Leaving PhD for MD?

[Bioboy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm in a PhD program in bio, but after the first couple of months, I've decided I'm going to try my hand at applying to medical school. I gave myself the option of either completing my PhD and going to med school after, or leaving my program after qualifying exams and getting the Masters before entering medical school. As of now, I am preparing to do the latter, and my major concern is trying to avoid an ugly situation. I am still doing lab rotations, but will choose an advisor soon. I figure the fair thing to do is be honest up-front and let my potential advisors know what my intentions are before making me a member of the lab.

Any advice on the most graceful way to do this? Should I expect rejection? I do not intend to leave science by any means, but feel that my heart lies in translational research and med school curricula would better fit my personality and interests. I'm just trying to change my approach.

 

[QofQuimica]

I'm in a PhD program in bio, but after the first couple of months, I've decided I'm going to try my hand at applying to medical school. I gave myself the option of either completing my PhD and going to med school after, or leaving my program after qualifying exams and getting the Masters before entering medical school. As of now, I am preparing to do the latter, and my major concern is trying to avoid an ugly situation. I am still doing lab rotations, but will choose an advisor soon. I figure the fair thing to do is be honest up-front and let my potential advisors know what my intentions are before making me a member of the lab.

Any advice on the most graceful way to do this? Should I expect rejection? I do not intend to leave science by any means, but feel that my heart lies in translational research and med school curricula would better fit my personality and interests. I'm just trying to change my approach.

If you know up front that you are only interested in getting a MS, I'd tell your potential advisors that when you meet with them. If they're not cool with it, you should pick a different lab. 😉

 

[RxnMan]

...I figure the fair thing to do is be honest up-front and let my potential advisors know what my intentions are before making me a member of the lab...

This is exactly how you should approcah it. Some PIs won't want to invest in a person you'll only be around a MS, so expect some rejections. Make your interest in translational reesearch known.