If one does MD/PhD, can the PhD be in any subject?

[jd989898]

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Clinical work definitely appeals to me, but I'm also very interested in math. If I were to gain acceptance to an MD/PhD program, would I be able to pursue a PhD in whatever I wanted? (Mathematics or Applied Mathematics)

 

[allantois]

You would be able to pursue PhD in whatever concentration the medical school offers. I haven't heard of medical schools offering a concentration in Math though. You can also get a PhD first and then apply to med school (not sure how Math will be relevant in your career as a physician).

 

[jd989898]

You would be able to pursue PhD in whatever concentration the medical school offers. I haven't heard of medical schools offering a concentration in Math though. You can also get a PhD first and then apply to med school (not sure how Math will be relevant in your career as a physician).

I've thought about that, but MD/PhD programs are extremely generous with financial help which I couldn't pass up. Also, I'd hope to model biological processes within the body and perhaps apply my skills to proteomics or genomics that would provide quantitative information for improving clinical procedures.

 

[mcloaf]

Look on the websites of the schools in which you're interested, they will usually list the departments in which they'll allow you to pursue a PhD. You may not be able to go for straight up mathematics, but could possibly get at the same questions by looking into a degree in bioinformatics or systems biology.

 

[Microglia]

Certain schools are more amenable to non-traditional (read: non-bio) PhD's than others. For example, we have a few with some interesting PhD fields, like economics and philosophy. All depends on the program.

 

[giraffesuptop]

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign offers a very wide variety of subjects you can get your phd in, so you should check whether they offer math PhDs

 

[Lil Mick]

Yes, this is possible. Many schools don't offer many options outside of biology, but some do allow statistics/math/other quantitative PhDs (which is what I chose). Send me a PM if you want to talk more--I have a list of schools that allow students to pursue a PhD in mathematics through their MD/PhD program.