Long-time lurker, first time poster with the need for advice. I have scoured the forum and haven't found a similar story or answer so thank you in advance.
Background: I'm a current MSW graduate working towards licensure. I run a small coaching side business and do nutrition assessments, strength training, and mobility therapy for movement dysfunctions. My ultimate goal was to have my own integrated therapy practice where I could do some form of health coaching (with a "legitimate license"), as I have come to know the relationship between physical health and mental well-being. Though I have learned a large amount about change psychology and health disparities, I'm finding that the MSW lacks the hard science and anatomy that I enjoy. I'm from a family without any professional or graduate degrees so I really never thought I could hack a PhD program or med school - shadowing in both fields has encouraged me to go for it.
A friend asked, "why not go PT or freelance as a health coach?" Honestly, I want to BE an eventual authority in this field and set a course for a lifetime of work. I have a desire to become a expert in health and want to start with a solid fundamental education that opens doors to gain experience.
Question: Would a PhD in Health Psych or an MD/DO be a better route? Does either offer a better degree of flexibility to pursue varied health interests? I can see myself doing health research on mindfulness, stress and depression, and the biopsychosocial aspects of disease as much as being a physiatrist, an endocrinologist, or even an oncologist. I am unsure that one degree combines both outright, but I would honestly want to do research and application of evidenced based health practices to get people healthy. Study, implement, results.
What do you think studentdoc hivemind? Again, thanks for your time.
Background: I'm a current MSW graduate working towards licensure. I run a small coaching side business and do nutrition assessments, strength training, and mobility therapy for movement dysfunctions. My ultimate goal was to have my own integrated therapy practice where I could do some form of health coaching (with a "legitimate license"), as I have come to know the relationship between physical health and mental well-being. Though I have learned a large amount about change psychology and health disparities, I'm finding that the MSW lacks the hard science and anatomy that I enjoy. I'm from a family without any professional or graduate degrees so I really never thought I could hack a PhD program or med school - shadowing in both fields has encouraged me to go for it.
A friend asked, "why not go PT or freelance as a health coach?" Honestly, I want to BE an eventual authority in this field and set a course for a lifetime of work. I have a desire to become a expert in health and want to start with a solid fundamental education that opens doors to gain experience.
Question: Would a PhD in Health Psych or an MD/DO be a better route? Does either offer a better degree of flexibility to pursue varied health interests? I can see myself doing health research on mindfulness, stress and depression, and the biopsychosocial aspects of disease as much as being a physiatrist, an endocrinologist, or even an oncologist. I am unsure that one degree combines both outright, but I would honestly want to do research and application of evidenced based health practices to get people healthy. Study, implement, results.
What do you think studentdoc hivemind? Again, thanks for your time.
