Can I do a MD/PhD this way?

[solid snake]

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Have a quick question.

Let's say I started my PhD at a school that also has a med school. If after a year into the PhD program, I decide to apply for MD and get an acceptance into their medical school, can I do a MD/PhD that way? Or is it that you have to finish PhD first and then go pursue a MD?

It seems like you need to apply to both MD and PhD at the same time and not start one and then start up the other.

Thanks.

 

[pseudoknot]

My advisor did exactly what you describe, but said it was an uphill battle. If I remember correctly there are a couple schools that let you do this as a matter of policy, but it's quite rare. On the other hand, many people start in MD programs and then join MD/PhD.

 

[Gfunk6]

One of my best friends pursued an MD/PhD almost exactly as you described. He did a year of grad school (PhD), then applied to MD/PhD programs and was accepted. The only drawback is that you potentially "lose" a year because your research project may no longer be applicable after 2-3 years of your MD training. However, given that many people take a year or two off to do extra research anyway, this is not a big deal.

 

[vwhan]

You may want to check with your school first. I got a PhD first then pursued the MD degree. I was required to graduate before starting med school.

 

[husseinfadder]

Hi vwhan

I am currently getting into the 4th yr of my PhD program and have decided I want to go to medical school after i am done...bu..right now I have a ton of questions..do you mind hooking me up with your email address so we can get in touch on this issue?...mine's [email protected]

 

[Gut Shot]

It is possible, but not at every institution. Furthermore, you will be limiting yourself to applying to the MD/PhD program at one school (where you are a graduate student). Limiting options, anyone? Like an earlier poster said, it is generally an uphill battle. Over the years I have known many grad students who pondered the idea but only two who pulled it off (and one was the result of nepotism).

If your goal is to get an MD/PhD then you should apply to combined programs. If your goal is to get an MD then you should apply to MD programs. The only reason to get a PhD as a stepping stone to an MD is if you cannot gain acceptance to an MD program by any other means. Otherwise it's just a whole world of unecessary hurt, and years of your life gone.

I decided to pursue an MD about halfway through grad school, so I got it all: 6 years in grad school AND 135K in debt. Yay for me.