<p>Yes, they have a joint admissions process/committee, but that process includes the caveat that you must qualify for both. When they discuss the needs of the program, they're referring to the needs of the PhD program, just like every PhD program has "needs." While a person that qualifies for the PhD program may get an edge in the Md admissions (just like any hook - and MD programs do like hooks far more than other grad programs do), you STILL have to meet the qualifications of the MD program.</p>
<p>I apparently wasn't clear. It's a COMBINED process, but you have to qualify for each SEPARATE program. Hopefully this clears it up.</p>
<p>Again, we and friends have gone through this process already. I can say from that experience, it's very competitive, and I'm not talking about the average undergrad/med student, I'm talking above average.</p>