what is phd in medicine

• PhD vs MD – Differences explained
• Types of Doctorates

A MD is a Doctor of Medicine, whilst a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. A MD program focuses on the application of medicine to diagnose and treat patients. A PhD program research focuses on research (in any field) to expand knowledge.

Introduction

This article will outline the key differences between a MD and a PhD. If you are unsure of which degree is suitable for you, then read on to find out the focuses and typical career paths of both. Please note this article has been written for the perspective of a US audience.

What is a MD?

MD (also seen stylized as M.D and M.D.) comes from the Latin term Medicīnae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Medicine.

MDs practice allopathic medicine (they use modern medicine to treat symptoms and diseases). A common example would be your physician, though there are numerous types of medical doctors, with different areas of speciality and as such may be referred to differently.

What is a PhD?

A PhD (sometimes seen stylized as Ph.D.) comes from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor and denotes a Doctor of Philosophy.

A PhD can be awarded for carrying out original research in any field, not just medicine. In comparison to an MD, a PhD in a Medicinal field is focused on finding out new knowledge, as opposed to applying current knowledge.

A PhD in Medicine therefore does not require you to attend medical school or complete a residency program. Instead, you are required to produce a thesis (which summarizes your research findings) and defend your work in an oral examination.

What is the difference between a MD and a PhD?

Both are Doctoral Degrees, and someone with either degree can be referred to as a doctor. But for clarity, MDs are awarded to those with expertise in practicing medicine and are therefore more likely to be found in clinical environments. PhDs are awarded to researchers, and are therefore more likely to be found in academic environments.

This does not mean that MDs cannot pursue a research career, nor does it mean that a PhD cannot pursue clinical practice. It does mean, however, that PhDs are more suited to those who would wish to pursue a career in research, and that MDs are more suited to those who prefer the clinical aspects of medicine or aspire to become a practicing physician.

It should also be noted that a medical PhD doctorates possess transferable skills which make them desirable to various employers. Their familiarity with the scientific method and research experience makes them well suited to industry work beyond medical research.

Program structure and time

The standard MD program structure sees students undertake 2 years of coursework and classroom-based learning, before undertaking 2 years of rotational work in a clinical environment (such as a hospital). Getting an MD requires attending a medical school (accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education) and completing a residency program. Both of which prepare students to diagnose patients and practice clinical medicine.

The standard PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years and sees students undertake original research (monitored by a supervisor). Getting a PhD requires the contribution of novel findings, which leads to the advancement of knowledge within your field of research. With the exception of some clinical PhDs, a PhD alone is not enough to be able to prescribe medicine.

PhD doctorates are required to summarize the purpose, methodology, findings and significance of their research in a thesis. The final step is the ‘ Viva Voce ’ where the student must defend their thesis to a panel of examiners.

To summarize, a MD program usually lasts 4 years, whilst a PhD program lasts 5 to 7 years. Before being licensed to practice medicine, however, you must first complete a residency program which can last between 3 to 7 years.

What is a MD/PhD?

A MD/PhD is a dual doctoral degree. The program alternates between clinical focused learning and research focused work. This is ideal for those who are interested in both aspects of medicine. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, an estimated 600 students matriculate into MD-PhD programs each year .

The typical length of a MD/PhD program is 7 to 8 years, almost twice the length of a MD alone. As with a MD, MD/PhDs are still required to attend medical school and must complete a residency program before being able to practice medicine.

In comparison to PhD and MD programs, MD/PhD positions in the United States are scarce and consequently more competitive. The tuition fees for MD/PhD positions are typically much lower than MD and PhD positions are sometimes waived completely.

Those who possess a MD/PhD are commonly referred to as medical scientists. The ability to combine their medical knowledge with research skills enables MD/PhDs to work in a wide range of positions from academia to industrial research.

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Top 10 Best PhD in Medicine Programs

Dreaming of making the latest breakthrough medical discoveries? Whether you’re interested in neuroscience , psychology, or microbiology, a PhD in medicine will give you advanced skills and in-depth medical science knowledge to propel the medical field forward. You’ll feel equipped to conduct innovative research and perhaps even make important discoveries!

Out of all PhD programs, a PhD in medical science will prepare you for some of the world’s highest-paid roles. After all, the average yearly salary of a doctorate-holder in medicine is $153,000 . The best part? You’ll graduate and embark on a career that will make a difference.

Doctorates in medicine are in high demand, and you might even find — we’ll cover all the highlights in our list of doctorate degrees in medicine.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Medicine Programs and Schools

Harvard university.

Ph.D. Program in Virology

Harvard University  offers one of the most dynamic types of doctorate degrees in medicine — the virology PhD. The Ivy League  school has produced countless world-renowned virology researchers who have invented valuable vaccines and treatments. This virology PhD program involves small student groups for stronger faculty and student relationships.

• Courses/research areas : Molecular genetics, viruses and immunity interaction, and rational antiviral drug design
• Duration : 5 years
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid:  Full tuition & stipend support, health insurance, child support, parent support, and emergency fund
• Acceptance rate:  5%
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stanford University, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Graduate Program in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine

Stanford is one of the world’s leading research centers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In this program, you’ll have multiple options to meet the course requirements by passing substitute courses or through oral or written exams.

• Courses : Stem cells & human development, chemistry of biological processes, and advanced cell biology
• Tuition : Full tuition funding and stipend
• Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, stipend and tuition support, travel allowance, insurance
• Location : Stanford, California

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program

Johns Hopkins is one of the biggest names in medicine globally and the only institution with a surviving CMM program  (Cellular & Molecular Medicine) funded by the Lucille Markey Foundation. In this doctorate program, you’ll research cellular and molecular biology with a focus on the practical diagnosis and treatment of diseases instead of a pure scientific emphasis.

• Courses : Molecular biology & genomics, cellular/molecular basis of disease, and immunology principles
• Duration : 3 years+
• Financial aid:  Full funding, health insurance, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and grants
• Acceptance rate : 11.1%
• Location : Baltimore, Maryland

Harvard-MIT, Harvard Medical School

MEMP Ph.D. Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University are two of the world’s most acclaimed research universities. They’ve collaborated to offer this unique combined PhD program in MEMP (Medical Engineering and Medical Physics) to advance research and innovation in medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Students can choose one of the program’s 11 concentrations to create a personalized curriculum.

• Courses : Molecular diagnostics & bioinformatics, cellular & molecular immunology, and genetics in modern medicine
• Duration : 5.7 years average
• Financial aid : Full funding for tuition, stipend & health insurance, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships
• Acceptance rate: 5-7%
• Location : Cambridge/Boston, Massachusetts

The University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health

Ph.D. Infectious Diseases & Immunity

The University of California Berkeley is ranked #2  among top public schools and is committed to student diversity, demonstrated by its dedicated Office for Graduate Diversity. This PhD is a unique program with its multidisciplinary and integrated focus on host-pathogen environmental interactions.

• Courses : Molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, epidemiology & control of infectious diseases, and advanced cell biology
• Duration : 5.5 years average
• Tuition : $14,442  per academic year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans
• Acceptance rate : 17.5%
• Location : Berkeley, California

The University of Pennsylvania, Biomedical Graduate Studies Division

Cellular & Molecular Biology (CAMB) Graduate Group

The University of Pennsylvania’s BGS  (Biomedical Graduate Studies) division has around 900 PhD students — 25% belong to underrepresented minorities, and 58% are female. The CAMB Graduate Group is a unique interdisciplinary research program offering six specialized medical discipline areas and world-class facilities.

• Courses : Regulation of the genome, cell & molecular biology, and data analysis for life sciences
• Financial aid:  Full funding, including tuition, fees, and stipend, as well as fellowships and grants
• Acceptance rate:  9%
• Location : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yale University, School of Medicine

Investigative Medicine Program

Yale School of Medicine is well-known for its eminent faculty and one of the world’s largest medical libraries. This PhD program specializes in investigative medicine, allowing you to develop high-level creative and analytical skills. It also prepares you with the knowledge to conduct both laboratory-based and clinically based patient-oriented medical research.

• Courses : Topics in human investigation, ethics issues in biomedical research, and methods in clinical research.
• Duration : 3-4 years
• Financial aid : Grants, loans, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate : 7%
• Location : New Haven, Connecticut

The University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Doctoral Program in Epidemiology & Translational Science

The University of California San Francisco is an innovative research institution focusing exclusively on medicine across education, research, and patient care. As a result, it has some of the highest rankings by the US & News Report  in various medical disciplines. The program allows you to choose between 17 concentration areas, including cancer epidemiology, global health, and bioinformatics.

