MD + PhD at separate institutions?

[bassoony]

Hello! I am a somewhat nontraditional MD/PhD applicant who has primarily applied to Humanities/Bioethics PhD programs (there are only a few). I haven't received an MSTP acceptance at this point and honestly don't expect one (just given the rarity of programs like these + funding), but I've independently received an MD only and funded PhD only acceptance from two separate institutions. The only MD/PhD (humanities) degree holders I know received them from separate institutions one after the other, and I've had it suggested to me by one that it may be possible to effectively DIY an MD/PhD by deferring admission to the PhD and taking a leave between M2 and M3 to complete it.

My interest in completing the PhD is entirely intrinsic, and I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to do both. Has anyone else been in this position? Is there anything I should bring up to my MD and PhD admit institutions to try and work this out logistically? Time/delayed earnings are not a central concern for me, I am truly in this for the love of the game, but are there any auxillary life concerns I should think about with this? Any advice welcome.

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[InternationalChaos]

Congratulations on the acceptances! Having these separate options is tricky, though. Have you thought about using the PhD acceptance as leverage for the medical school where you will be attending? They may be able to help you do a research year or years in a similar field. Depending on the institution, there may even be a possibility of doing an MD/PhD program there, especially if the school is worried about losing you and hurting their own yield stats. Taking time off from med school is probably not going to work, unfortunately. I think it's a cool idea, but the school is unlikely to support it.

 

[Fencer]

I know of a few places that allow to take a leave of absence between pre-clinical and clerkship years to do research. A few would pursue a PhD at NIH, OX-CAM, or another institution. PM me if needed. I am currently helping a DO student who wants to do his PhD at my institution. It is possible.