<p>i keep hearing that an md/phd is not what students think it'll be. by that i mean a perfect balance of a doctor's time in a clinical and research setting. however, i'm considering the option of working in the pharmaceutical / biotech industry, so is an md/phd a good option? if the aformentioned balance isn't achieved, what do md/phd's predominantly spend their time doing?</p>
<p>also, what's the best way to prepare for an md/phd program? lots of research, obviously, but does the other stuff (volunteering etc.) matter as much? is the admissions process less competitive than an md only program because of the smaller applicant pool, or even more competitive than the md only?</p>
<p>I heard that the career of an MD/PhD is more characteristic of a PhD than MD, so more time is spent in research than in patient care.</p>
<p>But I have the same question too--- of course, research experience will matter much more for the MD/PhDs, but what about volunteering/ECs... are they given the same "weight" as in the MD-only application process? I would think so, but I'm just guessing.</p>
<p>MD/PhD's generally have exceptional GPA's, MCAT, and research experience. These factors are already given great weight in med school admissions but even more so for MD/PhD's. Approx. 4 out of every 5 MD/PhD's go into academic medicine. That means a lot of research and a lot of teaching.</p>
<p>Basically, you need a high GPA (average for most programs is about 3.7+), high MCATS (average is ~35-37, which is insane considering the fact that being really competitive for just med school is 30+).</p>
<p>Lots of research experience (I'd say at least 1 full year plus a few summers... at LEAST)</p>
<p>Some clinical work (hospital volunteering, doctor shadowing). Also, becoming an EMT (Something I'm going to train towards this summer) is also really helpful</p>
<p>You'll want recs from your research supervisors (If you don't have any, this MUST change or else you shouldn't even bother applying).</p>
<p>If you want to work pharmaceuticals and biotech... you don't need an MD along with a PhD... just a PhD is fine.</p>
<p>The admission rates for MD/PhD programs are slightly higher than just MD... but given the credentials of people who get in, it's much more competitive</p>
<p>So, let's say after doing all that (taking the MCAT, doing research, working hard in classes and volunteering), you don't get into the MD/PhD program... </p>
<p>I know that after that, some people instead just go for MD-only, and that would be fine, considering that everything they've done also fulfills that path. </p>
<p>But what about the people who decide they'd rather have a PhD after failing to get into the combined degree program? Would they be delayed about a year in order to take the GRE test or would the MCAT suffice? I don't know much about the PhD process...</p>
<p>that's what i've been reading, pharmagal. it seems like an md/phd would help in getting upper level positions in the industry. however, pharmagal, after 8 years (approx.) of schooling and no experience in a company, does an md/phd have to have considerable experience in order to get such a job? i only ask because you seem like you know the workings of the industry.</p>
<p>most grad schools will accept the mcats instead of the gres if you are also applying to med schools (i know that stanford will) GREs are much easier, so no one who didn't have to take the mcats would take mcats instead of the gres. But you could apply to md/phd and phd programs at the same time, and see which ones you get into</p>
<p>I would advice you to develop affiliations with Industry during your MD/PhD.</p>
<p>The first step would be to try and get an R&D type internship for one of your Summers during your BS or MD/PhD. It's a great way to get your foot in the door, familiarize yourself with various options open to you within Industry, and concurrently develop your own network of contacts.</p>
<p>Summer internships in Pharma are advertized around early Spring each year on company websites. So, it's no secret. You can apply electronically.</p>
<p>Alternate method is to work for top notch KOLs in the area of your interest. They can also connect you with Pharma Investigators.</p>
<p>When you are ready, PM me. We could chat further.</p>
<p>Do many MD/PhDs go into private practice medicine, or only research. I am interested in the medicine portion, but am considering the MD/PhD as a possible option and then maybe academic medicine.</p>
<p>You could of course go into private practice, but there would be no point to the dual degree. I've never heard of an MD/PhD who was not in academics, although I'm sure a few of them exist.</p>