• Courses : Biostatistics, epidemiological methods, and clinical epidemiology.
• Tuition : $11,442  per academic year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, student employment, grants, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 4%
• Location : San Francisco, California

Columbia University, Irving Medical Center

Ph.D. Pathobiology and Mechanisms of Disease Program

Columbia University  is home to several well-known medical research schools. It’s also located close to many scientific institutions, providing valuable collaboration opportunities. This program allows students to pursue in-depth research in basic sciences while focusing on knowledge application at the clinical and patient care levels.

• Courses : Biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, molecular genetics, and mechanisms of human disease.
• Duration : 3 years
• Tuition : $25,248  per semester
• Financial aid:  Training grants, loans, student employment, and awards.
• Location : New York City, New York

Cornell University, Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

Ph.D. Cell and Development Biology

Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School has over 330 capable faculty members and $275 million  in research funds. A reputable program, it involves a lab rotation, allowing each student to pass through three different laboratories before deciding on a research focus area.

• Courses : Molecular genetics, biochemistry & structural biology, and quantitative understanding in biology.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid : Scholarships, health insurance, and travel support.
• Acceptance rate:  11%
• Location : New York, New York

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Medicine?

You’ll typically need a master’s degree to be eligible to apply for a PhD in medicine. Some universities also require your master’s to include certain subjects.

As part of your application, the selection committee will generally ask to see:

• Official transcripts from your undergraduate and master’s degrees
• Practical experience
• Resume or CV
• Personal statement
• Letters of reference

Preparing for a Medicine Doctorate Program

Research programs early to determine the specializations you’re interested in. Then, read up on each subject as much as possible and keep up with developments in the field. It’s also a good idea to research your potential mentors. You can also build your network by joining aspirant and professional groups with similar interests.

You’ll find different types of medical doctor degrees online based on the core area of study, such as:

• Ph.D. Healthcare Administration
• Ph.D. Epidemiology
• Ph.D. Public Health
• Ph.D. Health Informatics
• Ph.D. Health Research & Policy

In addition to your preferred specialization, assess programs based on funding options, faculty, accreditation, proximity, and cost of living.

Why Get a Doctorate Degree in Medicine

A doctorate of medicine helps you work in high-level scientific, academic, and research positions within the medical field. On average, professionals with a doctorate in medicine have a salary of $153,000  a year.

You’ll also learn several important skills through a PhD in medicine, including:

• Research, analysis, and problem-solving skills for the medical discipline
• Critical and innovative thinking
• Oral and written communication skills
• Information management skills
• Leadership skills

Some of the most common roles and average salaries for PhD-holders in medicine are:

• Clinical Research Manager ( $78,566 )
• Chief Executive Officer ( $156,335 )
• Postdoctoral Research Associate ( $52,270 )
• Technical Director ( $124,783 )
• Physician/Doctor for Emergency Room ( $249,174 )

What is the Average Cost & Duration of a PhD in Medicine?

The total cost for a PhD in medicine varies between $60,000 and $200,000, based on various factors. The program usually takes 3-6 years to complete.

The Difference Between an MD and a PhD for Medical Doctors

An MD is a practicing degree that equips doctors with high-level knowledge and skills to treat patients. A PhD is a research degree that helps you discover new medical knowledge or prepare for academic and management roles.

Key Takeaways

A PhD in medicine can take your career to the highest level and allow you to earn a lucrative salary. Not only is medicine a prestigious field, but it also fosters your ability to make valuable contributions to society. Check out each program on our list and think about which speaks out to your career goals and values. Then, put together a winning application !

Still not sure which program is right for you? Take a look at other options with our guides to the highest paying PhDs  and the best 1-year PhD online programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years is a phd in medicine.

A PhD in Medicine can take between three and six years to complete.

Is a PhD the Same as a Medical Doctor?

A medical doctor does not necessarily need a PhD, as they can qualify with a medical degree. Additionally, a PhD is usually a research degree, not as focused on patient care.

Is a PhD Higher than an MD?

No. Both PhD and MD degrees are doctorate qualifications, but usually with different applications.

Can a PhD be a Medical Doctor?

You can be qualified as a medical doctor without a PhD in medicine, though a doctor can pursue a PhD if they wish. However, an MD degree, which is also a doctoral degree in medicine, is generally more useful for medical practitioners.

Who Makes More Money, a PhD or MD?

There’s not much difference between an MD and PhD regarding benefits and earning potential. However, an MD may attract a slightly higher salary as practitioners are popular and in high demand. While a PhD salary can be comparable, there may not be as many academic and research positions available.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Medicine?

A PhD in medicine qualifies you to hold well-respected positions in academic research centers or teaching hospitals. Additionally, you can continue as a medical practitioner at a higher level.

What is a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) program?

An MD is a graduate program designed for already-qualified surgeons and physicians. It involves rigorous clinical training and coursework to prepare medical professionals for a more advanced level of specialization.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
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• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.

Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work, students receive further training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Candidates wishing to take a shorter course of research and write a thesis for the master's after one year may apply for the MPhil in Medical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of medicine, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• MD (Doctor of Medicine) MD
• Medical Science (Medicine) MPhil
• Biological Science (Pathology) by thesis MPhil
• Medical Genetics PhD
• Medical Science (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) MPhil

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Discover the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Ph.d. program, ph.d. program overview.

At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific career goals.

Through the Ph.D. program, you’ll acquire a broad expertise in biomedical science with the opportunity to go deeper into your primary area of research interest.

year average time to degree

Best graduate school rankings

a top school for biological sciences as ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend, and benefits

Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or applying now, the Mayo Clinic experience for biomedical science Ph.D. students is different.

Program highlights:

• Research training by leading investigators in fields ranging from molecules to populations, all in the context of exceptional health care.
• Embedded within a top academic medical center, you’ll have access to clinical data from more than 6 million patient histories.
• A Career Development Internship program where senior students experience networking opportunities in career settings different from those of their research mentors.
• A national destination for research training of students from backgrounds underrepresented in science. Mayo’s NIH-funded IMSD is more than two decades old, and Mayo invented the NIH PREP concept.
• Join about 250 students who have access to 300+ faculty members in small class sizes.
• 87% of graduates since 1989 are employed in academia or industry.
• Three campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona with diverse research opportunities.
• Every student is awarded a fellowship for five years that fully covers tuition.
• Ph.D. students receive a stipend and health benefits.

See yourself here

Hear from students and faculty to get an idea of what it's like to learn here, live here, and be a Ph.D. student at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

Choosing your area of specialization.

You'll choose from one of eight  biomedical science specialty tracks within our Ph.D. Program. Track choice is indicated during the application process and confirmed after admission. But you'll be able to do research and learn in any Mayo laboratory that interests you, even if it's not within your track.

Perspectives on our Ph.D. Program

"Collaboration is massive here"

Collaborative research and learning environment

The hallmark of research at Mayo Clinic is the highly collaborative interaction that occurs between investigators in basic science and clinical areas. While each investigator has a competitively funded independent lab, collaboration with graduate students and staff across the institution is common. As a Ph.D. student, you’re free to select any Mayo mentor, regardless of which track you choose.

"Allowed me to build my own team"

Teaching opportunities

Tutoring and teaching opportunities are available and optional for our Ph.D. students. If you’re interested in developing these skills, serving as a tutor or a teaching assistant can help cement the knowledge you gain from your coursework.

Application window

Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

Ph.D. and master's degree program catalog (2024-2025), rev. 6-13-24

Virtual visits

Explore our virtual visit options or sign up for a video chat to get a personalized look at our program.

PhD Programs

Empowering students to follow their curiosity

Bioengineering PhD

Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

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Everything you need to know about pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Science

Blog Summary

Ph.D. in medical sciences is a vast field of study that equips MBBS graduates with the skills and knowledge base required to diagnose and treat medical conditions in the human body. A medical professional takes a patient through an entire journey of treating a disease, right from its consultation, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery (if required). The subspecialties available in the program are many and can be preferred according to each student’s career interest. The subdisciplines include Public Health, Biomedicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Nutrition, Health Management, Veterinary Science, and many more. A Ph.D. in medicine degree will teach you to identify diseases and treat them promptly. 

Ph.D. in Medicine

Why consider a ph.d. in medical sciences, career opportunities after completion of phd, ph.d. program overview, ph.d. in medicine eligibility requirements, ph.d. in medicine enrollment, best ways to get admission to the ph.d. program.

