To bridge the world of science and medicine by educating individuals in both areas, the National Institutes of Health created the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) in 1964. The NIH's goal of training investigators with knowledge in science and medicine was successful after review of 3 established programs. With documented success, the NIH began expanding its funding of MST Programs.

MD/PhD programs are often called dual degree programs, combined degree programs, or Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP). Though all of these programs assist students in obtaining both MD and PhD degrees, only MST Programs are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As of September 2003, the NIH funds 40 MST Programs with a total enrollment of 933 trainees. An additional 75 educational institutions offer MD/PhD programs, but do not receive federal funding. Regardless, many non-MST Programs provide partial or full funding for their trainees.

Essentially, MD/PhD programs act as facilitators for students earning MD and PhD degrees concurrently. Many programs function as small communities where events are held to compliment students' progression through the program. These events may include annual retreats or monthly lectures. MD/PhD programs allow trainees to choose from a wide range of research opportunities, though individual institutions set forth specific requirements regarding allowable graduate programs.