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Impossible or possible? 😕
MD --> MD/PhD
- Thread starter dannylee718
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you can always pick up a Ph.D. later. there are quite a few people in graduate schools with MDs already, going back for a Ph.D.
W
Wizard of Oz
Programs that I am familiar with allow applications through the preclinical years, but it isn't the preferred method of entry for most programs I know of. (It's more the exception than the rule.)
There are really two types of MD/PhD programs out there. One is the type that seeks to find the best researchers, the other is the one that just accepts the people who apply with the best numbers. If you really were research-minded when you applied to med school and didn't apply to MD/PhD the first time, they'll want to know why not. If you are a reapplicant, they'll want to know why you're a better candidate now (given that your MCAT score likely hasn't changed and your potential for research probably hasn't changed in their eyes).
Keep in mind that you'd probably be behind on doing prelimary bench rotations.
Very true, but I would tend to ask why. MD's can get research opportunities just as easily as PhD's, and you can do a research postdoc before, after, or in place of a clinical residency rather than doing a full PhD first. There are MD's out there who are basic science researchers.
There are really two types of MD/PhD programs out there. One is the type that seeks to find the best researchers, the other is the one that just accepts the people who apply with the best numbers. If you really were research-minded when you applied to med school and didn't apply to MD/PhD the first time, they'll want to know why not. If you are a reapplicant, they'll want to know why you're a better candidate now (given that your MCAT score likely hasn't changed and your potential for research probably hasn't changed in their eyes).
Keep in mind that you'd probably be behind on doing prelimary bench rotations.
Very true, but I would tend to ask why. MD's can get research opportunities just as easily as PhD's, and you can do a research postdoc before, after, or in place of a clinical residency rather than doing a full PhD first. There are MD's out there who are basic science researchers.
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Trust me, I wonder why as well. What's the Ph.D. going to help in patient care?
If they don't plan on doing patient care, why get an M.D.?
The people I'm referring to specifically have MDs and are getting a PhD in biomedical informatics.
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It is possible to apply for a PhD after you begin medical school. In most cases you will start the PhD after your second year of school, and it will usually take 3+ years to complete. Once you earn the PhD, you will have to complete your remaining two years of medical school before earning your medical degree.
W
Wizard of Oz
The thing about doing this is that you are locked into a medical school curriculum already. The school isn't going to lose you to any competition if they don't take you for mudphud. It's true that you'd be a cheaper acquisition, and the school would know that you really want to do the PhD rather than just taking the scholarship that comes with it, but you still have to show a research interest and background commensurate with incoming M1's.
Yeah this is probably true at just about every medical school. The hard part is becoming a member of their official mudphud class which comes with the free medical tuition and stipend through the MD years, which is what I thought that the OP was referring to. If you're not accepted into the school's official MD/PhD program, then they have no incentive to pay for you during M3 and M4. If you REALLY want that PhD so badly though, you can just enroll as a regular PhD student, but it will probably take you longer if they don't waive the didactic PhD classes like many schools do for regular MD/PhD's. You'd be looking at an extra four to five years going into a PhD program from scratch.
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Depends on the school. Some are more friendly to this than others. Talk to your program about it if you're interested or if you haven't matriculated yet and are serious about this, talk to the schools and find out where this may be possible. Some will take you after MS1, others will try to save money and take you after MS2. Acceptance rates range from rare to >75% depending on the school.
The policies vary so much it's hard to generalize.
BTW, my didactic PhD classes were not waived for me. I got a few elective credits from medical school (2!), but that's it.
The policies vary so much it's hard to generalize.
BTW, my didactic PhD classes were not waived for me. I got a few elective credits from medical school (2!), but that's it.
W
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It's quite possible at the decent programs. I have a couple fo friends that did just that - one entered the MD/PhD formally after year 1 of the MD, and the other was after year 2. Both had medical school paid for and full stipend as soon as they entered. Both had research experience that convinced the school that they were serious (research between MSI and MSII, and maybe before med school). They didn't have to do all of the formal rotations like the other mudphuds. Both did well.