Many might wonder what is a Doctorate in Medical Sciences. A Ph.D. in Medicine is crucially designed and structured in a way most suitable for aspiring doctors inclined toward research and academia. The subspecialties from which one can choose to do a doctorate are vast, and it purely depends on the interests and preferences of the students. The curriculum of each may vary on the specialization chosen and may include clinical research, independent study, group work, and lab work. The varied focus areas may include microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, reproductive issues, brain disorders, genetics, orthopedics, development disorders, etc. 

A Ph.D. in medical science means that the student gets exposure to other skills besides academic knowledge, like analytical skills, lateral thinking, technological abilities, accuracy, and attention to detail that will significantly help them in their career life. This Doctorate in Medicine, when obtained from Texila American University in academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua, helps students gain a comprehensive view of the subject wherein all the major components of medical science are covered. 

The program is offered for three years and may extend to five years, depending on the specialization chosen. It is aimed at individuals who have a zeal for expertise and conduct research in the field of medicine. It helps them gain 360-degree knowledge and a broader perspective of the science involved. Along with the academic skills, the students get the opportunity to polish their research and analytical and innovative skills that will significantly help them in their research work.

One might have heard the saying, “Jack of all Trades, but Master of None.” A Ph.D. in medicine means the other way around. You get to master expertise in the field of medical science. It is meticulously designed to cover all the primary and essential criteria involved in medicine and seamlessly puts you on the path of research, dissertation, and thesis. It includes all the clinical and non-clinical streams, including neurology, genetics, and epidemics. Ultimately the students of the program get to choose their field of specialization in the third year of study upon completion of successful clinical work study in the initial years. 

The program aims to deliver the students with core competencies required to show excellence in research and development. The industrial demand for doctors who have completed a doctorate in medical sciences is very compelling in hospitals, pharmacies, research & development, biomedical, and pharmacology. The ultimatum is to equip the students with the requisite communicative, analytical, and competent skills for the amicable completion of the research work.

The profession of being a doctor is a tough and engaging one; however, the profile is advantageous and satisfactory. Doctors with academic knowledge are expected to have empathy, passion, good communication, and cooperation with patients and their peers. Graduates get lucrative opportunities in research & development, scientific study, the biomedical industry, and government-aided and initiated schemes for medical health.

Doctors who complete the doctorate program can become one of the below-mentioned career profiles based on their area of interest and focus of study.

• Diagnostic molecular scientist
• Epidemiologist
• Biostatistician
• Biomedical chemist
• Health information specialist
• Allied health manager
• Pediatrician
• Health psychologist
• Orthopedist
• Radiologist
• Occupational therapist

A Ph.D. in medical sciences program envisions its students transforming into competent physicians and skilled scientists. Becoming a successful doctor after completing the program depends on various factors:

• Clinical requirements
• Progress of your research work
• Time is taken to mold yourself into an independent investigator and
• Other Ph.D. requirements

The initial years of the course cover mastering basic sciences, followed by an intense and rigorous Ph.D. and clinical training period. A typical Ph.D. training involves the completion of coursework, performing dissertation research, completing comprehensive exams, and thesis defense. In this course, you will be expected to conduct a lot of research and thesis writing. It will also offer networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, discussion sessions, and student retreats. 

The curriculum has balanced coverage of theory and practical projects, resulting in the best understanding of the courseware. The subjects mainly involve the study of:

• Research Methodology
• Advances in Physiology and Microbiology
• Advances in Medicines
• Advances in Pharmacology and Anatomy
• Stem Cells and Regeneration
• Hospital Waste and Disposal management
• Biochemistry 
• Application of medical sciences 
• Research Thesis

A student who wants to pursue a Ph.D. doctorate has to complete the following requirements:

• Candidates must have completed an MD/ MS with a decent score from a university recognized and approved by the Medical Council of India.
• Candidates who have secured a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in any subject related to medical science are also eligible for admission.
• Candidates who have graduated with a PG degree like an M. Optometry or M. Sc from any recognized university with the streams of pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, or any related stream are considered eligible for admission.
• Candidates may also be required to be registered with the Medical Council of their locality.
• Candidates must possess work experience in their specialty after completing their PG degree.

A medical Ph.D. program is gaining more recognition for the convenience it offers with the perfect blend of knowledge. You must successfully clear the All-India Entrance examination that tests applicants’ research and medical science skills. Upon passing the test, you will have to impress the panel of judges who will interview you based on your research interest and medical specialty. Once you are through with the program’s eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the admission process to start a fast-paced and rewarding career. 

• Gain substantive research experience by doing quality research. The thesis and research projects you worked on will impress your interview committee to know why you chose to do a Ph.D.
• Avail of considerable clinical experience in the research and medicine field you choose to pursue. Clinical exposure and lab technicality knowledge is a must-haves to prove your efficiency in handling the Ph.D. courseware and curriculum.
• Shadowing experience is requisite that can be effectively done by passively observing a doctor who does clinical practice. This will help you gain knowledge that can later be put to great use while doing your research work.

When you choose to do a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences , you are about to get a chance to be part of one of the most demanded and compelling career choices globally. Join the team that holds the platform for medical exploration, scientific discovery, and medical intervention. It will land you in a career that blends research and medicine. It also implies that you will gain extensive research experience, contribute widely to publications, be mentored by industry experts, and gain valuable shadowing experience. Register with Texila American University in academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua for your Ph.D. in medical sciences and experience your career reaching maximum heights.

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Comparing the differences between MD vs. PhD vs. professional doctorate

Written by Michael Feder

Reviewed by Marc Booker , PhD,  Vice Provost, Strategy

What is a doctorate? Breaking down the three types

Some people might confuse an MD (Doctor of Medicine) with a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), and vice versa. While both an MD and a PhD are prestigious degrees near the top of the  academic ladder , they each have a different meaning and come with very different requirements.

Different still from both of those degrees are professional doctorates, which allow industry professionals to translate their education and experience into credibility and leadership through research. Professional doctorates have similar requirements to PhDs, such as a dissertation and residency, but focus on the application of research and professional growth over original research.

Upon graduation, those who have earned any of these three degrees can call themselves a “doctor,” but the path to a degree, the purpose behind it and its applications vary based on the choice. MD graduates want to work in medicine and healthcare. PhDs want to bring new knowledge and research to the world. A practice-based doctoral graduate wants to grow in their professional expertise. (If the last one sounds like you, University of Phoenix can help!)

Keep reading to learn more about these doctoral programs and which is right for you.

What does MD stand for?

MD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Medicine and identifies a medical practitioner who has completed undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. An MD program teaches medical students about the human body and diseases through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical labs.

Several  types of physicians  might have this degree, depending on their area of study. For example, medical practitioners with an MD degree might become a medical doctor and potentially specialize in dermatology, cardiovascular disease, family medicine, oncology, pediatrics, neurology or preventive medicine. As you can see, this degree can lead to a variety of career paths, depending on which specialty interests you and what your medical education is.

How to earn an MD

Becoming a Doctor of Medicine  requires a significant investment of time and money, but the reward can be well worth it. Before medical school, you’ll need to  take the Medical College Admission Test  (MCAT®) and earn a passing score. You’ll also need to build a portfolio of coursework and experience to help you gain admittance to medical school.

Medical school typically takes students four years to complete. You’ll learn the latest techniques and approaches for patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Medical schools commonly provide a combination of classroom, research and clinical experience. You’ll work alongside peers and healthcare professionals as you develop skills in general medicine.

You’ll choose a field to specialize in during your final year of medical school. Students have more than 120 options to choose from when specializing, including primary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency medicine and family medicine.

After graduating, you’ll complete residency training to further develop skills in your specialty. Residency typically lasts three to seven years, depending on the field you’ve selected. During the residency portion of your education, you’ll treat patients under the supervision of more experienced physicians.

Even after you begin to practice as an MD, the educational portion of your career never stops. As practices change, patient needs evolve and research continues, MDs benefit from ongoing education to stay current.

What does PhD stand for?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a doctoral degree that recognizes graduates who have completed a full postsecondary program. Students can earn a PhD in more fields than philosophy. After completing the necessary coursework, original research and hands-on experience, you can earn a PhD in fields like science, the humanities and engineering.

Earning a PhD can help unlock a wide range of potential career opportunities. Computer engineers, research scientists, statisticians, healthcare administrators, professors, chemists and other careers commonly require a PhD degree, in addition to appropriate undergraduate study.

How to earn a PhD

Becoming a PhD is also a serious commitment that requires an investment of time, money and energy.

Here is what’s typically required to become a PhD:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in your field
• Complete a master’s degree in an appropriate field
• Pass any program entrance exams
• Fulfill coursework, research and hands-on lab requirements in your program
• Finalize and defend your dissertation as a  doctoral candidate  (unless your program specifies otherwise)

It’s important to note that many PhD programs have different requirements, prerequisites and parameters for students. Check with your preferred institution for a more detailed explanation of these requirements.

