How long are typical MSTP's?

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I am interested in an MSTP, except I was wondering how long they are, compared to, say a regular MD program. Additionally, which schools have shorter ones.

If a person gets a Master's prior, does that save time on the process to getting a PhD?

Thanks.

 

[jjmack]

I'd say typically between 7-9 years. I think Duke is usually on the shorter side due to only one year of basic sciences. I don't think a masters really helps expect to make you more comfortable in the lab. good luck.

 

[beary]

I'd say typically between 7-9 years.

Yes, same here. One person at Iowa is making it through in six but he is an extreme superstar. Basically everybody else takes 7 or 8.

 

[mjs]

6-9 yrs is the industry standard. But think about it this way.

If you are serious about a career in academic medicine/research, it's a pretty solid deal.
1. You get 6-9 years of supported training time. Normal MDs interested in academic careers don't get this until they start residency.
2. This includes research experience outside of a research based fellowship/residency.
3. From a researchers' perspective, even if you change your mind you haven't spent much more time at it than a typical grad student. Maybe two more years.
4. No obligations to continue if you change your mind in either direction.
5. Everyone around you is smart and fun.

Downsides
1. 6-9 years + residency + Fellowship + tenure track = grey/no hair before job security
2. The fun part of medical school is a very long ways from the first two years.
3. There can be a lot of downtime in between years devoted to research.
4. It's very hard to balance research and clinical work nowadays. Some people can pull it off, others can't.

Some schools take some time off your required clinical training or maybe a semester of course work off of your first year of graduate school. While this may matter to some in the long run, it also doesn't matter as much as going somewhere you'll enjoy yourself. Masters degrees are of no help in my experience.

So if you like the idea of a career that at least partially involves research and want to practice medicine, I'd say it's the best thing to do.

 

[fantasty]

Yes, same here. One person at Iowa is making it through in six but he is an extreme superstar. Basically everybody else takes 7 or 8.

And of course he has to make the rest of my class look bad 😉 By the way Beary - Good luck Monday !!! 👍

 

[beary]

And of course he has to make the rest of my class look bad 😉

I've had him making me look bad in the lab for three years! 🙂

By the way Beary - Good luck Monday !!! 👍

Thank you very much! I am getting nervous and am looking forward to having it over.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I am interested in an MSTP, except I was wondering how long they are, compared to, say a regular MD program. Additionally, which schools have shorter ones.

If a person gets a Master's prior, does that save time on the process to getting a PhD?

Thanks.

I would think of MSTP as an 8 year commitment since 8 years seems to be the average at many places. Here at Michigan the average is around 8 years total (that means 4.5 years to complete PhD and 3.5 years for med school). Some take longer. Some finish faster.

Masters probably won't give you much of a time advantage. You will still likely have to take qualifying exams in the department where you will be conducting your thesis work.