- Joined
- Nov 19, 2013
- Messages
- 114
- Reaction score
- 104
Hey guys,
I'm an M1 in an Md-only program who's been doing about 15 hours/week of research since the fall. I was recently floated the opportunity to enter my school's fully-funded md/PhD program, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.
I recently awarded a year-long fellowship to research in the lab full-time (between M1 and M2) and my PI, without my prompting, spoke to our md/phd coordinator about transferring me into the program. The coordinator was very supportive of the idea and my PI offered to fund the rest of my PhD.
Here's the thing: I don't know if I want to do it.
I love research and teaching, but I don't know if the finances and time commitment would be worth it. I also happen to love patient contact, and I know I'd end up spending more time in the clinic/on the wards than most md/PhD researchers.
I told him I would wait to see how my project is progressing to get an idea of the PhD timeline, but I also need some time to think.
What would be the added merits of getting the PhD for a doctor who expects to be in the lab about 50% of the time? Would it be helpful for doing more complex clinical research than the average MD? Does it matter if the PhD isn't in my future field of practice? Will it help advance my career/qualifications to have the dual-degree? Would I be an idiot for passing up such an incredible opportunity?
I'm an M1 in an Md-only program who's been doing about 15 hours/week of research since the fall. I was recently floated the opportunity to enter my school's fully-funded md/PhD program, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.
I recently awarded a year-long fellowship to research in the lab full-time (between M1 and M2) and my PI, without my prompting, spoke to our md/phd coordinator about transferring me into the program. The coordinator was very supportive of the idea and my PI offered to fund the rest of my PhD.
Here's the thing: I don't know if I want to do it.
I love research and teaching, but I don't know if the finances and time commitment would be worth it. I also happen to love patient contact, and I know I'd end up spending more time in the clinic/on the wards than most md/PhD researchers.
I told him I would wait to see how my project is progressing to get an idea of the PhD timeline, but I also need some time to think.
What would be the added merits of getting the PhD for a doctor who expects to be in the lab about 50% of the time? Would it be helpful for doing more complex clinical research than the average MD? Does it matter if the PhD isn't in my future field of practice? Will it help advance my career/qualifications to have the dual-degree? Would I be an idiot for passing up such an incredible opportunity?