What is a professional doctorate?

While some professional or practice-based doctorate programs are medical,  others are designed for professionals in other fields . These programs are meant for scholar-practitioners in disciplines like education, business or psychology. One of the key differences between this degree and a PhD is the focus on applying research to a professional setting rather than conducting theoretical and research-focused studies. Often, programs are differentiated as academic versus professional.

Examples of doctoral degrees are Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Business Administration. Each of these programs focuses on a specific discipline and applying research in those areas to a professional setting.

How to earn a doctorate

While  practitioner doctoral programs  teach different skills, they all share common requirements. You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in your field and sometimes a master’s degree, depending on program requirements.

After completing the necessary coursework and research, students also typically need to finish a supervised thesis and defend their dissertation or capstone project-specific coursework, research and hands-on labs alongside other students in the same field. However, this will depend on the specific program and its requirements.

What does the title “Dr.” really mean?

The term “doctor” or “Dr.” is commonly used today to describe a wide variety of occupations. Students who complete a doctoral degree can earn the title of “Dr.” even though they earned their credentials in a non-medical field like education or business management.

While a variety of professionals can earn a doctorate, the term is often still  reserved for medical practitioners . In conventional use,   doctors typically refer to medical physicians. However, it is appropriate to use “Dr.” if you graduated from any of the three programs discussed above.  

Practitioner doctoral degree programs at University of Phoenix

While University of Phoenix (UOPX) does not have MD or PhD programs, it does offer several professional doctoral degrees that can be earned completely online. Students might choose the UOPX programs because classes are flexible and offered online, and because of the University’s unique “ Scholar-Practitioner-Leader model .”

If you are curious about a doctoral degree, the following programs are available at UOPX:

• Doctor of Business Administration : This doctorate can help you gain strategic vision and skills to position yourself as a business leader. It explores how to solve organizational problems, how to design and conduct research studies, how to introduce innovative business ideas to the industry and more.
• Doctor of Management :  This doctorate equips you with critical thinking skills to find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Doctor of Education : This doctoral program prepares you to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to improve performance and solve complex problems in education.
• Doctor of Health Administration : If you’re a health professional who is seeking greater responsibility in shaping the future of the health sector, this doctorate can help you meet the challenges inherent to today’s healthcare landscape, including economic fluctuations, burgeoning patient needs and industry-changing legislation.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice : This doctorate is designed for working nurses who require a doctorate for advanced practice or nurses who desire their terminal degree. It does not prepare students for professional certification or state licensure as a nurse or as an advanced practice nurse.

These doctoral studies are only some of the many options for professionals who want to gain the highest academic credentials in their fields. Doctoral programs offer significant benefits to program graduates, including newly developed skills, insight into field trends, hands-on research opportunities and leadership capabilities.

Completing a doctoral program is also a strong indication to employers that you’re serious about your career and your field. With so many options for advanced study, these programs are available for most major fields. Even if you have already completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in your discipline, a doctorate lends further credibility to your reputation and can help prepare you for a leadership position.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Dr. Marc Booker, University of Phoenix Vice Provost for Strategy, has more than two decades of experience working with online and distance education students at the post-secondary level. He currently oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience. Dr. Booker is a regular speaker, author and contributor to national higher education associations.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

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“M.D.” vs. “Ph.D.” vs. “Dr.”: Are They Synonyms?

Quick: when you hear the word doctor , what do you picture?

Most would probably describe someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around their neck or someone in medical scrubs—someone you would seek out if you have a deep cut that needed stitches.

That word doctor , however, is a title assigned to many who don’t come close to that description, many of whom you wouldn’t want stitching up that cut. Take your English professor, for instance. No offense, Dr. Barrett. 

It can all be a bit confusing, which is why it’s important to know who and why someone might be called a doctor , as well as what all those initials and abbreviations after their name mean. Here we break it all down.

What does Dr. mean?

Let’s start with doctor or D r . for short. While the first definition of the word is “ a person licensed to practice medicine,” that doesn’t mean you want to take medical advice from anyone who calls themselves a doctor . There are many looser definitions of the word that follow and, frankly, make things a bit confusing.

For example, the third definition is older slang for a “cook, as at a camp or on a ship,” while the seventh entry is “an eminent scholar and teacher.” Bugs Bunny didn’t help matters either by plying anyone and everyone with his famous greeting,“What’s up, doc?” 

The term doctor can be traced back to the late 1200s, and it stems from a Latin word meaning “to teach.” It wasn’t used to describe a licensed medical practitioner until about 1400, and it wasn’t used as such with regularity until the late 1600s. It replaced the former word used for medical doctors— leech , which is now considered archaic. 

WATCH: When Did The Word "Doctor" Become Medical?

Physician vs. doctor : are these synonyms.

While the term physician is a synonym for doctor , it’s typically used to refer to those who practice general medicine rather than those who perform surgery, aka surgeons . 

A quack , on the other hand, is defined as “ a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.”

What does M.D. mean?

Moving on to initials that carry more weight than a nod from Bugs, let’s look at M.D.s .

M.D. , which can be used with or without the periods ( M.D. or MD )  is the designation for a medical doctor. This is earned by attending medical school (typically a four-year program after completing at least one undergraduate degree, plus a residency program), and learning to diagnose patients’ symptoms and offer treatment. 

The initials M and D stem from the Latin title  Medicīnae Doctor. There are many different types of doctors, with different specialties, but if you have a physical ailment, visiting a doctor with the initials M.D. is a good place to start.

Specialty doctors may add even more initials to their title, such as DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition), DDS (doctor of dental surgery), or countless others they acquire with additional training. To make things even more confusing, some may add abbreviations from medical associations they belong to, such as FAAEM (Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine). 

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What does Ph.D. mean?

As for Ph.D. , this stands for “doctor of philosophy.” It stems from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor.

You can get a Ph.D. in any number of subjects, from anthropology to mythological studies. It’s not an easy feat, however, as to earn one, you must do original research and write a dissertation . 

Ph.D. vs. M.D .: are these synonyms?

There are two big differences between Ph.D. s and M.D .s. When it comes to medicine, M.D.s can prescribe medications, and Ph.D.s can’t. And yes, it’s possible to be both an M.D. and a Ph.D. In fact, some med schools offer programs in which you can achieve both simultaneously. 

You can also get a professional doctorate degree in a number of fields. For example, you might receive a doctorate of education, an  Ed.D . 

So, in a nutshell, both M.D.s and Ph.Ds can be referred to as doctors . If you’re looking for someone to treat what ails you physically, then you want at least an M.D. following their name. If you want to dig deep into a subject and get advice from someone who has done their own research and who likely knows the latest and greatest developments in a particular area, then you’re probably looking for a Ph.D. And if someone has both, even better—depending on your needs, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

Want more synonyms? Get Thesaurus.com’s sizzling synonyms right in your inbox! 

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How can one differentiate between Dr. (PhD) and Dr. (MD or DO)?

Reading the question posted here left me with a more general question:

Given the professional title and name: Dr. (First Name)(Last Name), is there some way to differentiate between the holder of a philosophical doctorate and a medical doctor? Wouldn't it be more appropriate for a PhD holder to have the title (First Name)(Last Name), PhD?

14 Answers 14

You can't immediately tell from the title, but then titles are not typically used by an individual to broadcast their occupation - we don't have variants of "Mr" for plumbers, bank managers, or rock stars - despite their very different occupations. Rather, the title is to be used by others when addressing that individual, in order to signify a degree of respect, typically for a particular level of training, qualification and responsibility, or else for a particularly respected position in society. Even the term "mister" is a meaningful sign of respect that historically would not have been as widely applied as it is today - the ratchet of etiquette has gradually eliminated everything below it.

The actual title "Doctor" means "teacher" (from Latin "doceo", "I teach"). This title is more often more relevant to PhDs than MDs, so you probably have your suggested solution backwards. That said, the solution is really neither necessary nor appropriate. Much like "Master" (from Latin "magister", in this case "teacher"), "Doctor" signifies that an individual has not only gained enough competency to practice in a particular field, but has developed enough expertise to instruct others. An individual who is sufficiently qualified to practice but not teach would historically have been known as a "journeyman", roughly equivalent to "professional".

In short "doctor" refers not to a field of expertise, but rather to a level of expertise.

Incidentally, most UK surgeons drop their title of "Dr" and revert to "Mr" after joining the Royal College of Surgeons. I've heard through a friend of at least one surgeon who reacted quite angrily at being addressed as a mere "Dr", which in such circles, due to a collision between traditional titles and modern medical training, could be unkindly translated as "trainee".

