Which GME specialties have the most—and fewest—MD-PhDs?

For medical students aiming for a research-oriented career path, U,S.-based medical schools offer around 200 combined MD-PhD degree tracks. What does pursuing the dual degree route mean for physician specialty choice and one’s long-term career path? 

In 2024, 3.3% of all active residents who are graduates of U.S. MD-granting schools held MD-PhD degrees. The concentration, however, varies significantly by physician specialty. 

Data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers some insight into which fields have the highest—and lowest—concentrations of MD-PhD graduates among their population of trainees.

In this AMA news article, medical students will get valuable information regarding:

• Which physician specialties attract the highest number of MD-PhD graduates.
  Strategies for balancing research with clinical interests.
• How to select a physician specialty as an MD-PhD medical student.
• How to approach the physician residency Match as and MD-PhD applicant.
• How research bandwidth can change during graduate medical education training.