MD ---> Clinical Research?

[BigBear123]

I would like to get an MD but I am very interested in going into clinical research [I am particularly interested in ophthalmology research, which is pretty close to the type of research that I'm doing right now as an undergrad]. I feel that through clinical research I will be able to make a greater impact on the field of medicine. I love research and do a lot of it right now but I am hesitant to go the MD/PhD route because I feel that it is a HUGE commitment and, to the best of my knowledge, individuals who "only" have MD's can do research just fine.

My question is whether adcoms will look down on me or perhaps question or overly scrutinize my application because I am interested in going into research as opposed to being a full-time clinician, but don't want to pursue an MD/PhD.

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[gettheleadout]

An interest in continuing research during your career (which is expected to detract some from your clinical time) will make you more appealing to research oriented schools.

You'd be fine with an MD alone, but depending on where you go to med school you could opt to do a combined MD/MSCI or MD/MSCR dual degree program (Master of Science in Clinical Investigation/Master of Science in Clinical Research) or similar, though it would likely add another year.

 

[Tapepsi]

An interest in continuing research during your career (which is expected to detract some from your clinical time) will make you more appealing to research oriented schools.

You'd be fine with an MD alone, but depending on where you go to med school you could opt to do a combined MD/MSCI or MD/MSCR dual degree program (Master of Science in Clinical Investigation/Master of Science in Clinical Research) or similar, though it would likely add another year.

^This. And don't think that only top tier schools are research oriented b/c there's plenty of them out there. My state school, in fact, requires all students to complete research during med school so they are definitely research oriented.

 

[LizzyM]

You can also consider seeking a Master of Science degree in clinical investigation (MSCI) or a similar degree during your fellowship program (some fellowship programs will cover some or all of the tuition) when what you learn is immediately applicable to your work and will contribute to your first grant proposal.

 

[gettheleadout]

You can also consider seeking a Master of Science degree in clinical investigation (MSCI) or a similar degree during your fellowship program (some fellowship programs will cover some or all of the tuition) when what you learn is immediately applicable to your work and will contribute to your first grant proposal.

I didn't know this was possible, that sounds like a good deal.

Thanks Lizzy. 👍

 

[Camy99]

I am in the same situation as you OP, as in I am really interested in Pulmonary research but honestly don't think I can take the MD/PhD path. I'll have to look into those other programs you guys mentioned. Thanks!

 

[vc7777]

As others have mentioned, people interested in becoming physician investigators are sought-after.

Please check out the research forum on SDN. There are several research career options besides mud-phuds including MD/MS programs that may be of interest to both of you.

I for example am a second year pursuing a masters in clinical research at CCLCM (a 5 year, full-tuition scholarship program jointly run by Case and Cleveland Clinic).




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[Law2Doc]

I would like to get an MD but I am very interested in going into clinical research [I am particularly interested in ophthalmology research, which is pretty close to the type of research that I'm doing right now as an undergrad]. I feel that through clinical research I will be able to make a greater impact on the field of medicine. I love research and do a lot of it right now but I am hesitant to go the MD/PhD route because I feel that it is a HUGE commitment and, to the best of my knowledge, individuals who "only" have MD's can do research just fine.

My question is whether adcoms will look down on me or perhaps question or overly scrutinize my application because I am interested in going into research as opposed to being a full-time clinician, but don't want to pursue an MD/PhD.

I think you have to appreciate that most clinical research is done by clinicians who do research, rather than full time researchers. So you will likely be an ophthalmologist who does research on the side in most cases, rather than a full time researcher if you go the MD route. Nobody will look down on this, but I think a few people on here are looking into MD as a route to pure research, instead of getting a PhD, and those opportunities are far rarer. The value an MD brings to clinical research is the access to patients -- that is why drug companies court them and give them grants. At most academic hospital settings, the split tends to be that you spend the majority of your time seeing patients and squeeze in some research on the side, not the other way round.