What Is the MD-PhD Course at Hiroshima University?
Pursue research while studying medicine.
The MD-PhD Course at Hiroshima University allows medical students to engage in research alongside their medical studies.
Students with an interest in medicine and science pursue research projects in a variety of fields.
Features of the MD-PhD Course
Start research early
Students can begin research from the early years of medical school and gain hands-on research experience under the guidance of faculty members.
Dedicated time for research
The course provides students with opportunities to devote substantial time to research while completing their medical education.
Financial support
Financial support is available to help students pursue their research and academic activities.
Flexible career paths
After completing the course, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths in research and clinical medicine.
Course Timeline
Medical education in Japan normally consists of a six-year medical curriculum.
In the MD-PhD Course, students enter graduate school after completing the fourth year of medical school. The doctoral program normally takes four years, but the Ph.D. may be completed in three years. After obtaining a Ph.D., students return to medical school to complete Years 5 and 6, including clinical clerkships.
The MD-PhD Course therefore takes approximately 9-10 years in total.
Standard Medical Curriculum
Years 1-4 → Years 5-6 (Clinical Clerkships) → M.D.
Total: 6 years
MD-PhD Course
Years 1-4 → Graduate School (3-4 years) → Ph.D. → Years 5-6 (Clinical Clerkships) → M.D.
Total: 9-10 years
Faculty Members
- Prof. Yuichiro Fujiwara (Physiology and Biophysics)
- Dr. Tomoyuki Akita (Epidemiology, Disease Control and Prevention)
- Dr. Akira Kawanabe (Physiology and Biophysics)
- Dr. Yasuo Kitajima (Immunology)
- Dr. Kei Kushitani (Pathology)
- Dr. Ryota Nakazato (Anatomy and Developmental Biology)