CS undergraduate with a medicine interest

[FredChang]

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Hi, I am currently a CS undergraduate trying to pursue a Computational Biology P.hD(heavy on data science, but working on cancer genomics). Do you think it would be possible for me to apply for a three year fast tracking MD(following a 3 years residency for physician scientist)(something like that offered in NYU//Columbia) later in my career. I really want to do a P.hD-MD, but it’s kind of hard for my situation right now. My ultimate goal will be a physician scientist.(I have strong preference to research, but I also want to see patients eventually in the future). Please give me some advices! Thank you so much!!!!

 

[ValentinNarcisse]

I don’t understand how doing a PhD before MD would at all be a wise decision. Just apply to MD/PhD programs. Your CS background will be highly sought after.

 

[VaultArmitage]

Just my two cents as a Bioinformatics/CS minor hoping to do an MD/PhD but I certainly agree with the above comment. Doing a combined MD/PhD program would be a much better idea than doing the two separate for a couple reasons.

1. Time: MD/PhD programs enable you to complete the PhD portion a bit faster than normal. An MSTP director (@Fencer ) can correct me if I'm wrong but the average time for a PhD is about 5 years. MD/PhD programs will enable you to finish the PhD in about 3-4 years because most programs count some of the classes in your preclinical years towards your PhD.

2. Money: Most PhD programs are funded but doing an MD on its own is very expensive. The average student graduates with around 200,000 (here) in debt. The majority of MD/PhD programs will give you a stipend during your MD and PhD years which is on average 30,000 AND pay all your tuition.

You said it's difficult in your situation to pursue a combined degree right now but I fail to see how a situation would be improved by taking on 200,000 in debt and spending more time to get two degrees when you can simply do an MD/PhD.

Good luck!