dropping PhD before starting MSTP program

[mstplone]

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Hi everyone,

I have been lucky enough to be accpeted to several top MSTP programs. However, I am feeling really burn out from my time in the lab ( 4 years after college graduation, several publications). During the application cycle, I was dead set on MD-PhD, but I no longer feel the same way. I have been having to many doubts, especially about spending the next 8 years in school. I don't know if it is because I just hate my lab right now (working 12 hours a day in a crappy project) or is it because I can not imagine working as a PI.

I want to drop out from the PhD and only do the MD but I don't know how to approach my PD about the subject. I feel like I should do it immediately so that they can offer the spot to another applicant but I am not 100 % about it.

Has anyone ever done this? Drop the PhD before even starting the MD-PhD? obviously I would find financial aid to cover the md part.

 

[SBR249]

I'm by no means an expert in this but I'd say you should consider delaying your decision to drop the PhD. While I understand you may be well-intentioned to not waste a slot and save the program some money, but this ambivalence could simply be as you said a burn out. It may be temporary and you may be inspired again during the course of medical school.

Also, I don't know if you can talk about this with anyone without tipping off the program regarding your thoughts but you should find out if your medical school acceptance is contingent on your MSTP slot. Med schools often have fixed class sizes due to various constraints, if you drop the MSTP and become a regular MD student (if that is even possible at this early stage), the MSTP may end up losing a slot anyway because the overall MD+MSTP class is at capacity and there's simple no way to take another MSTP applicant even if the funding is there.

 

[Maebea]

Speaking as a director, I would welcome an individual in your situation to talk with me. Your MSTP offer will not be rescinded, and revealing this struggle would not cause me to have a negative opinion of you. Quite the contrary, it shows an admirable level of maturity, trust and respect on your part.

Your relationship with the program director is not adversarial or boss-employee. The director is supposed to help you achieve your professional goals. I would expect that your director will not coerce you into staying in the program or try to push you out the door. They will probably listen to your concerns, ask questions, and offer opinions on the issues you raise. If you decide to drop the MSTP, they will not be angry. If you decide to stay, they will likely pay a little extra attention to you, and be more responsive to your concerns. If you later drop the PhD, they will not hate you.

Over the years, I have had several individuals drop the MSTP before starting med school and more drop the PhD at some point in the training process. I have always appreciated those who told me of their doubts early on. It allowed us to discuss the issues and work together to determine whether the MD-PhD is the right path for them. Some stayed in the program and were thankful that they sought me out before making a decision. Others eventually left the program, but on good terms. (I've been invited to a few of their weddings.) What of those individuals who showed up late on a Friday afternoon, resignation letter in hand and no prior hint that they were thinking of leaving the program? Let's just say that they were dropped from my Christmas card list.

 

[24thGrade]

Also, I don't know if you can talk about this with anyone without tipping off the program regarding your thoughts but you should find out if your medical school acceptance is contingent on your MSTP slot. Med schools often have fixed class sizes due to various constraints, if you drop the MSTP and become a regular MD student (if that is even possible at this early stage), the MSTP may end up losing a slot anyway because the overall MD+MSTP class is at capacity and there's simple no way to take another MSTP applicant even if the funding is there.

This is very unlikely to be the case. Med school wait lists at most places keep shifting for a long time to come. If he were to withdraw his acceptance to the MSTP they would likely be able to shift someone into his place.

 

[duwls]

i'm in the very same boat as you mstplone

at the time of my application, i was so sure that i wanted to do my phd in a particular field of study, but recently i've changed my mind again and became interested in a rather nonrelated field of science. seeing how my choice for the phd program continues to change, i feel that i should perhaps leave my options open during the 4 years of md and then pursue a phd after i have chosen my specialty.

i am also not sure how to approach the md/phd office at the school i've applied to. usually at most schools, is the offer contingent on accepting both programs, or can i accept the md only? whats the case in u of t, mcmaster, and queens?

i haven't heard back from some of these schools yet so these questions may be premature, but would appreciate any advice ! 🙂

 

[K31]

at the time of my application, i was so sure that i wanted to do my phd in a particular field of study, but recently i've changed my mind again and became interested in a rather nonrelated field of science. seeing how my choice for the phd program continues to change, i feel that i should perhaps leave my options open during the 4 years of md and then pursue a phd after i have chosen my specialty.

Do you have to choose a PhD program before you matriculate? Most programs I'm familiar with don't require you to choose until at least after your first year of medical school but it sounds like you are applying primarily to the Canadian programs, and I have no familiarity with those at all.