MD-PhD Dual Degree?

<p>So I just heard about it. I actually knew some doctors had it, but didn't realize you get that while you are in medical school (thought it was a separate things like a Masters and a PhD). So I have a bunch of questions.</p>

<p>How long does it take and what is the difference between a regular MD/DO?
Do you need a specific major or preparation, like special pre-med courses?
How competitive are these? I actually heard not many people apply to these programs.
Is it the same procedure/application you use as when applying to med school?
Also (I know this should come from heart, but if it is too long in school) is there a difference in the paycheck?
If I am more into the research in the clinical setting, instead of a separate research with few hours of the clinical stuff, is that for me?
Do you have to have higher GPA/MCAT scores to qualify?
How about financial aid? Is it true the government and private companies tend to pay ALL your loans?</p>

<p>Then again, if it is true, why do people tend not to go to these programs?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>A lot of this information can be easily found on the internet, but I’ll try and answer your questions.</p>

<p>-An MD/PhD program usually takes 7+ years. That “+” is due to the PhD
-No special pre-med courses. However, most MD/PhD hopefuls are science majors and did research in undergrad, this is just the kind of preparation for a career as a scientist
-Very competitive. It’s true not as many people apply MD/PhD compared to MD only but there are far fewer spots for MD/PhD than for MD. Expect the MD/PhD admits to be stronger statistically than the rest of the MD only incoming class
-You also apply through AMCAS but I believe you have an extra essay and often additional things to fill out on secondaries
-Don’t expect to be paid much more than MDs as an MD/PhD
-I think MD/PhD is usually intended for basic science research
-Many MD/PhD programs are tuition free and you are provided with a stipend. This is an incentive because of the length of training and because you don’t get much of a salary boost in the long run with the additional PhD. The best programs are NIH funded and called MSTP programs.</p>

<p>I would add that your salary might actually be less with an MD/PhD than a straight MD because academic positions that the MD/PhDs prefer pay less than the private practice jobs that don’t support research. So if you are in it for the money, it’s the wrong route. That’s why they are almost universally funded positions - research is typically not lucrative. </p>

<p>You can do any kind of research you want. Bench, clinical, translational, public health…</p>

<p>Most people who do MD/PhD are people who think their research would be best supported by the clinical training and may want to connect their research to some sort of clinical practice (or at least keep that option open). Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone - and some after doing the program never do any research again, or never see another patient.</p>

<p>I actually would like to do research while doing clinic. I’m also very poor, my family of 5, makes about 25,000 every year and I’m the first one going to college. And I heard that MD/PhD programs are very well funded, to the point they pay all your loans and give you a stipend of about 2,000 monthly from the time you get in medical school. I’m very afraid I don’t get my bachelor’s because we barely have money to pay for my books at a community college, but I always dreamed of becoming a doctor (not for the money, although I won’t lie and say that this isn’t an incentive; but also because I’ve always wanted to join Doctors Without Borders and do something for the people who were not privileged and besides, I really think I would be fulfilled even though I know the sacrifices this career requires). So, I just thought that a dual-degree would be a nice options.</p>

<p>It will take 3-4 additional years to get the PhD portion of the MD/PhD. So you would be sacrificing 3-4 years of a doctor’s salary. If you don’t plan on doing basic science research as a career (we’re talking 70/30 split b/w research and clinical practice), it’s probably better to just go the normal route, take out loans, and then start working sooner. If you want to make research, not clinical practice, the majority of your career, then you can do a MD/PhD.</p>

<p>

Do the math.</p>

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</p>

<p>It sounds like you want to do MD/PhD for financial reasons (I mean worrying about medical school costs, not eventual salary). I would reconsider doing MD/PhD if you want to do Doctors without Borders, since an MD/PhD is stacking on more time in school instead of out practicing.</p>

<p>Alright, makes sense. Thank you so much, guys!</p>

<p>I have a question… are MDs not able to do the same research that MD/PhDs are able to do?</p>

<p>MDs can do the exact same kinds of research as PhDs… but PhDs cannot do all the kinds of research an MD can do (to some extent). So the bonus is for the PhD, not the MD in that regard. However, MD does not give you the strong research teaching, so if you want to learn HOW to be a researcher, you can do a PhD. However, there are lots of opportunities to learn research methods as a resident or a fellow. That’s why it’s really only something a very small group of people - even those very interested in research - really want to do.</p>

<p>

Thought it was worth reiterating. A PhD doesn’t necessarily teach you how to be a researcher, but it’s just that you must carry out your own research in order to obtain your (science/technical) PhD.</p>

<p>“Thought it was worth reiterating. A PhD doesn’t necessarily teach you how to be a researcher, but it’s just that you must carry out your own research in order to obtain your (science/technical) PhD.”</p>

<p>Very true. The PhD, however, does give you time as a non-PI to learn the basic science skills… i’d say it takes 6 months in a lab to get used to the way labs work, the general procedures you do in your field, etc. If you don’t have the PhD background, it’s harder to get these skills while trying to also complete your own project in a very short period of time (if, say, you do it as an extra side activity in med school, or during residency or fellowship). In addition, in PhD programs you will constantly be learning about research from researchers - in weekly conferences, presentations, lunch meetings, etc. There is far more talk of methodology, and often formal statistics or methodology classes that are required in PhD programs, not in med school.</p>

<p>Hello! I just joined CC.</p>

<p>ShakyJake</p>

<p>ShakyJake: That was a random digression.</p>