MD-PhD Pathway
Overview
The Melbourne MD-PhD pathway provides an opportunity for medical students to integrate a PhD into their MD program, supporting medical students who want to kick-start their career as clinician-researcher leaders of the future.
While the Melbourne MD already equips students with the necessary skills to commence a career as a clinician-researcher, the pathway allows those with a deep interest in research to explore this exciting opportunity early in their medical training to lay a parallel foundation for their academic career.
The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, comprised of four years MD and three years PhD. Students will find that the research training components of the MD will have synergies with the PhD which will, in turn, inform and enhance their MD experience.
The diagram on the timelines page explains the way in which MD/PhD students will intercalate their medical studies and PhD candidature.
Eligibility
MD students wishing to undertake the MD/PhD intercalated program are subject to the same PhD entry requirements as all other PhD applicants as outlined at: Doctor of Philosophy - Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences : Entry requirements - The University of Melbourne
To assist with application and entry to the program, students will be asked to have an early consultation with the Doctor of Medicine Course Director to discuss their aspirations and ensure that they understand the structure of the program prior to applying.
To enquire about pathway eligibility, the application process or to arrange a consultation with the MD Course Director, current medical students should contact the MD Academic Programs Team via the dedicated online enquiry form.
Note that current government visa and university requirements preclude international student visa holders from undertaking this pathway at present.
Timelines
The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, structured as shown below.
Integration into the MD
As part of the MD-PhD, if required, students will be provided with an exemption (with credit) for Discovery subjects in MD Year 3 and MD Year 4, and can use this time to ensure timely completion of the PhD.
In the 3rd year of PhD study (i.e shown as Year 5 above) students will meet with their clinical school to devise program for re-integration into the clinical environment and refresh clinical skills prior to returning to MD Year 3.
Research Training Academy (RTA)
At the centre of the Melbourne MD-PhD is the Melbourne Medical School Research Training Academy (RTA), a ‘scholarly greenhouse’ that provides a supportive and facilitative community of practice for MD students undertaking the intercalated pathway.
The RTA will offer intercalated pathway students with access to a range of opportunities and resources including career guidance, mentorship and sponsorship to encourage a supportive environment during their studies.
The Research Training Academy (RTA) will be comprised of:
- Members - MD students undertaking an intercalated pathway (for example: MD-PhD or MD-MPH).
- MACH-Track Fellows - Elite cohort of doctors selected to integrate PhD and research training with completion of their vocational training in accredited hospital specialties, or general practice.
- Alumni - Graduates of MD intercalated pathways who are invited to act as junior supervisors and mentors to Members.
- Fellows - Senior clinician-researchers and supervisors, appointed by invitation, who will provide leadership and inspiration to Members and MACH Track-Fellows.
The RTA will provide students a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges at different stages of their careers and to engage with like-minded clinician-researchers from many different research fields and clinical specialities.
Opportunities will be provided to develop key skills for 21st century researchers including training on:
- maximising research impact
- using social media and other new media
- entrepreneurship and leadership
- knowledge translation
- using emotional intelligence optimally as a clinician-scientist
- career planning
- development of teaching and supervision skills
- science communication
Access to extra learning resources, activities and mentoring will be available to all members of the RTA. However, individuals will determine the level of engagement which is most appropriate to their studies and needs. The right time to engage in these optional opportunities will differ for students, and guidance will be provided through the RTA to ensure students feel inspired and supported, rather than overwhelmed.
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Watch the Research Training Academy kick-off event (from March 2024) to learn more about the initiative.
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Watch the MD-PhD information session (from April 2024) to learn more about the pathway and Research Training Academy.
Contacts
Students interested in this pathway MUST meet with the MD Course Director to discuss their intentions and to obtain approval. Please submit your enquiry here to arrange a meeting with the MD Course Director.
For any other questions or enquiries about MD-PhD, you may wish to contact:
Professor Christobel Saunders
Director of Research, Melbourne Medical School
mms-research@unimelb.edu.au
Moran Zhou
President, MD-PhD Student Society
mdphd-ss@unimelb.edu.au
Enrolment
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Students undertaking the MD/PhD will commence their PhD following successful completion of MD Year 2. A detailed program structure can be found in the 'Timelines' tab.
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If you are already enrolled in a PhD and receive an offer for the MD at the University of Melbourne, you cannot pursue both degrees simultaneously. You have the following options:
- Defer commencement of the MD by one year. This is only an option for students who are able to provide documentation from their supervisor stating that a deferral of 1 year will enable them to submit their PhD prior to commencing the MD.
- Reject your offer for the MD and re-apply again at a time when you will be able to commence the MD, having completed your PhD.