• 2 I think the Mr should be spelled out after joining the Royal College of Surgeons ie. Mr.Smith -> Dr.Smith -> Mister Smith –  user288447 Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 16:34
• 7 @user288447, do you have reference? I can't find anything on that. –  DeveloperInDevelopment Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 16:46
• 2 Unfortunately not, it may just have been convention in one hospital that I was in several years ago. –  user288447 Commented Oct 30, 2014 at 10:31

You can't. That's why there are numerous jokes in English-speaking culture about whether someone addressed as "doctor" is a "real" doctor or not. Medical doctors are supposed to be the "real" ones in the jokes.

• 30 Regarding the jokes, I recently heard introducing a speaker (MD) in a conference "and then he became a real doctor when he did his PhD in...". –  Davidmh Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 12:25
• 8 Also: 'not that kind of doctor' –  Cape Code Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 12:53
• 18 According to peoplefinders.com/search/… , there are 2 people named "Doctor Smith" in the US. Do they have PhDs or MDs? I don't know. Their first name is Doctor. –  emory Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 13:46
• 16 @Emory: Following the example of Major Major , they should enroll in a university and see if a computer error will summarily grant them a doctorate. –  Nate Eldredge Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 14:53
• 6 Ironically, it is neither MD's, nor PhD's that are the true, original " Doctors ", but rather DD's. Though try convincing anyone of that today ... –  RBarryYoung Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 19:15

In the United States, in spoken address, both are called "doctor."

For personal correspondence, both are addressed as "Dr." as with an invitation addressed to "Dr. and Mrs. Smith." (Or maybe "Dr. and Mr. Smith." If they both hold doctorates, it is "Drs. Smith." For a couple with different family names, use "Dr. Smith and Mr. Brown.")

For professional correspondence, both are addressed by name and degree, as "James Smith, M.D." or "Bob Brown, Ph.D."

Since the distinction is only relevant in professional interactions, there really isn't any ambiguity.

If you are speaking to a medical doctor professionally, you will know it by the setting, and you still say "doctor." If you ask for medical advice at a cocktail party because someone was introduced as "doctor" you deserve anything you get! I've been known to say, "I'm a college teacher type doctor, not a take-off-your-clothes doctor." That usually sends the message and often gets a laugh.

• 2 I am not a medical doctor, but I often work in hospital settings interacting with both patients and medical doctors so the setting is not always informative. –  StrongBad Commented Oct 31, 2014 at 11:36
• 3 I know a microbiologist and a physicist who work in a hospital. Their degrees appear on their ID badges, as do those of medical doctors. –  Bob Brown Commented Oct 31, 2014 at 11:46
• This was edited by "Anonymous" to introduce irrelevant commentary about women taking husbands' names. The commentary on the edit also incorrectly stated that more women than men earn doctorates. In the United States, at least, that is incorrect. From the 2014 SED: "Overall, women earned 46% of all doctorates in 2014." –  Bob Brown Commented Nov 29, 2016 at 14:24

I have seen the difference in the written form of their name;

One is Name Family, PhD. and other one is Name Family MD.

The same applies to the people holding Engineering doctorates such as Name Family, EngD. or holding doctorate in business such as DBA. Also, in different countries there are usually different doctorate titles ( link ) awarded.

But all of these people are called doctors .

• 1 I've seen it for dentists too. Name Family D.D.S –  jonescb Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 16:53
• @jonescb just look at the link provided in the answer, you can see more than twenty doctorate titles for different countries and different majors... –  enthu Commented Oct 29, 2014 at 16:56

A medical practitioner usually holds a MBBS or MD degree or similar and - at a reasonable level of proficiency - membership of a professional body such as the AMA ( American Medical Association) or the RCP ( Royal College of Physicians) or whatever applies in their part of the world.

A holder of an academic doctorate ( PhD, DrPh, EngD etc) has researched a topic or problem within their specific subject in sufficient depth to have generated fresh insights or made a breakthrough or contributed significant new knowledge to the existing corpus.

Both have earned the right to be addressed as 'Dr'.

However, it would appear to me that one or two posters have been watching a few too many episodes of 'The Big Bang Theory' as I think the need to differentiate between the two very rarely applies except in a medical emergency.

• 1 In hospital settings where patients may be interacting with both medical doctors and academics, there is a need to differentiate. –  StrongBad Commented Oct 31, 2014 at 11:37

While both have the title of "doctor," that is identifying the fact that they both have the same education level, a doctorate.

The meaningful difference here is occupation : one might be a professor, the other a physician.

To differentiate between the two you can use the actual doctorate type or the job title:

• My professor is Dr. Jones. (or) Dr. Jones teaches my class.
• My physician is Dr. Smith.
• Indiana Jones, Ph.D.
• Joe Smith, M.D.

Of course a physician could also be a professor (who teaches in medical school?), or an M.D. might be a researcher who does not treat patients as their primary means of income (i.e. they only deal with patients during the course of medical studies). I do not think you can do much about those cases.

In Germany, it is common to denote the subject area the doctor was obtained in, such as Dr. med. for medical doctors, Dr.-Ing. for engineers, or Dr.-rer-nat. (rerum naturalium) for sciences like chemistry.

The usual practical solution is "ask them."

Doctor means you have a doctorate. Simple as that, a medic can have a doctorate in medicine and thus be a doctor, but if you do not have the degree then you are not a doctor, you can be a surgeon or a licensee of medicine but you are just referred to as doctor out of colloquial use of the title based on historical rots and customs.

There is no difference in spoken address ('Doctor'), but one is a Ph.D. and the other is an M.D.

You can tell from the context, but without the context, you can't. If the context is obviously far removed from anything clinical, such as "Dr. xyz has written a book on archaeology of early Los Angeles", then it's obviously the PhD sense. If it's a clinical setting, including emergencies and simply asking for health advice, basically when someone's health is at stake, then it's obviously the MD sense.

Things can get more ambiguous in biomedical research, because I personally know some MDs (without PhD) doing research instead of practicing medicine, including some molecular biology professors. When a research paper that uses clinical samples says something like, "Samples were obtained after resection from Dr. xyz", then it really can be either MD or PhD or both. Some people in our field have both.

Anyway, I don't make too big a deal out of it because we in California are typically on first name basis outside the clinical setting (this includes medical doctors). When we PhDs and candidates (at least in CA) say "doctor", we also usually mean medical doctors, like in, "Our postdoc health insurance is so bad that I'm terrified of seeing a doctor", where "doctor" obviously doesn't refer to ourselves. Some states, including California, have laws forbidding anyone who is not a medical doctor to advertise themselves as Dr. something in order not to confuse patients.

The confusing aspect is that doctor connotes medical treatment to most people, not a doctoral degree. Anyone smart enough to have a PhD knows the difference. I would not want a PhD doing my surgery, nor an MD teaching me philosophy.

It's not an easy question to answer. Ph.D's who are professors are just called "professor," and research assistants with a Ph.D are called "doctor" by secretaries and students. Titles are never mentioned in academic papers.

It's different with doctors: Patients and nurses call them "doctor;" if they are also professors, which they often are, the are called "professor" since professors have a higher status than mere M.D.s, and when they write papers in medical journals they put M.D. after their names. When practitioners without an M.D. refer to themselves as "doctor" they are just called "frauds."

Things are much more interesting in Germany. I was treated there by a woman doctor in a University Hospital who was also a professor of medicine. Her title was Frau Dr. Med, Dr. Professor Mueller. Some Professors have three degrees, meaning that are called Herr (or Frau) Dr. Dr. Dr. Professor.

• I have never heard medical school Professors introduce themselves to patients as Professor. In the UK holders of a Bachelors in Medical Science (BMedSci) call themselves doctor and it is not fraud. –  StrongBad Commented Oct 31, 2014 at 11:41
• Titles are never mentioned in academic papers — ...in some disciplines. In others, they are mentioned quite prominently. –  JeffE Commented Apr 25, 2015 at 3:43

In French (maybe other latin countries too), but I don't know about English, you can make a small difference by adding ès : Albert Einstein, Docteur ès Physique.

Then twice in a row you have specified that he was a scientific doctor (not a medical one) and his field of research.

• 2 Hi Rucikir, welcome to Academia.SE. Your answer does not really answer the question. Basically you are explaining how to say Albert Einstein, PhD in French, which is not what the OP is asking. –  earthling Commented Oct 30, 2014 at 10:47
• Well, I just didn't know if it could be used in English, apparently not, so it was irrelevant. Thanks for pointing it out. Sorry. But I'm not the only one to have done that, other answer about the German way. –  Antonin Décimo Commented Oct 31, 2014 at 23:53

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Chair's Spotlight: Fiachra Humphries, PhD

  Dr. Humphries joined the Division of Innate Immunity in March 2022, after having performed post-doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Kate Fitzgerald. He earned his B.Sc. in Biotechnology and Ph.D. in Immunology, both from Maynooth University in Ireland, where he also performed post-doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Moynagh.    

