Becoming a Physician Scientist: PhD-to-MD Student Experiences

[QofQuimica]

Since this thread got bumped up, I've had a rash of people PMing me to ask if they should do PhD-to-MD as a backdoor way of getting a combined degree. I already said no to doing this 5.5 years ago. I still say no. If you're not competitive enough to get into an MD/PhD program, you should work toward getting into an MD or DO program, and then you can add on research training (PhD or research fellowship) later.

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[Shubniguroth]

I think this thread needs an update.

As of 2018, there are several programs that are specially designed for PhD-to-MDs, including ones at Columbia, NYU, Vanderbilt, and Tulane (can't post the links because I'm too much of a lurker and my account needs to age).

Also, I think some of the advice has really stood the test of time, while other statements have not...In particular, I think the climate at some schools for PhDs coming back for an MD has changed some (for the better, in my personal experience meeting with adcoms (applying this upcoming cycle)).