deciding to get a phd after M1

[saiyagirl]

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just curious, but did anyone here start medical school and THEN decide to get the PhD as well?

one of my friends was interested in doing this. i guess i'm just curious to see if anyone else has done it this way as well.

 

[OneWayTicket]

Is the PhD within the same school sytem or endorsed by your school. does your school have other PhD/MBS/JD programs it accomodates. If yes talk to someone in student affairs b/c I am sure there are others that have done this.

 

[xanthines]

As an extension of the OP, can you transfer from School A that lacks an NIGMS MSTP to School B which does? I guess the real question, is how likely is that to happen? I suppose anything's possible.

-X

 

[conrad]

I joined the MD/PhD program after entering medical school. We're not an MSTP program (Maryland), but I got funding equivalent to my other classmates (tuition/fees + stipend).

 

[ImmunoANT]

As an extension of the OP, can you transfer from School A that lacks an NIGMS MSTP to School B which does? I guess the real question, is how likely is that to happen? I suppose anything's possible.

-X

It's my understanding (so correct me, if I'm wrong) that if a MS1 decides to pursue a PhD, he/she is pretty much limited to the graduate programs within the same school. I do know quite a few people during their PhD phase transfer to another school. But that's because their PI's get a new position at that institute, and they just follow their PIs to finish their thesis.

ImmunoANT

 

[conrad]

If you decide to do a PhD at the school you attend, then you are limited to the graduate school options there.

I've heard that some schools will allow you to take a leave of absence to do a PhD, and by this route you might be able to get into a PhD program that is not at your medical school. However, you would be doing a PhD in its entirety, meaning you may not get some of the benefits of being in an MSTP or otherwise funded MD/PhD program, ie., funding and an accelerated pre-dissertation period.

As for transferring from a non-MSTP to an MSTP program for the MD/PhD, I have not heard of anyone actually doing this, but I assume that it IS possible. You'd probably need good credentials and a supporter on the MSTP committee...

 

[Gut Shot]

just curious, but did anyone here start medical school and THEN decide to get the PhD as well?

one of my friends was interested in doing this. i guess i'm just curious to see if anyone else has done it this way as well.

yes, and while your friend is at it, he/she should also consider spending three+ years hitting his/her head with a ball peen hammer while chewing on tinfoil. seriously though, for most MD students doing a one year research fellowship during med school and post-doc research training after graduating is a feasible (and much less time-consuming and painful) option.

that said, there are certainly people who were born to be in combined programs. they are in the minority, however, so buyer beware.