Dr. Humphries’ research focuses on how post-translational modifications regulate innate immune signaling and the progression of inflammatory disease. His aims are to identify new paradigms in diagnosing and treating human disease through a deeper understanding of how post-translational modifications of proteins by metabolites impact cell signaling and the progression of inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer.    

Dr. Humphries was recently awarded the Child Health Award from the Charles H. Hood Foundation to study “ The role of MARCO in pediatric cancer .” MARCO is a scavenger receptor expressed on tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment. TAMs can promote tumor growth and metastases. The study will focus on understanding how our innate immune system can control expression of MARCO on TAMs and how we can leverage these signaling events to treat child cancers.    

“[I’m] v ery grateful to the Charles H. Hood foundation for funding our study and giving us the opportunity to study an exciting new area of research in my lab”, said Dr. Humphries.     

We are thrilled that Dr. Humphries was selected as one of the recipients of this highly competitive award. What a great way to hit the ground running! Congratulations!    

What It's Like to Do an MD-PhD Program

New section.

Two medical students answer questions about what it's like to do an MD-PhD program.

Elias (Eli) Wisdom

Undergraduate:   Pacific University, Oregon Major:   BS, Biology Medical school:  Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Anticipated Graduation Year:  2028 Bio: Eli Wisdom is an MD-PhD student at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) studying the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease. He grew up in the small rural town of La Grande, Oregon, where he gained a deep appreciation for community and service and a fascination with the natural world. At Pacific University, he completed his degree in Biology while also playing varsity baseball. After graduating, he was as an Associate in Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine for two years before starting an MD-PhD program. Outside of school, he enjoys competing in triathlons, camping, and spending time with family.

Sreya Sanyal

Undergraduate:  New Jersey Institute of Technology        Major:  Biology & History Double Major Medical school:   Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Anticipated Graduation Year:  2031 Bio: Sreya Sanyal is a MD-PhD student at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Princeton University. She is Bengali, and she aspires to become a laboratory principal investigator in the field of oncology. Outside of academia, she enjoys singing, cooking, going to museums, and lifting at the gym.  

Why did you decide to pursue an MD-PhD program?

Eli:  As an undergraduate student, I found my first biomedical research experience to be quite thrilling, and seriously considered pursuing a career in research. Medical school had surfaced as an opportunity, too, as I was deeply passionate about serving others and caring for the sick, but I felt that basic science research was the backbone of advancing clinical care. I first learned about combined MD-PhD programs during my senior year when I was taking part in a summer research program at another academic institute. I learned that in a dual-degree program, I could become rigorously trained as a research scientist and as a physician — and could do both in my future career. To learn more, I reached out to a few physician-scientists who shared how much they loved their careers. In the clinic, their patients and associated medical problems provided new ideas for exploration in the laboratory. And in the laboratory, the insights they gained could inform the way they treated their patients. Sreya:  I’ve wanted to become an oncologist ever since I was 11 and my mother died from gastric cancer. When I shadowed hematologist oncologists in academic settings, I became more interested in their work in clinical trials and research. Entering college, I explored translational research through my undergraduate biomedical engineering lab experiences. As I met more people in the field of drug development and oncology, I realized that I wanted to be at the cutting edge of this work, but I still had the desire to see patients. Through a lot of soul searching and luck, I was able to embark on a career in medical research by pursuing an MD-PhD. Using my training as a physician-scientist, I plan to establish my own lab or work in other ways to improve translational research in the oncological space.

What kinds of career options does the MD-PhD program give you?

Eli:   From my experience, rigorous training in medicine and scientific research prepares you best for a career in academic medicine. This often means working at a large teaching hospital, where you have an opportunity to conduct independent scientific research, care for patients, and teach students. While it can differ depending on the medical specialty or the individual, a typical physician-scientist may spend 80% of their time conducting research and 20% caring for patients.  However, there are many other career paths available to MD-PhD graduates. Students may also pursue careers working for private research organizations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, or government agencies.  Sreya:  In my experience as an MD-PhD student interested in oncology, I have a wide array of career options to explore. As a clinician-scientist, I can lead research teams and conduct studies in cancer biology, treatment approaches, and translational medicine. In these roles, I can also mentor students interested in my field, allowing me to advance scientific knowledge while shaping the next generation of researchers. Alternatively, I could directly impact patients' lives by increasing my clinical time spent as an oncologist, developing personalized treatment plans, and contributing to clinical trials. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries also present exciting opportunities for me where I would be able to work on drug development, clinical research, or medical affairs, playing an essential role in bringing innovative therapies to market. With my combined medical and research expertise, I am well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in oncology through various rewarding career paths.

What type of research experience did you have before entering the program?

Eli: I attended a liberal arts college where students engaged in scientific research through 2- to 4-month long classes, which were combined lecture and laboratory experiences. Building on excitement from these courses, I pursued a summer research internship at a large biomedical research institute the summer prior to my senior year. I loved this initial exposure to working in a high-powered scientific research center. From working in state-of-the-art reach laboratories, to solving scientific problems in creative ways, and watching physicians bounce between research and patient care — I was hooked.  Sreya:  Before starting my current program, I had two significant research experiences. First, I worked in a lab that focused on creating materials for drug delivery in the field of biomedical engineering. We used special gels to deliver important substances to specific parts of the body, which had significant effects on the surrounding tissues, such as promoting blood vessel growth and blocking certain enzymes. I spent about ten hours a week for three years in this lab and contributed to three published papers.

Secondly, I worked at a research institute where I studied mice that were genetically modified to show signs of anthrax toxin exposure. These modified toxins could be controlled to specifically target tumor cells in the body. I dedicated forty hours a week to this research, and as a result, we have two research papers in progress for publication

How did you prepare to apply to MD-PhD programs?

Eli: Since I had played varsity baseball throughout college (which was impactful training in its own right), I had limited time for research as an undergraduate. So, I decided to pursue an extended research position before applying to MD-PhD programs. After sending several emails to laboratories across the U.S. and applying to many formal postbacc research programs, I took a two-year job as a postgraduate researcher at an academic research institute. During my time working on a project in a laboratory, I also volunteered at the connected hospital. This allowed me to experience what it was like to conduct independent research during the first part of my day, then care for patients in the afternoon. This experience only confirmed my deeply held passions for both medicine and science, but also exposed me to the challenges that both careers entailed. I felt much more confident in my decision to pursue a dual-degree knowing these insights.

What is your favorite part about being an MD-PhD student?

Eli: Thus far, my favorite part of my training has been directly experiencing the intersection of clinical care and research. During the first two years of the MD-PhD, I was mainly focused on medical school courses and preparing for the first board exam. But now, as I am beginning my PhD, I am realizing how medical school has broadened my perspective. When I read research papers or craft a plan to tackle a hypothesis, I feel empowered with the knowledge I learned in my didactic medical school courses. For example, during one of my PhD research rotations, a scientist was having difficulty delivering a therapeutic to the brains of the mice they were studying. Immediately I recalled from my medical school courses how mannitol could be co-infused to transiently open the blood-brain barrier for drug delivery. It could easily be translated to this scenario. Similarly, my experiences with clinic patients have benefited from my MD-PhD training. Often, it can be as simple as the ability to explain to a patient or their family, the exact mechanism of a drug and the reason it could be effective for their ailment. Or, informing them about current basic science efforts in the field or current clinical trials they might be eligible for. As I advance further into my training, I am eager to see how clinical care and laboratory research can become even more intertwined. Sreya:  I am very excited to learn new techniques and approaches to my field of interest. I am also glad that for MD-PhD students in my program, there is a huge emphasis on lifestyle and work/life balance. Many students in my program have become engaged, or married, and are starting families, while many medical students may feel pressure to push these milestones off. Being an MD-PhD student is a huge commitment, so I am especially grateful for all of the personal and professional support my program has to offer.

What do you wish you’d known before you started the program?

Eli: I wish I had known how important it would be to keep an open mind about the research topics that interested me most. I began the MD-PhD program with a rigid focus on a certain topic, thinking that it was the only topic that gave me real excitement. It was also the topic I was most versed in and comfortable in. But during my medical school courses, I was suddenly overwhelmed with several fascinating questions and problems that all seemed equally thrilling. It took a fair bit of mental wrestling with myself to broaden my own research interests and muster up the courage to explore a field I was fascinated with even if I didn’t have the most experience in it quite yet. Luckily, MD-PhD programs are usually quite supportive of students exploring new topics of interest and are eager to see you follow your motivations.

