PURPOSE
Dual-degree programs allow medical students to graduate with an MD and an
additional graduate degree of their choosing. Given limited data regarding
dual-degree student competitiveness in residency applications, we examined
match outcomes and explored the role of program experiences in residency
interviews and applications for dual-degree students at the Medical College
of Georgia (MCG).
METHODS
Dual-degree graduates in MCG Classes of 2024 and 2025 received a brief survey
after their respective Match Day. Students indicated their specialty, the
numerical rank position of the program where they matched, and whether
dual-degree experiences played a role in their residency interviews and
application letters. Students were also invited to comment on their perceived
impact of the program on their match outcome. Email reminders were sent to
achieve a 100% response rate and responses were anonymized.
RESULTS
Data from both classes was combined, yielding a cohort of 22 students. 19
students completed the MD-MPH degree and 3 completed the MD-MBA degree. All
students matched into 10 specialties overall, with Internal Medicine,
Pediatrics, and General Surgery as the most popular. 32% matched into their top
choice and over 90% matched into one of their top three program choices.
Greater than 90% of students reported that their experiences were discussed
in both their application letter and during interviews.
CONCLUSION
With a 100% match rate and more than 90% matching into one of their top
three choices, the cohort outperformed 2025 national match data. Furthermore,
program experiences were consistently highlighted during the residency
application process. This suggests dual-degree training may positively
influence match outcomes and residency competitiveness. Further analyses
incorporating Class of 2026 data will increase our sample size and allow for
comparisons between the MD-MBA and MD-MPH programs, specifically regarding
specialty choice.