- Withdraw from your PhD and accept your MD offer. You may choose to apply for re-admission to your PhD, or apply for a new PhD project, at a later stage.
The decision should be made in consultation with your supervisor(s) and based on your academic goals and priorities.
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Current university and government visa requirements for international students preclude student visa holders from undertaking this pathway at present.
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While having an Honours or Masters is considered the minimum requirement, entry requirements for the PhD do allow for applicants with ‘qualifications and experience considered equivalent’ to be considered for entry by an academic committee. If you believe that you have other academic or research experience that could be considered equivalent, you should discuss your potential eligibility for a case to be made with the MD Course Director and a prospective supervisor. Please note that if entry is approved via this pathway, it may impact scholarship competitiveness and that should be taken into consideration.
Staying connected with the MD cohort
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Many PhD projects allow you to remain connected to clinical medicine while you undertake your research. You will be encouraged to maintain contact with your clinical cohort and engage in some MD clinical opportunities through elective activities. You will also be offered a re-integration program prior to return to MD3.
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It is inevitable that the group with whom you start the MD will continue to move through their course while you are spending time on your PhD studies. However you will remain a member of your clinical school so that you can participate in community, social and appropriate learning activities there. MD-PhD students are invited to attend the MD Student Conference and will be given opportunities to present their research, as well as enjoying educational sessions and social networking. In addition to connections with your MD cohort you will develop close connections with other MD-PhD students who are also members of the MMS Research Training Academy through your shared PhD journey. You will also develop new networks through association with senior clinician researchers.
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Yes, you are able to undertake postdoctoral research in your chosen area during the MD. Through the MMS Research Training Academy you will have mentors nominated to assist both in the development of a postdoctoral pathway and to guide you during this.
Research Training Academy (RTA)
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The RTA is a virtual Academy for MD intercalated pathway students. As a member you will be introduced to like-minded peers and mentors, and have the opportunity to be involved in educational events and research workshops. These will be hybrid events with as much face to face contact as possible. You will remain part of the Academy throughout your PhD candidature and then be invited to become part of the alumni community.
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Entry to the Academy as a Member will be offered to you as you commence your PhD. You’ll earn Alumnus status when you complete both degrees, and you will be encouraged to remain part of the RTA and provide guidance and advice to other members as junior supervisors and mentors. Senior leadership within the Academy is provided by the MACH-Track fellows, who are completing PhDs as part of their vocational training after completing their MD, and senior Fellows, who are carefully selected senior academic clinicians and researchers who will actively mentor, supervise and inspire their junior colleagues.
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The RTA is a hub of intellectual curiosity and innovation that fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas. The RTA:
- Brings together individuals at all stages of the clinician scientist pathway from MD-PhD students to the prestigious MACH-Track Fellows and senior clinician scientists.
- Offers students a range of opportunities and resources including career guidance, mentorship and sponsorship, and skill development.
- Develops clinical research skills that supplement traditional research training provided through the PhD.
- Provides support and guidance to ensure students thrive/focus on wellbeing.
- Facilitates clinician scientists in recruiting talented MD-PhD students into their research groups, enabling them to supervise, nurture, and support the next generation of clinician scientists.
Scholarship
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To apply for the PhD with a scholarship at the University of Melbourne, submit your online application for the PhD by October 31 to be automatically considered for a scholarship in the following year's intake.
Additional scholarship application deadlines may be advertised for specific scholarships, such as the MDHS Graduate Research Trust Scholarships.
Early application is strongly advised to increase your chances of securing a scholarship and avoiding uncertainties related to the commencement of your PhD.
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Faculty graduate research scholarships are highly competitive. To increase your chances, it is highly beneficial to have prior research experience or peer-reviewed publications
Support and help
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Preparing for completion is a critical time for all PhD students and support from the Melbourne Medical School will be maximised. With guidance from your PhD supervisory team, you will be assisted to submit your thesis, plan for publication of papers, and to prepare for re-entry to the MD with a re-introduction to clinical learning. The intent is to facilitate timely and successful PhD completion for all candidates, as well as a confident, assured return to the MD.
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Having your medical degree and research doctorate (in addition to your prior degree/s) under your belt prepares you well for the next phase of your career. Your PhD supervisory team will guide you on decisions around starting your post-doctoral career, supported by mentors within the RTA. As an Alumnus of the Melbourne Medical School RTA, you remain connected to clinical colleagues in the MACH-Track clinician-scientist pathway who are undertaking postdoctoral research alongside their vocational medical specialist training which will further expand your professional networks.
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Undertaking this pathway and deviating from the MD, will likely affect payments for students who receive student support payments through Centrelink. If you are a support payment recipient, you are strongly advised to check with Centrelink and be aware of the implications on payments before proceeding with the pathway.