Sreya:  One of the most important aspects to consider for MD-PhD students is the idea that this path is a marathon, not a sprint. There is a lot of temptation to overload on clubs, leadership, research, etc., to keep pace with MD colleagues, but in the long run, an MD-PhD is about the quality and depth of training. It’s important to build healthy habits, strong social relationships, and enjoy activities in a sustainable manner, since MD-PhD students have to do another graduate degree on top of medical training.

What advice would you give a student considering an MD-PhD program?

Eli:  My advice is to accrue as many experiences as you can in medicine and research before applying. Through these, you can understand if pursuing both an MD and a PhD is the best fit for you, or, if you’d be completely satisfied pursuing a career with only training in one discipline. If you can, shadow physicians at both large academic hospitals and private practices. This can teach you if you’d enjoy treating patients daily and give you insight into how your experience will vary based on the setting. Seek out research experiences as early as possible. This may be difficult to procure, but having a longitudinal research experience that encompasses the successes and failures of science will inform you if this should be your future career. If you can, ask for opportunities to experience what it’s like to write a grant or an academic research article. These are not easy to write, yet they encompass a significant amount of time for professional physician-scientists, so, it is important to learn if you’d enjoy (or at least tolerate) the academic writing load. Lastly, don’t be intimidated by the amount time it takes to complete an MD-PhD. Yes, it is longer than most post-graduate training and takes up a significant portion of your early life. But it is a unique and worthy career path that is much needed in service to society. Sreya:  My advice to anyone considering an MD-PhD would be to get both a variety and depth of research experiences. As a student, it’s very easy to continue down a path you already started, but you must try to explore before you commit to any one approach. MD-PhD programs appreciate students who know what they would like to research and the only way to discover this is to pursue broad research experiences. That said, once you find what drives and excites you, it’s important to stick with it and maintain good relationships with your PIs and mentors. It’s a small world among physician-scientists, so depth of work and networking will help you achieve and further your goals. Above all, remember that an MD-PhD is not necessary to do research as a physician. The goal of an MD-PhD is to provide the specific training needed to conduct research above and beyond what a physician alone can do. In this case, you must really be sure that research is fulfilling and allows you to achieve your career goals when applying to programs, as they will ask you about your aspirations.

• @AAMCpremed

Translating Pre-Medical Experiences into Clinical Skills

Michael Foster | May 3, 2023

Your time before medical school is golden. It is a unique time to explore where your passions lie (both within and beyond medicine) and lay a strong foundation of the inter- and intrapersonal skills needed for you to be the best physician you can be. The best advice is simple: challenge yourself, be honest, and have fun! […]

The AAMC offers trusted resources and services to help you navigate the journey from premed to residency and beyond.

Frank Hale, PhD, clinical professor and family medicine education leader, passes away

College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Family and Community Medicine

Frank Hale, PhD, a former clinical professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson passed away on Aug. 4. 

Hale was an important and valued faculty member in the department during the 1980s and 1990s.

He served as the director of the U of A family medicine statewide faculty development program and trained individuals who would go on to serve as faculty in the department and other areas. He was also successful in obtaining federal grants that supported the department's educational programs.

Hale was a leader in family medicine education in Arizona. He was also active nationally via numerous publications and serving on the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Board of Directors from 1999-2001. He was a recipient of both Fulbright and World Health Organization fellowships. He received the national Excellence in Education Award from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine in 1999. 

After his position with the department, Hale continued his dedication to community health as the executive director of the El Pueblo Health Center on Tucson’s south side. Under his leadership, the center grew to become part of the El Rio Health System, further extending his impact on health care in the region.

Hale is survived by his wife, Patty, his five grown children and many grandchildren. 

Igor Matushansky, MD, PhD

Locations and Appointments

Cuimc/herbert irving pavilion, insurances accepted.

Please contact the doctor's office directly to verify that your particular insurance is accepted.

About Igor Matushansky, MD, PhD

For over 20 years Dr. Matushansky's clinical practice has focused exclusively on the treatment and care of patients with sarcomas (i.e., cancers of musculoskeletal origins) and/or sarcoma related diseases.

Dr. Matushansky earned a BA degree from Columbia College, Columbia University and MD & PhD degrees from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He performed his internal medicine residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and then completed a fellowship in Medical Oncology, as well as a post-doctoral research fellowship in Cancer Biology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

In addition to his clinical focus Dr. Matushansky is currently Chief Medical Officer at Sail BioMedicines, a preclinical company focusing on developing programmable medicines.

Board Certifications

• Internal Medicine
• Medical Oncology

Specialties & Expertise

• Ewing's Sarcoma
• Mesothelioma
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Solid Tumors
• Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NY
• Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
• Residency: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Internship: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Leadership, Titles & Positions

• Assistant Professor of Medicine at CUMC

Hospital Affiliations

• NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Need Help Finding a Doctor?

Phone Numbers

Routine and emergency care.

Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife

Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals

Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse

Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY

Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

General Information

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401

Raina Plowright, PhD, MS, BVSc

Department of Public & Ecosystem Health

Rudolf j. and katharine l. steffen professor of veterinary medicine, cornell atkinson center for sustainability, cornell atkinson scholar  .

Plowright Lab

Bat One Health Research Group

Cornell Public Health

Department of Public & Ecosystem Health Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, NY 14853

Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability 200 Rice Hall | 340 Tower Road Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 --> Email: [email protected]

Research and Practice Interests

Dr. Raina Plowright’s research program develops the science of pandemic prevention through transdisciplinary leadership, innovation, and translation. Her work advances a One Health approach by bridging the best available science in disease dynamics with effective public health practice and meaningful policy. Her systematic and interdisciplinary approach focuses on four areas of inquiry: Transmission of pathogens between species, Links between land-use change and pathogen spillover, Dynamics and drivers of viral pathogens in reservoir host populations, and Implementation of science for the protection of ecosystem and human health.

2009–2014 -  David H. Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellow, and Postdoctoral Fellow , Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University

2007 - Ph.D. Ecology , University of California, Davis      

2005 - M.S. Epidemiology , University of California, Davis

1997 - B.V. Sc. Hons I , University of Sydney, (Bachelor of Veterinary Science, First Class Honors; DVM Equivalent).

Biography/Professional Experience

Raina Plowright is the Rudolf J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor at Cornell University where she also serves as a Cornell Atkinson Scholar at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Dr. Plowright received her veterinary degree from the University of Sydney, and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. 

Her research develops the science of pandemic prevention through transdisciplinary science leadership and translation. She focuses on four areas of investigation: mechanisms of cross-species transmission (commonly known as spillover), how environmental stressors drive spillover events, the dynamics of viral pathogens in reservoir hosts, and the implementation of ecological interventions to mitigate spillover. Her work advances a One Health approach by bridging the best available science in disease dynamics with effective public health practice and meaningful policy. 

Dr. Plowright is dedicated to fostering excellence in transdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the complex challenges of zoonotic disease emergence. She leads Bat One Health, a research consortium investigating WHO priority pathogens in bats, with field efforts in Australia, Bangladesh, and Ghana. Their work aims to unravel the biological mechanisms underpinning spillover events to inform development of targeted prevention strategies. 

Dr. Plowright is co-chair of the Lancet Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover and holds roles on several advisory boards, including the National Science Foundation Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education, and the US National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine committee for Countering Zoonotic Spillover of High Consequence Pathogens. 

She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has been an Australian-American Fulbright Fellow, an Australian Centenary Scholar, a DARPA Young Faculty Awardee, the recipient of a WIMU teaching award and the Wiley Research Award, and a David H. Smith Fellow in Conservation Research. 

Dr. Plowright has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed publications and given over 120 invited talks including plenaries and keynotes on zoonotic spillover. Her research has been featured in over 120 interviews and reports in the popular media, including in the New York Times, Scientific American, The Washington Post, The Economist, Le Monde, National Public Radio, Newsweek, Reuters, ProPublica, and Rolling Stone.    

