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Hi everyone!
I am a pre-medical student interested in having a career where I could combine clinical practice with research, and am thus considering the MD/PhD route. However, my main goal is to specialize (in allergy/immunology, in case you were curious), which I know provides 2-3 years of about 80% protected research time (this might be a little off). Since the ultimate goal is to do research, I am wondering if the fellowship in itself provides sufficient training in research. I am well aware that MDs (without a PhD) can conduct research, yet to do so they must find ways to obtain research education and experience. I am wondering if a fellowship is a viable form of this education/experience, and which path (MD/Phd or MD w/ fellowship) provides the most applicable research experience (as in, excluding any experiences that are intended for someone who is pursuing a professorship).
Also, I have heard that during residency, doctors can engage in research. Is this true, and if so, is it only for those with PhDs or pursuing a PhD? And how many residency programs are there that allow one to do this?
Finally, I would really appreciate any ideas on how to gain research experience outside of the MD/PhD route (while still pursuing the MD degree). The more nontraditional, the better. Yes, this last question is trite, has been asked before, and as a result, Im sure someone will try to refer me to somewhere else or give me one of those strange smiley-faces. What I would really love, though, is any ideas or experiences that go beyond the traditional path of undergraduate research, volunteering at a hospital, etc.
Thanks for your input!
I am a pre-medical student interested in having a career where I could combine clinical practice with research, and am thus considering the MD/PhD route. However, my main goal is to specialize (in allergy/immunology, in case you were curious), which I know provides 2-3 years of about 80% protected research time (this might be a little off). Since the ultimate goal is to do research, I am wondering if the fellowship in itself provides sufficient training in research. I am well aware that MDs (without a PhD) can conduct research, yet to do so they must find ways to obtain research education and experience. I am wondering if a fellowship is a viable form of this education/experience, and which path (MD/Phd or MD w/ fellowship) provides the most applicable research experience (as in, excluding any experiences that are intended for someone who is pursuing a professorship).
Also, I have heard that during residency, doctors can engage in research. Is this true, and if so, is it only for those with PhDs or pursuing a PhD? And how many residency programs are there that allow one to do this?
Finally, I would really appreciate any ideas on how to gain research experience outside of the MD/PhD route (while still pursuing the MD degree). The more nontraditional, the better. Yes, this last question is trite, has been asked before, and as a result, Im sure someone will try to refer me to somewhere else or give me one of those strange smiley-faces. What I would really love, though, is any ideas or experiences that go beyond the traditional path of undergraduate research, volunteering at a hospital, etc.
Thanks for your input!
