FAQ: Why does the PhD portion of the MD-PhD Program take only 3-4 years instead of 5?

Why does the PhD portion of the MD-PhD Program take only 3-4 years instead of 5?

The Graduate School Core Curriculum, a one-year program, is waived for MD-PhD students as they have already completed the pre-clinical coursework in the Medical School. In addition, MD-PhD students are required to have bi-annual research committee meetings to help keep them on track with their research.