Medical PhD Degree
A program for the next generation of leading research physicians
Program Overview
Program
Advance medical science and your career with SGU’s Medical PhD program, designed for aspiring research physicians and future medical educators.
Locations
Years 1-2: SGU’s campus in Grenada or Northumbria University campus in the UK
Years 3-4: US, UK, Canada or Grenada hospitals or clinics
Entry Terms
August and January
Next Start Date:
August 2025
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Medical Programs
As you explore medical schools with medical PhD programs, consider SGU’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. Our medical PhD courses allow you to pursue a variety of clinical disciplines and research areas, combined with a rigorous medical education with global impact.
Capitalize on your drive for research and patient care with a medical PhD degree to advance medical science to pursue a career in clinical research or as a medical school instructor.
Choose From Among 4 Speciality Areas
Medical PhD in Anatomical Education
Provides you with an academic anatomist perspective with training in clinical teaching methodology and practice.
Medical PhD in Anatomical Sciences
Deepen your training in clinical and anatomical research.
Medical PhD in Microbiology (option 1)
Concentrate your studies in clinical microbiology, marine microbiology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, and virology.
Medical PhD in Microbiology (option 2)
Focus your PhD on planning and conducting research, writing in scientific style, and publishing independently.
Medical PhD in Physiology and Neuroscience
Gain in-depth knowledge in the spheres of physiology and neuroscience as a project-managing physician with specialized expertise.
Dual-Degree Program Admission
Dual degrees to give your medical training an even greater impact.
Candidates interested in our dual-degree program must submit an application for entry into St. George’s School of Medicine and include the Graduate Addendum.
Dual-degree candidates will be reviewed by the Committee on Admission for the Medical program first before consideration is given to the graduate degree requirements.
Upon acceptance, an interview will be conducted by an appropriate representative of the requested program of study, and the Dean of Graduate Studies and faculty members will review the request for the dual-degree program.
Academic Outcomes
Students from across the world come to St. George’s University for a rewarding education with global impact.
95%
US residency placement rate for US graduates over the last five years.1
1) Average of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of US students/graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of US students/graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of April 2025.
11th Year in a row
SGU secured more US residency positions than any medical school in the world.2
2) As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of April 2025.
84%
Pass rate of SGU students from the US taking the USMLE 1 for the first time 2019-2023.3
3) Total results from the five calendar years 2019-2023. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of SGU students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of SGU students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time within the given time range. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.
90%
Pass rate of SGU students from the US taking the USMLE 2 for the first time 2020-2024.4
4) Total results from the five academic years 2020-2024. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of US students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of US students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations
Curriculum
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree offered through the School of Medicine require a total of 60 credits or more. Successful candidates will focus their research and coursework in one of the following concentrations:
- PhD in Anatomical Education
- PhD in Anatomical Sciences
- PhD in Microbiology
- PhD in Physiology and Neuroscience
The PhD program requires the production and defense of a doctoral thesis. Research and coursework are directed by the candidate’s supervisory committee. All completed theses, upon the recommendation of the chair of the supervisory committee, are submitted to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and forwarded to an external examiner. A final oral presentation and defense of the thesis must be successfully completed prior to being awarded the degree.
Academic Year 1
Term 1
BPM 500: Basic Principles of Medicine I
BPM 500: Basic Principles of Medicine I (BPM1)
- Foundation to Medicine (6 weeks)
- Musculoskeletal System (4 weeks)
- Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Renal Systems (7 weeks)
Term 2
BPM 501: Basic Principles of Medicine II
BPM 501: Basic Principles of Medicine II (BPM2)
- Endocrinology and Reproduction (3 weeks)
- Digestion and Metabolism (5 weeks)
- Nervous System and Behavioral Sciences (10 weeks)
Academic Year 2
Term 3
BPM 502: Basic Principles of Medicine III
BPM 502: Basic Principles of Medicine III (BPM3)
- Basics of Immunology and Microbiology
- Public Health Assessment Tools
- Culture and Societal Issues/Physician-Patient Relationship
- Ethics, Professionalism and Medical Jurisprudence
Term 4
PCM 500: Principles of Clinical Medicine I
PCM 500: Principles of Clinical Medicine I (PCM1)
- Foundations to Clinical Medicine
- Cardiovascular and Renal Systems
- Respiratory and Hematopoietic Systems
- Digestive, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems
Term 5
PCM 501: Principles of Clinical Medicine II
Academic Years 3-4
Core Rotations
42 Weeks
Internal Medicine
12 Weeks
Surgery
12 Weeks
Pediatrics
6 Weeks
Obstretics/Gynecology
6 Weeks
Psychiatry
6 Weeks
Sub-Internships and Electives
38 Weeks
Academic Years 3 and 4
Family Medicine
4-6 Weeks
Medicine Subinternship
4 Weeks
Medicine Elective
4 Weeks
Additional Electives
24-26 Weeks
Real Questions. Real Answers.
Hear directly from SGU students and grads as they share honest answers to the most common questions about studying medicine at SGU.
MD '08, MSc '20
Investing In Your Future
SGU’s medical school tuition compares favorably with other top medical schools — and we offer scholarships and other financial aid assistance.
Purpose-Built for Academic Excellence and Wellness
Our 42-acre campus in Grenada is built for academic success and personal well-being with modern classrooms, dedicated study space, a full fitness center, and many of the comforts of home.
From Dr.eam To Doctor
Learn more about our MD program and tracks
Every aspect of our MD program is intentionally designed to support you on your path to becoming a physician.
Flexible Start Dates: Choose from multiple entry terms in August, January, or April to begin your medical education at your convenience.
Average of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students/ graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students / graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of October 2024.
Program and Track Highlights
- Global Recognition: SGU’s School of Medicine has been continuously accredited for decades, enabling our students to be eligible to practice in the US.
- Clinical Training: 85+ hospitals and health systems in the US, UK, and Canada offer clinical and ambulatory training and support.
- Legacy of Excellence: Join the network of over 23K+ graduates* who have impacted healthcare worldwide.
*Based on the number of students who have completed the Doctor of Medicine program from 1981-2024.
Connect With Us.
- Learn more about our MD program and tracks
- Receive priority invitations to our prospective student events
We will be in touch soon, but if you have questions now, email us at admissions@sgu.edu