<p>I'm interested in practicing therapy and being able to prescribe medication. I would like to address patient issues in a more holistic way than seems to be common with psychologists or psychiatrists alone. While psychiatrists technically can do this, they seem to be pigeonholed into med-dispensers, and that is not at all what I want to do. I think most problems have biological and mental components, and I want to be able to fully address both, not have to refer out for the physical side or be stuck writing prescriptions without being able to fully explore the problems.</p>
<p>At first I thought MD/PhD might be the way to go, but from all I can see, biomedical research is the only application of that degree combo, and that's not what I want either. Is there any such thing as a dual degree program for MD/PsyD? Or MD/PhD that is not research focused? Or should I just try to be a psychiatrist that breaks out of the traditional mold? Masters in psych before med school?</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone here has any info or thoughts on this. Thanks! :)</p>