MD Program

The USC-Caltech MDPhD Program is a highly selective, dual-degree training program designed to develop physician-scientists who integrate clinical medicine with advanced research. Offered jointly by the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the program combines medical education at USC with PhD research opportunities across a wide range of scientific disciplines at both institutions. Students benefit from interdisciplinary training, access to world-class faculty and research facilities, and personalized mentorship throughout their studies. The program’s integrated structure allows students to efficiently complete both degrees while preparing for careers in academic medicine, biomedical research, and leadership roles that bridge science and patient care.

The Keck School of Medicine Primary Care Program (PCP) is a four-year educational program designed to train and support primary care-focused medical students interested in working with vulnerable communities. In addition to completing all academic requirements of the MD program curriculum, PCP students participate in extra didactic sessions and activities, including topics and experiences such as: procedural skills training, community outreach, nutrition, exercise, healthy cooking, service learning, interprofessional collaborative practice training, primary care focused leadership and research training, and education on the health needs of older adults.  Students get early exposure to community-based clinics and work longitudinally with primary care doctors and their teams to provide care to urban, underserved communities. PCP students receive ongoing mentorship from primary care faculty. They bond with peers as part of a community dedicated to providing excellent, equitable, and compassionate care for all as they prepare to become leaders in primary care.

MD students have the opportunity to earn a dual degree in one of the following areas: MD/MPH, MD/MD/MBA, MD/MHA, MD/HSME, MD/BME.