Applying MD, considering PhD in BME also.

[LSU Gladiator]

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[Neuronix]

1. Does anyone have advice about pulling this switch-a-roo once in medical school?

It totally depends on the school. Some this is very possible and at some this is very unlikely. You should take this into consideration when it comes time to decide which school you're going to attend. You might even think about applying to mostly schools with sizeable MD/PhD programs and having a discussion with MD/PhD programs when you interview for their MD programs there. If you are at a school with an MD/PhD program now or close to one you could talk to them about your chances.

In terms of PhD tracks, I'm considering biomedical engineering. I thought this degree might give me a little more utility than a PhD in a basic science. With a BME, I could contribute to molecular biology studies as well as have the capability to invent and be an entrepreneur.

I don't think this is a particularly good reason to choose BME. You can always invent and be an entrepeneur with any PhD you choose.

2. For the engineers in the house, how stupid do I sound when I ask about a Ph.D. in engineering when I don't even have a bachelor's degree in engineering? I plan on taking the engineering math and physics courses over the next year (as an undergrad) to see if I can handle the analytical rigors. I remain optimistic. 😀

It's going to depend who you talk to. Some people are going to totally write you off and others are going to accept you with open arms. The former is the more likely course in my experience, however. Also, the PhD in BE is going to have much more coursework involved, especially time consuming for someone who doesn't have that background. Further, BE programs tend to be more competitive to get into for MD/PhD applicants, many programs restsricting their # of BE students or not allowing them at all.

3. For MD/BME's, what are your career plans?

I chose to get my PhD in Biophysics instead of BE. I don't know what my career plans are. I'm sure you can imagine that BE student outcomes range all over the place from clinical to research to starting their own company to working for other companies etc etc etc... It's no different than any other PhD.

I think if you're going to consider this fully you need to consider whether you'd be happy getting other PhD types. It may work out for BE though it may not and I think it's likely not in your best interests. This is because it's likely going to be easier for you to get into a PhD that isn't bioengineering and also easier for you to complete a PhD that isn't bioengineering.

 

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[Neuronix]

Why do you think some schools don't like the idea of students switching? Does that look like the student hasn't considered their career path enough?
- I think maybe it does, and that sucks for me.

Comes down to money and other miscellanous reasons mostly. Some programs would rather have their MD/PhD students start as MD/PhD students from day 1. It makes the budgeting easier. It allows there to be a cohesive class MD/PhD class from the beginning. There's less hassle involved. Typically these are the smaller programs. But even with the larger programs it's going to vary from program to program. You just have to ask. You should also ask specifically about YOUR chances, and this would be a good appointment to set up if you interview for MD at a school with an MD/PhD program or have an MD/PhD program nearby you can talk to.

Thanks for the advice about picking a suitable PhD, I will keep it in mind. I've heard of bio undergrads taking PhD bio-engineering tracks though. Supposedly we can take extra classes to level out our engineering lingo/knowledge. I might need to e-mail a grad school advisor to inquire about how daunting these extra classes are.

Attitudes towards this are just going to depend where you try to do it. But taking an extra year of classes on top of an already lengthy program is not at all appealing.

I would like others to weigh in on the utility of the BE, though.

You're not going to find any on this board above first or second year med student as far as I'm aware. There's no attendings around, and they're the ones who would really know. The best thing would be to get in touch with graduated MD/PhD faculty who did their PhD in BE. If you are in a program or have a talking relationship with someone at a program, you could probably get this kind of contact info from them.