As a third-year medical student pursuing both an MD and an MS in public policy, I am often asked, “Why add another graduate degree when medicine is already so demanding?” Wrapping up my first semester of policy graduate school, I’ve been reflecting on that choice. For those considering applying to dual-degree programs, this is a time to ask not only where you want to go but how you can make the greatest impact. For me, the answer is clear: The challenges I see in clinic often stem from systemic issues that require solutions beyond the bedside.

Take pediatric ophthalmology, for instance. During a recent policy project, I delved into the barriers preventing children from receiving critical vision care. Medicaid reimbursement cuts and workforce shortages create access gaps, leaving underserved youth at risk of lifelong consequences. In some states, Medicaid reimbursement rates are so low that providers can’t afford to take on these patients, as they often spend more money caring for Medicaid beneficiaries than they receive in compensation, leaving underserved youth without care. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2020 hospitals received only 88 cents for every dollar spent caring for Medicaid patients. The solution is not more doctors alone—it requires advocating for higher reimbursement rates to attract providers and support sustainable care. Addressing these issues requires more than clinical expertise—it demands health policy knowledge, strategic advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.

As medical students, we are trained to diagnose and treat. But systemic problems—like reimbursement rates that disincentivize pediatric specialties or workforce policies that fail to attract candidates—require a broader toolkit. Dual-degree programs provide this toolkit, equipping future physicians to tackle the root causes of inequity in health care.

Beyond the clinic: The case for health policy

For many medical students, health policy feels abstract, a realm reserved for politicians and administrators. However, it is important to consider that policies dictate virtually everything in the systemic structure of health care. As physicians, we must have a seat at the table so we can shape the rules instead of solely reacting to them.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us what happens when health care systems fail under pressure. From PPE shortages to vaccine distribution inequities, the pandemic revealed systemic flaws that clinical expertise alone couldn’t fix. Physicians trained in policy helped shape emergency responses, ensuring equitable care and prioritizing vulnerable populations. These lessons underscore the urgency of equipping doctors with policy knowledge before the next crisis strikes.

My dual-degree journey has led me from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to NYU Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. My passion for advocating for Medicaid patients requires understanding budgetary constraints, stakeholder interests, and public perception—a combination of skills no single degree could provide.

The overlooked role of physicians in shaping policy

Medical students often see policy as “extra,” something to explore after completing their training. But the earlier we engage, the more effective we can be in shaping the systems we’ll eventually work within. By pursuing dual degrees, students gain the opportunity to engage with other disciplines that broaden our understanding of the factors that impact patient care.

This interdisciplinary perspective also enhances our clinical work. When I see a patient struggling to access care, I think beyond the immediate diagnosis. What policies are contributing to their challenges? Who has the power to change them? These questions drive me to connect my clinical insights with actionable policy solutions.

My journey into health policy began during the summer between MS1 and MS2 years of medical school when I interned with UNAIDS in Geneva, Switzerland. Working on global HIV law reform and decriminalization showed me how policies and humanitarian action could change health outcomes for millions all around the globe. Later, at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, my research on Medicaid policy in Pennsylvania revealed how perspectives from key stakeholders interpret and implement equity-based policy and impact racial inequities. These experiences inspired me to pursue an MSPP alongside my MD.

Building the future we want

For those considering a dual degree, the path is challenging but deeply rewarding. It’s not just about career advancement—it’s about building the future of medicine. Physicians are natural advocates, but without policy knowledge, our voices often go unheard in critical decision-making spaces. By combining clinical training with health policy expertise, we can drive systemic change. We can advocate for underserved patients, redesign inequitable systems, and ensure that our profession evolves to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

To be sure, pursuing a dual degree isn’t about sidelining medical training, as top-notch clinical expertise is non-negotiable. Patients deserve the best possible care from highly skilled physicians. It’s about complementing it with the skills needed to address systemic challenges that even the best medical care cannot solve alone. For example, Dr. Alister Martin, an emergency medicine physician who holds both an MD and MPP, leveraged his policy background to create Vot-ER, a nonpartisan initiative that integrates voter registration into health care settings. Recognizing that health outcomes are deeply tied to civic engagement, Dr. Martin’s initiative empowered patients in underserved communities to register to vote, addressing a systemic barrier to health equity. His work exemplifies how dual-degree physicians can bridge the gap between clinical practice and systemic reform, amplifying the impact of their care.

Dual-degree programs also open doors to scholarships, grants, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that make them financially viable. For students interested in making systemic change, resources like the American Medical Association’s Leadership Development Institute can serve as training grounds for medical students looking to improve our nation’s health.

So, to my fellow medical students: If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the limitations of the system, consider a dual degree. Medicine needs leaders who can think beyond the clinic. Bring your own seat to the table. The change we seek starts with us.

Sydney Sharp is a medical student.