If accepted into MD/PhD program, is it possible to switch to only MD before attending school?

[tigermuffinbanana]

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I was wondering if it was possible to transfer to only an MD program if I am accepted into said school's MD/PhD program. I am applying to several MD/PhD programs and am pretty set on the dual-degree, but would was wondering if the only-MD door would still be open before I even matriculate? (I understand I'd be forgoing any stipend, etc.)

 

[deleted949953]

I'm guessing that would only be okay for schools that accept you into the MD program separately/before they let you into the MD-PhD program. Not all schools are like that (I think most aren't), so you'd have to look at the specific school. I think there would be a lot of raised eyebrows, but some schools might allow it.

 

[MSTPadvocate]

We admit on different criteria, and you'd need to be re-reviewed by the med school. As an MSTP though, you'd be holding a spot that we could give to someone really committed...this would be extremely poor form this late in the process.

 

[StIGMA]

If you are admitted to the MD/PhD program, you might as well plan to go down that path with all your good intentions and then re-assess after MS2. If you have a change of heart at that point, so be it.

However if you have no intentions whatsoever to complete the PhD, it would be better to be honest with the program as soon as you know.

 

[kepler16b]

At some programs, you have to repay tuition (and maybe the stipend?) if you don't complete the PhD.

 

[MSTPadvocate]

Two years in med school and then dropping is terrible for the program and looks very bad when the T32 needs to be renewed. Additionally, we've found it to be discouraging for the student's classmates - hurts morale.

Its much better to drop up front if you know you don't want to do it. I'd do it as quickly as possible as there is still time for the program to replace the slot via the wait list. The longer it takes, the more likely the spot goes unfilled.

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

I think OP is an applicant for this upcoming cycle, no? Not this current cycle.

At any rate, I urge you to continue with some soul-searching before you submit your application. If you're on the fence about the PhD it will come through in your essays and interviews. Further, applying MD/PhD at schools significantly hurts you chances at regular MD admissions.

 

[Fluorescentboy]

At some programs, you have to repay tuition (and maybe the stipend?) if you don't complete the PhD.

I certainly wouldn’t advise anyone to do this, but I think to be MSTP they cannot have this kind of clause. Non-MSTP might be different.

 

[MSTPadvocate]

If its for the upcoming cycle and you have real doubts, apply MD only. We routinely take med students into the MSTP if they show research commitment and want to do it after medical school years 1 or 2. The downside is that you'd pay for med school year 1 (and 2 potentially) but the upside is that i) you are not taking a committed student's spot, ii) you don't put the program in a bad spot by pulling out and iii) you maintain good relations with MSTP leadership (most of whom are prominent in academic medicine circles).