I'm a double major in chemistry and physics applying to MD/PhD programs, and would like to earn my PhD in basic physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, or materials research. I suppose I'm interested in the double degree for very different reasons than most others. The two big fields that I'm passionate about are international health and alternative energy.
I really want to earn the MD partly because after taking four years of physical science, I really miss studying physiology and anatomy (which are my favorite subjects). I thought I'd get the MD/PhD and then do an internal medicine residency, because I want to be able to spend some time practicing in developing countries (say, a month a year), as well as do some shifts in clinics for the uninsured in the US perhaps one or two nights a week. And I think I would legitimately love the academic experience of medical school.
But as for a full-time career, I don't see myself practicing. I'd like to work as sort of a link between the science and business worlds at a company like a consulting firm that deals with new technologies. I know the MD would be an asset for biotech issues, but I don't want to pigeon-hole myself into just that and would still like to do be able to get involved with areas like fuel cell development and photovoltaics, where a physical chemistry or materials PhD would be useful.
I enjoy learning new languages (French, Chinese, Spanish, working on Arabic and Russian), my favorite books are about economics, and I want a job with alot of travel. So private, NGO, or govt consulting seems like a good fit.
Is this practical or feasible? I know getting an MD to do part-time community work and occasional work abroad is a pretty big investment of time, but at least I can financially justify only partly using it if I get the MSTP scholarship.
I really want to earn the MD partly because after taking four years of physical science, I really miss studying physiology and anatomy (which are my favorite subjects). I thought I'd get the MD/PhD and then do an internal medicine residency, because I want to be able to spend some time practicing in developing countries (say, a month a year), as well as do some shifts in clinics for the uninsured in the US perhaps one or two nights a week. And I think I would legitimately love the academic experience of medical school.
But as for a full-time career, I don't see myself practicing. I'd like to work as sort of a link between the science and business worlds at a company like a consulting firm that deals with new technologies. I know the MD would be an asset for biotech issues, but I don't want to pigeon-hole myself into just that and would still like to do be able to get involved with areas like fuel cell development and photovoltaics, where a physical chemistry or materials PhD would be useful.
I enjoy learning new languages (French, Chinese, Spanish, working on Arabic and Russian), my favorite books are about economics, and I want a job with alot of travel. So private, NGO, or govt consulting seems like a good fit.
Is this practical or feasible? I know getting an MD to do part-time community work and occasional work abroad is a pretty big investment of time, but at least I can financially justify only partly using it if I get the MSTP scholarship.