(MD-PhD) Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities

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 MeSH program is an opportunity for students interested in obtaining an MD and a PhD in a field outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences. Former students have pursued their PhDs 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.

MeSH students typically begin their studies in graduate school for the first two years and then complete three years of medical school before returning to graduate school to complete PhD training. After completing the PhD, students return to medical school to finish their medical training. This sequence allows MeSH students to complete their graduate training efficiently while minimizing long breaks in their medical training.

Applicants to our graduate and professional programs are expected to be enrolled in or to have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants from a three-year bachelor’s program will be given due consideration. Because all of our programs feature competitive admission, no particular academic degree or background will guarantee admission to one of our graduate divisions.

English language requirements:

The minimum required score for the TOEFL is 104 overall, with 4 sub scores of 26 each. Minimum required scores in the IELTS are an overall score of 7, with sub scores of 7 each.