What is the best undergraduate preparation for an MD/PhD program?
There is no one right preparation for MD/PhD. MD/PhD students have been successful with undergraduate majors spanning from English to Physics. However, several things are important. First, the student must have a solid background in science. Much of this is ensured by fulfillment of the requirements for medical school application. Second, and most importantly, students need to demonstrate aptitude and interest in research. This is generally demonstrated through active participation in research activities. Students should seek out positions in research laboratories starting as early as their summer after freshman year. In the present competitive atmosphere for MD/PhD positions, research experience and the resulting letters of recommendation are an absolute requirement for admission. Only a rare student will be admitted to any program without prior research experience.
