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There is a lot of information about MD/PHD programs on AAMC including differences between MSTP and non-MSTP programs. More importantly you need to consider differences in funding and future careers with PHD vs MD/PHD options vs MD programs with student research required. The training time differences among these options require serious thought and intention.I am currently taking gap time and applying to med schools. For most of my undergrad, I was planning on pursuing a PhD, but between my junior and senior year, I decided an MD/PhD would be the better route for me. My decision was always between PhD or MD/PhD programs, but now while applying, programs ask if I would like to be considered for the MD/PhD programs alone or to be considered for the MD program should the MD/PhD program not accept me. Do I have anything to lose by selecting to be considered for both programs? An MD alone isn't really what I envision for my future (I really am dedicated to research, but want a translational aspect to my work - I don't think I could be primarily a physician for my entire career). I appreciate that a dual degree isn't necessarily required for this future, but I do think the MD would augment the PhD significantly and augment my ability to conduct human studies.
Basically, I'm thinking about whether selecting consideration for the MD/PhD alone will come across as conceited and/or close-minded, or as dedicated to a career as a physician-scientist? Or are the decisions truly made independently and I'm completely overthinking this?
Thank you so much! This is my first post here, so any feedback is greatly appreciated
Many people do a research gap year before entering either PHD, MD/PHD, and MD MD programs. There are a few DO/PHD programs out there too.
There are translational researchers with just MD training, with just PHD training, and both degrees. The degree doesn't matter but the area of your interest will reveal options. There are programs for PHDs doing translational research at many medical schools.
And a modest PHD stipend is always attractive.
Of course the elephant in the room: what are your GPA and MCAT/GRE scores? A viable MD/PhD candidate non-URM needs to be within the 80th or higher percentile of the MCAT and definitely high science GPA.
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