2022–present - Professor of Disease Ecology , Cornell University

2022 – Professor of Epidemiology , Montana State University

2020–2022 - Associate Professor of Epidemiology , Montana State University

2014–2020 - Assistant Professor of Epidemiology , Montana State University                           

2014–2022 - Adjunct Faculty , Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine

2014–2019 - Adjunct Research Fellow , James Cook University, and Griffith University, Australia                                                          

2009–2014 - David H. Smith Fellow in Conservation Research , and Postdoctoral Fellow , Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University . Based at USGS Northern Rockies Science Center, Bozeman, Montana

2008–2009 - Part Time Research Scientist , Consortium for Conservation Medicine

2001–2007 - Graduate Research Scientist , University of California, Davis                                        

1998–2002 - Clinical Veterinarian and Field Wildlife Veterinarian

Publications

Complete list of publications:    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=LOYc-5UAAAAJ&hl=en

Selected publications:

• Vora, NM, L Hassan,  RK Plowright , R Horton, S Cook, N Sizer, and A Bernstein. The Lancet–PPATS Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover: reducing the risk of pandemics through primary prevention.  The Lancet .  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01064-4 .
• Eby, P., A. J. Peel, W. Madden, J. R. Giles, P. J. Hudson, and  R.K. Plowright .  Pathogen spillover driven by rapid changes in bat ecology .  2023. Nature.  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05506-2 .
• Plowright, R.K. , C. Parrish, H. McCallum, P.J. Hudson, A. Ko, A. Graham, J. Loyd-Smith. Pathways to zoonotic spillover . 2017. 15(8), 502-510. Nature Reviews Microbiology . doi:10.1038/nrmicro.2017.45.
•  Becker, Daniel, Peggy Eby, Wyatt Madden, Alison Peel, and  Raina K. Plowright .  Ecological Conditions Experienced by Bat Reservoir Hosts Predict the Intensity of Hendra Virus Excretion over Space and Time .  2023. Ecology Letters.  doi.org/10.1111/ele.14007
• Neil Vora, Lee Hannah, Susan Lieberman, Mariana M. Vale, Raina K. Plowright , Aaron S. Bernstein. Want to prevent pandemics? Stop Spillovers. 2022. 605, 419-422 Nature. doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01312-y
• Alison J. Peel*, Claude Kwe Yinda*, Edward J. Annand, Adrienne S. Dale, Peggy Eby, John-Sebastian Eden, Devin N. Jones, Maureen K. Kessler, Tamika J. Lunn, Tim Pearson, Jonathan E. Schulz, Ina L. Smith, Bat One Health, Vincent J. Munster*, Raina K. Plowright *. A novel variant of Hendra virus circulates in black flying-foxes ( Pteropus alecto ) and grey-headed flying-foxes ( Pteropus poliocephalus ). 2022 . Emerging Infectious Diseases 28(5) doi:10.3201/eid2805.212338 *Equal contribution
• M. Ruiz-Aravena, C. McKee, A. Gamble, T. Lunn, A. Morris, C.E. Snedden, C.K. Yinda, J.R. Port, D.W. Buchholz, Y.Y. Yeo, C. Faust, E. Jax, L. Dee, D. Jones, M. Kessler, C. Falvo, D. Crowley, N. Bharti, C.E. Brook, H.C. Aguilar, A. J. Peel, O. Restif, T. Schountz, C.R. Parrish, E.S. Gurley, J.O. Lloyd-Smith, P.J. Hudson, V.J. Munster, R.K. Plowright . Ecology, evolution, and spillover of coronaviruses from bats . 2021. Nature Reviews Microbiology. doi.org/10.1038/s41579-021-00652-2
• Plowright R.K .* , J. K. Reaser*, H. Locke, S. Woodley, J. A. Patz, D. J. Becker + , G. Oppler, Peter J. Hudson, and G. Tabor. Land use-induced spillover: A call to action to safeguard environmental, animal, and human health. 2021. Lancet Planetary Health . doi.org/10.1016/ S2542-5196(21)00031-0 *Equal contribution (cover image)
• Letko, M., Seifert, S., Olival, K.J., Plowright, R .K., Munster, V. Bat-borne virus diversity, spillover and emergence . 2020 . Nature Reviews Microbiology .
• Arinjay Banerjee, Michelle L. Baker, Kirsten Kulcsar, Vikram Misra, Raina K. Plowright and Karen Mossman. Novel insights into the immune systems of bats . 2020 . Frontiers in Immunology. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00026 (authors in alphabetical order)
• Becker, D.J., G.F. Albery, M.K. Kessler, T. Lunn, C.A. Falvo, G.Á. Czirják, L.B. Martin, R.K. Plowright . Macroimmunology: the drivers and consequences of spatial patterns in wildlife immune defense. 2020. Journal of Animal Ecology doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13166 *Awarded the 2020 Sidnie Manton Award; Journal of Animal Ecology #TopCitedArticle
• Faust, C.L., H.I. McCallum, L.S.P. Bloomfield, N. Gottdenker, T.R. Gillespie, C.J. Torney, A.P. Dobson, and R.K. Plowright. Pathogen spillover during land conversion . 2018. Ecology Letters. doi:10.1111/ele.12904.
• Plowright , R.K., K. Manlove, T.E. Besser, D. Paez, K.R. Andrews+, P.E. Matthews, L. Waits, P.J. Hudson, and E.F. Cassirer. Age-structured variation in infectious period explains epidemiological features of pneumonia in bighorn sheep. 2017. Ecology Letters. doi:10.1111/ele.12829. (Cover Photo)
• Plowright, R.K. , H.E. Field, C. Smith, A. Divljan, C. Palmer, G.M. Tabor, P. Daszak, and J. Foley. Reproduction and nutritional stress are risk factors for Hendra virus infection in little red flying foxes ( Pteropus scapulatus ). 2008. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences. doi:10.1098/rspb.2007.1260.
• Plowright, R. K. , P. Eby, P.J. Hudson, I.L. Smith, D. Westcott, W.L. Bryden, et al. Ecological dynamics of emerging bat virus spillover. 2015. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences . 282.1798: 20142124.                
• Plowright, R.K . , A. Peel, D. Streicker, A. Gilbert, H. McCallum, J. Wood, M. Baker, and O. Restif. Transmission or within-host processes driving pulses of infection in reservoir hosts.   2016. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 10(8):e0004796. (PLOS featured image)
• Plowright, R.K. , S.H. Sokolow, M.E. Gorman, P. Daszak, and J.E. Foley. Causal inference in disease ecology: investigating ecological drivers of disease emergence . 2008. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment , 6(8): 420–429, doi:10.1890/070086.
• Plowright, R.K. , P. Foley, H.E. Field, A.P. Dobson, J.E. Foley, P. Eby and P. Daszak. Urban habituation, ecological connectivity and epidemic dampening: the emergence of Hendra virus from flying foxes (Pteropus spp.). 2011. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences vol. 278 no. 1725 3703-3712.                                                               
• Cassirer, E.F., R.K. Plowright , K.R. Manlove, P.C. Cross, A. Dobson, K. Potter, P.J. Hudson. The spatio-temporal dynamics of pneumonia in a bighorn sheep metapopulation. 2013. Journal of Animal Ecology doi: 10.1111/1365-2656.12031.            

Awards and Honors

2023 - Elected to the National Academy of Medicine , United States of America

2023 - Carlton M. Herman Cutting Edge speaker  Wildlife Disease Association

2023 - Rudolph J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor  at Cornell University

2022 - Elected as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

2022 - Charles and Nora Wiley Award for Meritorious Research, Montana State University.

2022 - Visiting Scientist Fellowship, Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions, France.

2019 - Coppoc One Health Lectureship, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

2018 - RR Parker Memorial lectureship , 73rd International Conference on Diseases in Nature Communicable to Man.

2018 - Nominated for the Director’s Award by DARPA Biological Technologies Office.

2017 - Kopriva Lectureship, Montana State University.

2017 - Excellence in Teaching Award, Washington-Idaho-Montana-Utah (WIMU) Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine.

2016 - DARPA Young Faculty Award, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

2009 - David H. Smith Fellowship in Conservation Research, Society for Conservation Biology.

2002 - Veterinary Graduate Academic Program Fellowship in Epidemiology , School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.                                                                        

2001 - Fulbright Graduate Fellowship , Australian-American Fulbright Commission.

2001 - Centenary Scholarship , Foundation for Young Australians.           

1997 - First Class Honors , Bachelor of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney.

1997 - J.D. Stewart Prize in Veterinary Science , University of Sydney.

1997 - Wesley College Overseas Study Program Leadership Fellowship , University of Sydney.

1996 - Lonsdale Prize for Clinical Studies , University of Sydney.              

1993 - Wesley College Overseas Study Program Inaugural Scholarship , University of Sydney.

1992 - Bryant Grainger Scholarship, Wesley College, University of Sydney.           

Professional/Academic Affiliations

• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Society for Conservation Biology
• Ecological Society of America
• Wildlife Disease Association
• Australasian Bat Society