Master's in computer engineering before or after med school?

[preMedFalcon]

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Although my primary goal and passion is to go to med school and become a doctor, I also really want a master's degree in computer engineering. When I am a full-time practicing doctor, I plan to do computer related work on my own (self-employed) as a side job, and not work for any companies. I only want the graduate level training. Would it be better to get one before applying to med school or wait until I am a full-time practicing doctor?

And assuming that I pursue a full-time master's degree program at the same time as being a full-time practicing doctor, how possible (and feasible) do you think this would be?

 

[jamaica jan sun princess]

Personally, I would apply to medical school and computer engineering simultaneously. The computer engineering would be a backup if you don't get any medical school acceptances. There are plenty of accredited online computer engineering/science programs you could complete part-time while a practicing physician.

 

[deleted846158]

Are you currently studying Computer science/ computer engineering at the undergraduate level? If you’re looking to develop your coding skills, that’s a great goal, but you don’t necessarily need any formal education to become an expert coder, especially if you will not be working for any company. You could teach yourself a language or two using YouTube (Python is pretty versatile) and save thousands of dollars and years of your time. If you’re looking to learn about computer hardware, that’s a different story. I guess this all depends on what you want to do with the knowledge, if it’s to develop medical apps, etc. the above applies but if you want to do high level computer science + medical research the masters would probably be useful.

 

[gopher1997]

I would probably do it before you go to medical school. It's pretty unique and could make you stand out as an applicant. Also, trying to get a Master's in a non-healthcare related field while practicing as a full time physician may be extremely difficult (though I don't have any first hand experience), especially if it requires in person attendance. Also if you are planning on getting married/having a family/etc etc, that might play a role into your decision as well. If it is something you really want to do, I would do it before applying to medical school.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

some schools (like Stanford) have MD/MS programs.

 

[Sleepingdoc]

Unless you did undergrad as a CE, I am not sure why anyone would give you admission to MS in CE.
It seems like your heart is into medicine. Unless you have a real passion for CE..., dont do it just to do it.. Any engineering is gonna drain your gpa.

 

[preMedFalcon]

Are you currently studying Computer science/ computer engineering at the undergraduate level? If you’re looking to develop your coding skills, that’s a great goal, but you don’t necessarily need any formal education to become an expert coder, especially if you will not be working for any company. You could teach yourself a language or two using YouTube (Python is pretty versatile) and save thousands of dollars and years of your time. If you’re looking to learn about computer hardware, that’s a different story. I guess this all depends on what you want to do with the knowledge, if it’s to develop medical apps, etc. the above applies but if you want to do high level computer science + medical research the masters would probably be useful.

I'm currently majoring in chemistry with a minor in computer science, but I'm strongly considering switching those 2 (major in CS and minor in chem, and I'm currently in my 2nd year). Also, my college offers a pre-engineering program where you spend 3-4 years pursuing a BA in any subject, and then you're guaranteed transfer admission to Columbia University (assuming all requirements are met) for a BS in any engineering discipline (so for me, computer engineering), and this is for another 2 years.

I'm strongly considering joining this program, but I have to make sure that it isn't only intended for students who want a career in engineering.

In terms of what I'm looking to learn in CE, I basically want to learn coding and computer hardware and systems at an expert level.

My heart is definitely in studying medicine and being a doctor, and computer engineering is basically my secondary passion, but I would love to do this as a side job (and get a master's) while working in medicine, if it becomes possible. I also do not plan on ever having a family.

I do know that some medical schools offer an MD/MS program, however I do not know of any school that offers this program where the MS can be obtained in computer science/engineering

some schools (like Stanford) have MD/MS programs.

.

 

[CherryRedDracul]

What about an MD/PhD?

I almost considered doing an engineering-heavy PhD along with my MD, but in hindsight, I'm glad I didn't torture myself through that. My friend, however, was passionate about engineering along with surgery and completed an MD/PhD.

 

[preMedFalcon]

What about an MD/PhD?

I almost considered doing an engineering-heavy PhD along with my MD, but in hindsight, I'm glad I didn't torture myself through that. My friend, however, was passionate about engineering along with surgery and completed an MD/PhD.

From what I understand, the MD/PhD is for students interested in becoming physician scientists. Although they can still pursue the normal residency and fellowship that MD students do, the MD/PhD is intended for students who are more passionate for research then they are for taking care of patients (this is what I understand about this program). I want taking care of patients to be the main focus of my medical career, and to work with computer hardware and software as a side, self-employed job (and to have expert knowledge on each). I'm not interested in doing research as a career.

Besides, the only MD/PhD program that I know of that offers a PhD in an engineering discipline (including computer based) is from Harvard-MIT (though I think Stanford does also).