MD-PhD Dual Degree Medical Program Launches in India

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has teamed up with the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to introduce a unique MD-PhD dual degree program. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between medical expertise and technological innovation through core clinical, interdisciplinary, and translational research.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this program was signed on November 16, 2023, by Dr Uma Sekar, Vice Chancellor of SRIHER, and Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. The MD degree will be awarded by SRIHER, while the PhD will be granted by IIT Madras’ Department of Medical Sciences and Technology. This partnership seeks to cultivate ‘Physician-Scientists,’ individuals equipped with both medical and research skills.

Highlighting the significance of Physician-Scientists, Professor V Kamakoti emphasized the global need for medical technology and the essential role doctors play in exploring the technological world. The MD-PhD program is envisioned as a flagship initiative, fostering innovations that contribute to scalable, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for the nation.

IIT Madras, having launched the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology in May 2023, is pioneering a four-year BS program in medical sciences and engineering—the first of its kind in India.

How is it different from the Traditional way?

Unlike conventional medical degrees, this program seamlessly integrates clinical expertise with intensive research training, producing a unique breed of professionals known as ‘Physician-Scientists.’ Traditional medical education typically focuses on clinical practice, whereas this dual degree program combines the depth of medical knowledge with the breadth of scientific inquiry. By intertwining the MD and PhD components, students gain a holistic understanding of healthcare, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements at the intersection of medicine and technology.

This novel approach not only addresses the pressing need for physician-scientists but also reflects a paradigm shift towards a more comprehensive and research-oriented medical education system. As the program takes shape, it is poised to redefine the landscape of medical training in India and contribute significantly to the evolution of healthcare practices globally.

Why Physician-Scientists Matter?

Dr. Uma Sekar, Vice Chancellor of SRIHER, stressed that Physician-Scientists, constituting less than 2% of the biomedical workforce, are crucial for productive academic research, biomedical innovation, and the development of lifesaving therapies. Their unique blend of clinical knowledge and scientific investigation skills positions them as invaluable contributors to advancing medical knowledge and improving human health.

Physician-scientists, often involved in patient treatment and management, possess a keen understanding of healthcare needs. The collaboration with research-focused institutions like Chennai IIT aims to bring forth innovative products and prototypes addressing healthcare sector requirements.

Despite their scarcity, MD-PhD graduates, or Physician-Scientists, have earned a remarkable 37% of Nobel Prizes in Physiology. These professionals establish cause-and-effect relationships, challenging established beliefs and conducting research across various settings to promote health equity.

Program Objectives and Structure

The MD-PhD dual degree program’s primary objective is to produce well-trained research scientists leading India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in medicine and health. The program, set to commence in the next academic year, will follow a structured approach:

• Postgraduates admitted to SRIHER through NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) interested in pursuing a PhD will apply at the end of the second year to IIT Madras.

• Selected candidates will receive a pre-PhD offer from IIT Madras and will be eligible to register after completing their degree in SRIHER.

• Candidates will be mentored jointly by IIT Madras and SRIHER faculty, spending a year at IIT Madras for coursework and skill development, fully funded by SRIHER through a fellowship.

• Subsequently, candidates will continue their research as part-time students at IIT Madras and Senior Residents at SRIHER until completing the PhD program.

IIT Madras’ Department of Medical Sciences and Technology offers an interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for designing medical devices, drug discovery, artificial intelligence in medicine, and fundamental medical research.

International Landscape

While this MD-PhD dual degree program is a pioneering effort in India, several prestigious institutions worldwide also offer similar programs. Some notable examples include:

• Harvard Medical School, USA
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
• University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, UK
• Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Germany
• Karolinska Institute, Sweden

These international programs attract aspiring physician-scientists from around the world, contributing to the global landscape of medical and scientific research.

The collaboration between IIT Madras and SRIHER marks a significant leap forward in India’s educational landscape, ushering in a new era of interdisciplinary learning and research. The MD-PhD dual degree program not only addresses the critical shortage of physician-scientists but also aligns with the global trend of integrating medical knowledge with cutting-edge research. As India prepares to embark on a journey towards self-sufficiency in medicine and healthcare, this innovative program holds the promise of producing a cadre of skilled professionals who can drive transformative advancements. With the launch of this pioneering initiative, the future looks bright for the intersection of medicine and technology, fostering a generation of leaders poised to make lasting contributions to healthcare innovation and scientific discovery.