Let's be realistic here...

[MyNameIsOtto]

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So, I'm in an MD/PhD program. Although I enjoy the program and the people in it, I'm starting to realize that it just isn't practical to do a combined program. Consider this: at my program, I'm unaware of any alumni that have really fulfilled the "clinician and basic science researcher" role. Most are in private practice as full-time clinicians.

Now, I know you can argue that we are also the ones who can "translate" basic science concepts into clinically relevance. This largely is bull ****, because the straight PhD's I've met that are involved in translational research are fully capable of this without two degrees.

I think the entire philosophy and program structure is obsolete. What makes more sense is an MD/MS if one is so inclined to understand the scientific process. Spending 3-4 years studying some esoteric concept while forgetting everything you've learned about clinical medicine and the clinical mindset just doesn't make sense.

I guess I just want to know others' opinions.

 

[RxnMan]

...Spending 3-4 years studying some esoteric concept while forgetting everything you've learned about clinical medicine and the clinical mindset just doesn't make sense...

Random screening question - are you in the process of writing up or defending your thesis?

If so, and I say this from experience, it gets better. Just do whatever your committee members ask, no matter how silly extra analysis XYZ is. It's just a bunch of hoops.

 

[Hard24Get]

Random screening question - are you in the process of writing up or defending your thesis?

or in the midst of an experimental crisis?

I don't care what you say - on average, no one knows clinical medicine like an MD and no one knows research like a Ph.D. Thus, MD-PhDs are the best choice for true translational medicine. PhDs don't even have the access they need to human samples on their own. I can't tell you how many MDs have had a great idea in the clinics, etc. The MD-PhD is definitely worthwhile.

 

[MyNameIsOtto]

Random screening question - are you in the process of writing up or defending your thesis?

If so, and I say this from experience, it gets better. Just do whatever your committee members ask, no matter how silly extra analysis XYZ is. It's just a bunch of hoops.

Hah - from my tone you would think I'm defending my thesis but I'm not even there yet.

As I've had time to rethink my stance, I think my attitude towards the program may be partially because my particular school's program is well, frankly, weak. Maybe other schools do a better job keeping up the morale and focus of student physician-scientists and do a better job integrating the clinical and research years.

 

[QofQuimica]

Random screening question - are you in the process of writing up or defending your thesis?

If so, and I say this from experience, it gets better. Just do whatever your committee members ask, no matter how silly extra analysis XYZ is. It's just a bunch of hoops.

My first thought exactly. 😛

OP, whatever you do, don't go drop one degree while you're feeling upset. Trust me, it's a really, really, REALLY bad idea. You're better off taking some time off if you need it and figuring out what you really want to do when you grow up. You may just be burned out right now, which is completely understandable if you're getting ready for quals or boards or whatever.

 

[seraph524]

Yea, you made it so far, just hang on a little bit more! Don't do anything you might regret in the future...

 

[Hard24Get]

Hah - from my tone you would think I'm defending my thesis but I'm not even there yet.

As I've had time to rethink my stance, I think my attitude towards the program may be partially because my particular school's program is well, frankly, weak. Maybe other schools do a better job keeping up the morale and focus of student physician-scientists and do a better job integrating the clinical and research years.

Does your school invite successful physician-scientists to speak at least once a year? Hold a monthly grand rounds where the connection between science and medicine are emphasized? Have a program where those in the lab spend time in the clinic occasionally or upon request? Pair you up with a mentor tht has similar career achievements in line with your goals? If not, try to start some of these things. If you need to solicit a mentor outside of your school, so be it. 👍

 

[RxnMan]

or in the midst of an experimental crisis?

That's another good one. The pain of experiments turning out with no significant result, or worse, not working at all is almost unbearable and should be a diagnosable condition. Something like "Grad student spectrum disorder." GSPD risk factors would be: advisortotalassicus, fundingpenia, loss of an outside life, deadlines, and the fact that everyone at your 10 year reunion is making more money than you.

Treatments would include:

 

[RxnMan]

...As I've had time to rethink my stance, I think my attitude towards the program may be partially because my particular school's program is well, frankly, weak. Maybe other schools do a better job keeping up the morale and focus of student physician-scientists and do a better job integrating the clinical and research years.

Are you in the experimental phase of your PhD? If so, you're in this far, so tough it out. You've made a huge investment and you owe it to yourself to see it through.

If you're looking for support in terms of morale or connecting with other professionals, then look no further. There's a good number of students in similar points in their career here on this board. Or you could click on the APSA link in my signature (above). The April meeting is open for registration and I've been told it's an amazing meeting. The head of the NIH will be a speaker (among other notables), and MD/PhD students from around the county attend.

 

[tbo]

Hah - from my tone you would think I'm defending my thesis but I'm not even there yet.

As I've had time to rethink my stance, I think my attitude towards the program may be partially because my particular school's program is well, frankly, weak. Maybe other schools do a better job keeping up the morale and focus of student physician-scientists and do a better job integrating the clinical and research years.

Shoot, if your program isn't offering this guidance, perhaps it can be gleaned from a book written by a scientist. Consider reading "Advice for the Young Investigator" by Santiago Ramon y Cajal. It discusses the will of young scientists and the reasons that will and determination can wax and wane. I suspect most MD/PhDs have little problem with self-teaching.

 

[GeoLeoX]

to reiterate the general vibe of the support postings and add my support as well - it gets hard, then it gets fun, then it gets hard again, then relief, then the feeling of crashing weight and sleepless despair, then a little easier with some rest, then it starts all over again with residency...

of the entire process the most bleak was the period of "finding myself" while in the lab after the first two years of graduate school. there is a usually a period where you kind of float aimlessly and it is quite angst-inducing. it sounds like you are there. stick with it, experiments magically start to work and you get to write a paper or two, put together and defend your thesis and it's back to objective-based learning.

 

[mdphd2b]

There will be ups and downs, but you will learn to maturely accept what the committee dishes out and yes, you too will finally defend! And you will find yourself returning to a very immature class of MS3's who whine about everything little thing, while you smile secretly in amusement. Yeah, even this can be fun...

The 2 most challenging times for me were as a G2 (when my original class graduated and my expts/projects fizzled, then they were scooped!) The second time was G4 (last year of my PhD), when I just wanted to be done and over with everything. Everytime a new expt was proposed, I thought "this sounds more like the job of a post-doc, which I'm not planning on doing now!"

 

[dazlindz]

may i ask what school? (pm me)