mentor: Dr. Maria Serrat from Marshall and Dr. Sergey Leikin from NICHD 
Project Name:
Pathways and Pulmonary Impact of the G610C Osteogenesis Imperfecta Mutation 

 
Undergraduate Institution: Johns Hopkins University
radant@marshall.edu

Renat Roytenberg 

Mentor: Dr. Wei Li 
Project Name: The role of thymidine phosphorylase in COVID-19-associated thrombosis
Undergraduate Institution: La Salle University    
roytenberg@live.marshall.edu

Kristiana Sklioutovskaya-Lopez

Mentor: Dr. Sandrine Pierre
Project Name:
NKAα1 signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in the renal proximal tubule

Undergraduate Institution: University of Charleston
sklioutovska@marshall.edu

Shanmuga Sundaram

Mentor: Dr. Subha Arthur 
Project Name: TBD  
Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
sundaram1@marshall.edu

Vijaya L. Sundaram

Mentor: Dr. Soudamini Singh
Project Name: TBD
Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
sundaram2@marshall.edu

Sabrina Swenson 

Mentor: TBD 
Project Name: TBD
Undergraduate Institution:
swenson4@marshall.edu

Leadership 

Umapathy Sundaram, MD

Vice Dean, Office of Research & Graduate Education 
Phone: 304-691-1841
sundaramu@marshall.edu

Richard Egleton, PhD

Assistant DeanOffice of Research and Graduate Education
Phone: 304-696-3523
egleton@marshall.edu