There are 12 remaining weeks of the fourth year available for free time or elective studies. The UC Davis dual degree program offers students considerable flexibility in coordinating their degree curricula. Combined course work that would meet the requirements of both the M.D. degree program and the Ph.D. degree program are targeted. School of Medicine course requirements can be waived if a student has undertaken equivalent course work, and, likewise requirements for the Ph.D. may be met by alternate courses. D. Advisory Committee to establish an optimum individual program that meets requirements for both degrees.
Many approaches are possible to optimize completion of the dual degree program.
Which one is most suitable depends upon the specific Ph.D. program selected and the individual student's background. Although there is a formal order of courses in the M.D. program, many alternative sequences are possible to optimize the Ph.D. program. One typical alternative is to take the entire first year of the M.D. program and extend the second year of the M.D. course work over two years, while simultaneously beginning Ph.D. course work. Preparing for these two examinations in close periods of time provides a breadth of general knowledge that benefits both endeavors. Following completion of the course work for both degrees, the next two to three years generally are dedicated to the dissertation research.