Emphasizing research interests in PS

[Avicenna]

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Is it a bad idea to express that you're main interests after med school are research based? I won't be pursuing MD/PhD, just MD alone, and worry that writing about suggesting academic focus will disfavor adcoms that may believe a PhD would be a better option

 

[Fidgety]

Why don't you want to pursue a PhD?

 

[Avicenna]

Why don't you want to pursue a PhD?

I decided against it as well as against MD PhD, my thought process was outlined in one of my older posts if u look througj my history
It comes down to md having more options (seeing patients+clinical trials) vs just research

Also quoting Neuronix "The job market for PhDs is awful. The competition for positions is extreme. The pay and job security, even in the research world, for a MD is far better than for a PhD.

So sure a PhD can do clinical research. But, if you want to work with patients, I'd recommend becoming a board certified physician."

 

[eteshoe]

I wouldn't overemphasize research goals. At least make it clear that you do want to be a physician and how you can augment your career with research. Or something to that effect.

 

[mistafab]

You could say something like:

"...doing research in XYZ has helped me understand science. I enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and enjoy reviewing evidence. I'd like to continue doing research while in medical school so I can eventually become a physician in academia, using what I learn in medical school develop clinical trials and improve treatment when I practice."

The actual wording is kinda lame in what I wrote, but what I am getting at is that you NEED an MD to do what you want to do, and that you care about CLINICAL things which you want to continue to research. This way, if the question comes up "why not PhD?" You can easily assert that your interests are clinical and that you need to have a solid foundation of non-research practice to see what it is you want to improve in clinical care. If you are asked "why not MD/PhD?" You can easily say that you are not interested in translational research, even if this is something you might be interested in eventually.

Anyway, hope this helps.