Default if u apply to md/phd, will you really be considered for an MD?

[shalangsta]

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Hey,

I want to apply to some top md/phd schools, however they are really hard to get into. I think I would have a pretty decent shot if i applied just MD, 3.9 GPA, MCATS will be found out soon, expecting 34+, and 3 years research. But if not accepted into MD/PhD, why would a school give you MD acceptance b/c wouldn't they just think your gonna turn it down anway b/c chances are you will get in somewhere? (I know of second chance's after first/second year, so going in MD only may be a risk that pays off in the end).

Just a note, my friend whose md/phd either got accepted, rejected from programs or waitlisted, he did not receive ANY MD only acceptances, any thoughts on if this was just coincidental? are there any people out there who have gotten MD only acceptance after apply MD/PhD

 

[meowkat444]

if you hunt around mdapplicants for a while you will definitely see people who get md-only acceptances. harvard seems to do this, as does ucsf. i have seen it with hopkins, although perhaps not as often. some schools explicitly don't consider you, such as penn and vandy. best to ask the schools. but yes, it's rare--usually the app is kicked to the md-only committee late enough to warrant only a waitlist spot.

 

[shalangsta]

if you hunt around mdapplicants for a while you will definitely see people who get md-only acceptances. harvard seems to do this, as does ucsf. i have seen it with hopkins, although perhaps not as often. some schools explicitly don't consider you, such as penn and vandy. best to ask the schools. but yes, it's rare--usually the app is kicked to the md-only committee late enough to warrant only a waitlist spot.

any advise then whether it may be best to apply MD only to a few schools? (i am submitting my primary for processing now. =/ )

 

[Picklesali]

I think this is a very personal question. If you are only interested in joining an MD/PhD program than I would apply straight. If you didn't get accepted into MD/PhD would you join an MD and try to enter the program at a later time? If you're really worried about getting in, this might be a viable option.

 

[shalangsta]

i guesss, given my 3 years research experience, would it be easier for me to get into a md/phd program or an md program. b/c if md's easier i can aways applyfor the md/phd program later. =/

 

[Dienekes]

i guesss, given my 3 years research experience, would it be easier for me to get into a md/phd program or an md program. b/c if md's easier i can aways applyfor the md/phd program later. =/

It sounds like you should be questioning whether you want to be a physician or a researcher. If the research means more to you than the clinical side of things, then perhaps you'll find you're barking up the wrong tree (to pardon the rural expression). MD/PhDs are physicians first. Using my own case as an example, I plan on applying to a couple of MD/PhD programs and a whole mess of MD (and DO) programs. I love research, but I want to be a physician. You need to decide which is more important to you- to have a PhD or to be a physician.

 

[docbiohazard]

It sounds like you should be questioning whether you want to be a physician or a researcher. If the research means more to you than the clinical side of things, then perhaps you'll find you're barking up the wrong tree (to pardon the rural expression). MD/PhDs are physicians first. Using my own case as an example, I plan on applying to a couple of MD/PhD programs and a whole mess of MD (and DO) programs. I love research, but I want to be a physician. You need to decide which is more important to you- to have a PhD or to be a physician.

I would caution you to rethink the attitude that "MD/PhDs are physicians first." MD/PhDs are groomed to be physician scientists, and this entails a substantial commitment to research. Especially during the training, you have to be able to go spend 3-4 years on a PhD while all your med school friends are graduating, going to resdiency, etc... this requires an incredible commitment to the research side of things. I am typically suspicious about applicants who come in too gung-ho about the clinical side of things without a substantial background and commitment to research as well.

I have known MD/PhD applicants who were accepted MD only, but this was in Texas. It does seem rare. I have also known MD/PhD applicants who were accepted to the graduate school and then rolled into the MD/PhD program after their first year. There is a lot of funding to encourage MD-only students to do research, not to mention NIH fellowships with loan repayment assistance for MD-only graduates, so there are numerous pathways to a career as a physician scientist. Consider them all as you weigh your options...

Good luck,
BH
(7th year MD/PhD student)

 

[Dienekes]

MD/PhDs are groomed to be physician scientists, and this entails a substantial commitment to research.

Of this I was aware.

I am typically suspicious about applicants who come in too gung-ho about the clinical side of things without a substantial background and commitment to research as well.

Well, in my case at least, I have the research background to more than offset my apparent attitude. I just don't see why one would do an MD/PhD if there was not a strong interest in clinical medicine as well as an interest in research, when you could just as easily skip the headache of med school and go straight for the PhD. The two possible answers that at the front of the list are:
1. Greed
2. Ego

I do see your point, and I hope you at least also can see my reason for saying what I did initially.

 

[docbiohazard]

I do see your point, and I hope you at least also can see my reason for saying what I did initially.

I do, and you make a good point... hope I wasn't too harsh in my original reply. You are correct in your statements that those interested primarily in research without an interest in clinical medicine would be better served by the straight PhD route. Medical school is miserable for people who somehow wiggle their way in and find out they don't really want to be there.

I also think for those interested in medicine with a passing interest in research, straight MD is a better route, as there are ample research opportunities (and funding!) for medical students interested in research.

The MD/PhD is the best fit, in my mind, for the unique person who has a passion for research and clinical medicine and can't really imagine living without either degree...

There is, incidentally, a third reason the research inclined might be attracted to the MD/PhD other than greed or ego - job security / enhanced funding opportunities. Still, the interest for clinical medicine needs to be there or you won't make it through the program.

Just my two cents,
BH

 

[Dienekes]

I do, and you make a good point... hope I wasn't too harsh in my original reply. You are correct in your statements that those interested primarily in research without an interest in clinical medicine would be better served by the straight PhD route. Medical school is miserable for people who somehow wiggle their way in and find out they don't really want to be there.

I also think for those interested in medicine with a passing interest in research, straight MD is a better route, as there are ample research opportunities (and funding!) for medical students interested in research.

The MD/PhD is the best fit, in my mind, for the unique person who has a passion for research and clinical medicine and can't really imagine living without either degree...

There is, incidentally, a third reason the research inclined might be attracted to the MD/PhD other than greed or ego - job security / enhanced funding opportunities. Still, the interest for clinical medicine needs to be there or you won't make it through the program.

Just my two cents,
BH

You weren't harsh at all. Actually, that's a very polite, albeit firm, response. It's nice to come across mature people on SDN from time to time.