Hey all, So I know that this may get me in some trouble (I imagine along the lines of, if you're even thinking about it, you're not dedicated enough), but I figured I'd ask anyways. I've been heavily considering withdrawing my applications to MSTP and just go straight MD for the first two years and transferring if I still really want a dual degree. My questions are: 1) Would this hurt my application for regular medical schools? By regular, I mean just the MD programs. 2) Would this hurt possibility of reentry? The main reason why I'm considering withdrawing my application from MSTP programs is because I don't feel I'm confident enough in my drive to do research for the rest of my life (or at least for a significant part of it). I really like research, but patient contact has always been the main draw for me to pursue a career in medicine. I was thinking that I might be able to put of the decision until MS2 after I've had more experience. Plus, my stats are somewhat mediocre to apply to MSTP programs (by no means do I fit the duke interview MCAT of 35+), and I actually think my chances may be better applying straight MD. Thanks!
This is going to sound harsh, but, I think MSTP is not for you. If your primary concern is patient care, you won't be happy spending 3-4 years straight in a lab doing your PhD. If you want regular patient care to form the basis of your career, you won't need the PhD. I'm not sure what you would learn in MS1-2 that would sway you. This is completely uneducated, but my guess would be that it would not hurt your straight MD chances, and your prospect for second cycle applications would depend heavily on what kind of answer you can give for why did you change your mind. I wouldn't like your chances if you have nothing better than the fact that you've re-waffled on the decision.
Don't worry, I appreciate your honesty. You know, the thing is, I think I'm questioning whether or not I can decide now that patient care is my primary concern. Although I've done a lot of shadowing and other experiences in the hospital, I think there are some things you need to experience before making a decision. As far as what I'd learn, honestly it would just be to buy some more time. As more and more programs are introducing MSTP elements earlier in med school, I think I could get an idea of what it would be like. It's not that I don't like research, it's that I don't love it to the same degree I do the humanistic aspect of medicine. Thanks for the input.
