Clinical work for the MD/PhD??

[Catelyn]

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This question may have been asked before, but I was wondering...
I am very interested in research, but I've also been an EMT for a few years now and absolutely love patient care. I know that technically, the MD/PhD is supposed to combine both fields to produce a physician scientist, but in reality, how many MD/PhDs really continue to do clinical work? I love the idea of the combined degree, but it seems that, in practice, the physician part seems to be kind of lost in favor of research.

 

[tidbit218]

I've heard clinical work is about 15-20% of a physician-scientist's time, if they do choose to pursue it (which I definitely do). Has anyone heard otherwise???

 

[Neuronix]

Originally posted by Catelyn
in reality, how many MD/PhDs really continue to do clinical work? I love the idea of the combined degree, but it seems that, in practice, the physician part seems to be kind of lost in favor of research.

This is true. The goal of the MSTP grant is to produce academic physcians or basic science researchers who spend most of their time doing teaching and research. The individuals who go this route tend to spend 10 - 20% of their time doing clinical work, if they choose to continue to accept clinical responsibility. In this sense, clinical practice is meant to give perspective to the researcher so that they may contribute to the body of medically-relevant knowledge.

Some MD/PhDs do go into clinical-heavy or private practice jobs. Private practice is definately not intended for MD/PhD graduates, and neither is 90% clinical/10% research in most cases.

If you are interested in making research a major part of your career, I encourage you to look into the MD/PhD pathway. If clinical care is much more important to you, I would encourage you to look into alternate pathways. If you are thinking of applying, remember that while experience as an EMT is helpful on an application, research experience is the most important factor. If you have not done any research yet, I encourage you to get into a lab and see what happens.

Good luck!

 

[Catelyn]

Oh I understand how important research is. I've worked in a lab for 4 years now (not the same lab of course), ever since starting undergrad, and I love it. I'm also expecting a publication out early next year. I only asked the question because, while I do want to do research, I don't want to completely lose the patient care aspect. However, it appears from the responses that those who choose it, can pursue a little of the clinical side 🙂

 

[Primate]

By the time you finish MS III and IV, internship, residency and fellowship, one day a week of clinics and one month a year attending may be enough to scratch that itch. 😉

P