apply to PHD or MD?

[mindi]

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Hey Guys,

I like to apply for MD/PHD program, but the thing is i know it's too hard to get in, so i wanna know if i could apply for phd after i'm done with undergrade and then apply for MD while i'm in PHD program, thx

 

[QofQuimica]

Hey Guys,

I like to apply for MD/PHD program, but the thing is i know it's too hard to get in, so i wanna know if i could apply for phd after i'm done with undergrade and then apply for MD while i'm in PHD program, thx

If you mean can you get two separate degrees, the answer is definitely yes. I'm a current medical student who applied to medical school while I was finishing my PhD. There is one other PhD in my class, and several other PhDs here on SDN who are also in med school. If you are asking whether you can transfer into an MD/PhD program, not very likely. That's why I'm now doing a separate MD after my PhD. 🙂

 

[hirundo82]

How do you know it is too hard to get into? Hundreds of us get in every year. If you know that you want both an MD and a PhD, I don't see why you would automatically write off a combined program a "too hard to get into" without even giving it a try.

On the other hand, if your grades/MCAT are too low to be competitive, science graduate programs are much easier to get into than medical school, and having a PhD would likely give you an advantage in med school admissions. But I would encourage you to not go that route without trying the MD/PhD admissions process at least once.

 

[solitude]

How do you know it is too hard to get into? Hundreds of us get in every year. If you know that you want both an MD and a PhD, I don't see why you would automatically write off a combined program a "too hard to get into" without even giving it a try.

On the other hand, if your grades/MCAT are too low to be competitive, science graduate programs are much easier to get into than medical school, and having a PhD would likely give you an advantage in med school admissions. But I would encourage you to not go that route without trying the MD/PhD admissions process at least once.

I agree that you shouldn't rule MD/PhD programs out. If your numbers are low then you might have trouble gaining admittance to an MSTP, but what about non-MSTP MD/PhD's? I don't know much about them, but I think these programs are generally easier to get into, and even at lower-ranked schools there are still good faculty with whom you could do your PhD. I think if you're competitive for MD admission then you should give these MD-PhD's a shot too, but it's hard to say without knowing your stats and research background.

 

[Dr.Watson]

.

 

[mindi]

Thank u guys, I think it's better to apply for MD/PHD at least once, see what's happen!

 

[FutureNeuroStud]

Thank u guys, I think it's better to apply for MD/PHD at least once, see what's happen!

I'd suggest that route. If you don't get in the MSTP program, you may still get into the MD program, in which case you can reapply to "upgrade" to MD/PhD after 2 years and potentially still get money for it. Peruse the NIH website for more on that.

 

[paop]

Yah. and you can apply to Non MSTP MD/PhD if they offer. Its much easier to get in than MSTP MD/PhD. ask the respective schools.
I found a new premed site. really cool.

http://www.adviceforpremeds.com/degree-pgms/