Explaining a shift from research to medical school

[positivetension-]

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I am applying to medical school after completing a master's degree (albeit a clinically-oriented research project and thesis), and am wondering about about how I should explain this shift (I explained it somewhat in my SOP, but obviously will be asked about it at interviews). I am anticipating the question "why not just stay in research" and want to be able to talk about the advantages of medicine in a convincing way. Does anyone have some advice re: good points to bring up about this transition?

 

[WedgeDawg]

My school and group of friends I applied with (and me) all had/were extremely research heavy applicants. No one I know was actually asked this question. It's pretty normal for med school applicants to have a heavy research portfolio. If you're asked just tell them why you want to be a physician - you can even incorporate research into this answer if you want! Academic medicine is a huge area.

 

[positivetension-]

I think there is a difference between being into research as an undergrad (which, as you mention, is pretty common for medical applicants) versus doing an advanced degree and deciding to pursue medical school instead of a PhD. It's possible that they won't care about it as much as I think, but I'd probably be more likely to be asked about it than an undergrad applicant.

 

[bearintraining]

I think it's important to give points as to why medicine (whether that is with or without a research component) -- otherwise, as you say, I do think there is a question of "why not just continue down the road you're on". Also, I was surprisingly asked at an interview why I'm "switching" and whether my science career "didn't go well".. (fortunately, I had the evidence that that wasn't the case!)

 

[positivetension-]

I think it's important to give points as to why medicine (whether that is with or without a research component) -- otherwise, as you say, I do think there is a question of "why not just continue down the road you're on". Also, I was surprisingly asked at an interview why I'm "switching" and whether my science career "didn't go well".. (fortunately, I had the evidence that that wasn't the case!)

Yeah, that's exactly the kind of thing I want to be ready for. What did you say regarding "why medicine"?

Congrats on your acceptance by the way, you seem very similar to me (except a PhD instead of master's). I'm also Canadian, similar MCAT, slightly better GPA. Do you think all of the silences are because you're Canadian?

 

[Ochemphd]

As someone applying to get an md after a phd, I sweated over this question for a long time. Now after interviewing I have realized it was nothing to worry about at all. It will only be a benefit to you in applying or at least it will be for research focused schools.

 

[bearintraining]

Yeah, that's exactly the kind of thing I want to be ready for. What did you say regarding "why medicine"?

Congrats on your acceptance by the way, you seem very similar to me (except a PhD instead of master's). I'm also Canadian, similar MCAT, slightly better GPA. Do you think all of the silences are because you're Canadian?

1. I think schools that aren't going to consider Canadians are likely to reject you earlyish (I have 10 so far)
2. My answer had to do with my goals and interests.. I want to go into neurosurg and that matches my research background. I want to be a physician/clinician-scientist.

 

[positivetension-]

As someone applying to get an md after a phd, I sweated over this question for a long time. Now after interviewing I have realized it was nothing to worry about at all. It will only be a benefit to you in applying or at least it will be for research focused schools.

That's reassuring!

1. I think schools that aren't going to consider Canadians are likely to reject you earlyish (I have 10 so far)
2. My answer had to do with my goals and interests.. I want to go into neurosurg and that matches my research background. I want to be a physician/clinician-scientist.

Why do you think you have so many silences then? Did you apply late? I'm mostly hoping for Canadian schools but applied to US ones as well, and pretty much all of them have been giving me the silent treatment like you. I don't fully know why, because my stats are good (MCAT is 37 converted to old scale, GPA is pretty good and science GPA is higher, and advanced degree). I can't help but feel like I would have had some invites by now if I were a US citizen.

 

[moisne]

am anticipating the question "why not just stay in research" and want to be able to talk about the advantages of medicine in a convincing way. Does anyone have some advice re: good points to bring up about this transition?

It's actually really easy... Just respond with why you want to be a doctor...

A lot of people shift around. I went from research/engineering --> teaching --> medicine. No one really asked me why I didn't stay in any of my previous fields. I think they were all just cared about why I wanted to be a doctor.

Now the only time I've heard people being asked about a shift in career transition was something like going from PA or NP --> MD. Usually the answer is like "want more depth, want more autonomy, etc".