How valuable is a Research Masters (like MSCR)?

[riv_jordan]

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Disclaimer: I'm premed but I promise this isn't about med school admissions! Also this is a repost from r/medicalschool

A few of the schools I'm applying to have dual degree MD/MS in Biomedical or Clinical Research programs. I plan to go into academics and at one point strongly considered a PhD, so these programs sound great. But I've heard mix thoughts from advisors on whether this is valuable.

The biggest con is of course having to pay for another degree, and I would probably not do that. But a couple schools either make the master's year free or have the option for you to complete the MD and MS within four years so there's no added cost. Having to take a fifth year wouldn't be ideal, but I'm interested in surgical subspecialties like vascular and CT, and I know research years are already very common to apply to those integrated programs.

The main draw for me is that an MS may be a more structured research experience than a typical research year. I'd have coursework to develop research skills and a mentor committed to working with students. Despite my interest in academics, I've had a difficult time finding good research experiences so this kind of support sounds like it would be useful. I also hope that the master's degree itself will hold some weight. Perhaps residency directors will value it, but even down the line I'm thinking it could help with applying for research grants or professor positions at an academic institution.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has insight into the value of these programs both during and beyond med school. Has anyone participated in one, and if so, how has the MS helped your career if it all?

As a side note, I would be entering med school already with an MS in an engineering subject, but it's not directly related to medicine and there is no research/thesis component.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Have you talked with admissions recruiters to connect you to faculty (or publicity materials) involved with the MS programs of interest? A lot of these programs describe themselves as helping physicians run clinical trials, so they don't (always) involve a research thesis. But on average, I think it helps fulfill specific career goals you want to achieve.

Here's Miller/UMiami's description of their Masters program. Look at their student testimonials page.

M.S. in Clinical and Translational Investigation

The Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Investigation (MSCTI) at the University of Miami offers a structured educational program that trains students in the principles and practice of clinical and translational research.

med.miami.edu

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Disclaimer: I'm premed but I promise this isn't about med school admissions! Also this is a repost from r/medicalschool

A few of the schools I'm applying to have dual degree MD/MS in Biomedical or Clinical Research programs. I plan to go into academics and at one point strongly considered a PhD, so these programs sound great. But I've heard mix thoughts from advisors on whether this is valuable.

The biggest con is of course having to pay for another degree, and I would probably not do that. But a couple schools either make the master's year free or have the option for you to complete the MD and MS within four years so there's no added cost. Having to take a fifth year wouldn't be ideal, but I'm interested in surgical subspecialties like vascular and CT, and I know research years are already very common to apply to those integrated programs.

The main draw for me is that an MS may be a more structured research experience than a typical research year. I'd have coursework to develop research skills and a mentor committed to working with students. Despite my interest in academics, I've had a difficult time finding good research experiences so this kind of support sounds like it would be useful. I also hope that the master's degree itself will hold some weight. Perhaps residency directors will value it, but even down the line I'm thinking it could help with applying for research grants or professor positions at an academic institution.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has insight into the value of these programs both during and beyond med school. Has anyone participated in one, and if so, how has the MS helped your career if it all?

As a side note, I would be entering med school already with an MS in an engineering subject, but it's not directly related to medicine and there is no research/thesis component.

MD/PhD>>>>>>>> every other degree in academics.

But yes, there is an opportunity/realized cost. But not one that financially sets you back in any real capacity. Doctors (even academic doctors) are top earners in the US. Those who aren't... are just terrible with money.

 

[riv_jordan]

MD/PhD>>>>>>>> every other degree in academics.

But yes, there is an opportunity/realized cost. But not one that financially sets you back in any real capacity. Doctors (even academic doctors) are top earners in the US. Those who aren't... are just terrible with money.

I'm currently applying to med school and getting a PhD is not an option at this point (I've also ruled it out for a few other reasons). But I guess I'm asking would something like an MD/MSCR help me in academics. Or is it no better than just an MD.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

I'm currently applying to med school and getting a PhD is not an option at this point (I've also ruled it out for a few other reasons). But I guess I'm asking would something like an MD/MSCR help me in academics. Or is it no better than just an MD.

Any extra degree makes it easier to get one’s foot in the door.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Moving to premed.

If you don’t get a PhD, then any research or degree is really just worth whatever deliverable you get at the end. If your structured program helps you get more pubs or eventually get more productivity, then it’s worth it. But the letters behind your name have little to no inherent value unless it’s phd

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I'm currently applying to med school and getting a PhD is not an option at this point (I've also ruled it out for a few other reasons). But I guess I'm asking would something like an MD/MSCR help me in academics. Or is it no better than just an MD.

Concurring, if you're staying in academics, an MD+MSCR is not better than just an MD. The MSCR is not a required gateway to doing clinical research as far as I know, and it won't help you in any other aspect of academia that you could pursue.

Maybe getting a Masters in Anatomy with your MD is helpful if you want to credentialize yourself to teach anatomy. Maybe a Master's in Medical Ed will help you with curriculum assessment. But I wouldn't chase credentials as they aren't part of the culture of academic medicine (nursing on the other hand). Do it because it signifies your purpose as a physician who wants to become an expert in clinical trials design and management.