MD-PhD Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities (MeSH)
MeSH Overview
The program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities (MeSH) at the University of Chicago trains medical students to become innovative physician-scholars at the critical interface of medicine and society. The MeSH program is an opportunity for students interested in obtaining an MD and a PhD in a field outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences. Former students have pursued PhDs in such wide ranging fields as anthropology, conceptual and historical studies of science, economics, public policy, and social service administration. Started in 1985, MeSH is one of the only programs of its kind in the country.
After gaining admissions, incoming MeSH students are integrated into the Center for Health and the Social Sciences (CHeSS), where they receive administrative support, access to interdisciplinary workshops and courses, and mentorship. Consisting of 3-4 faculty members from across the University, mentorship teams provide ongoing support and advisement to MeSH students as they progress through both medical school and their respective PhD programs. The core MeSH faculty, a cadre of institutionally and nationally prominent investigators, represent a wide range of federally and privately funded collaborative projects. They also provide MeSH students unique opportunities to participate in very cohesive, interactive health services research and social science groups throughout campus.
Admissions Pathways
Prospective students may apply to MeSH through one of two tracks:
MeSH at the Pritzker School of Medicine: Prospective students apply simultaneously to both the Pritzker School of Medicine and one or more PhD program(s) of interest at the University of Chicago. Students interested in this track should visit the MeSH page on the Pritzker School of Medicine website for more information on program details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions. Students may apply to any social science or humanities PhD program.
MeSH National Track: Students who have been accepted into any medical school in the country can apply to a PhD program in the social sciences or humanities at the University of Chicago. Accepted students may begin their studies at UChicago at any time before their first, second, or third year of medical school. Students may apply to any social science or humanities PhD program. Learn more about the National Track and how to apply here.
MeSH applicants may apply to any PhD program in the Social Sciences Division, Arts and Humanities Division, or any of the related professional schools (Business, Public Policy, Social Work). Some examples of PhD programs to which MeSH applicants commonly apply include:
- Anthropology
- Comparative Human Development
- Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science (CHSS)
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health Sciences
- Harris School of Public Policy
- Booth School of Business
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
Note: The following programs are pausing admissions for the 2026–2027 academic year and will not admit a new class:
- All PhD programs in the Division of Arts and the Humanities except for Philosophy and Music Composition and Sound Practices.
- Public Policy
- Political Economy
- Social Work
- Social Thought
- Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science (CHSS)
- Anthropology
All existing commitments and support for current students will remain in place.
Funding
All MeSH students receive full tuition and stipend support for PhD training. MeSH students accepted through the PSOM track may receive up to full tuition and stipend support for medical school. National Track students do not receive any financial assistance for medical school.
Contact
Please direct any questions regarding the MeSH program to CHeSS Associate Director of Research, Training Programs, and Communications, Joshua Santiago, at joshua.santiago@bsd.uchicago.edu.