md/phd question

[Freakedout]

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can one apply md/phd and assuming they get accepted into md/phd. can they accept the offer, and then once school starts say decline phd, if they are not interested in pursuing it, but still keep the md option.

 

[Newquagmire]

yes, but i advise against this (as would most people in the md/phd know) if you never actually intend to do the phd. many schools give you the option to turn down the md/phd spot and keep the md BEFORE the beginning of school.

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Yes, but if this was your intention from the beginning, it will reflect as shady at best for your character.

If you add the PhD in order to 'sway' the ad-comms to accept you to their school, the least you could do is stick to your guns and complete the joint program.

I have heard of a lot of negative things, i.e. if they find out that your original intention was to drop PhD, they will make you wish you never wanted to be a doctor...

...I'm not saying it's karma, just saying professional societies have a way of making life suck.

Do the extra 3-4 years.

Of course this is assuming you don't have the original intent to complete all the way.

 

[KatieJune]

I have a similar question - but the other way around.

ONce in an MD program can you add the PhD option? I've heard NOT to apply to MD/PhD programs because they are even more competitive than MD programs alone. Is this true? I have a strong research background. If I applied MD/PhD would that make it easier or harder for me to get accepted? Thanks!

 

[SaltySqueegee]

I have a similar question - but the other way around.

ONce in an MD program can you add the PhD option? I've heard NOT to apply to MD/PhD programs because they are even more competitive than MD programs alone. Is this true? I have a strong research background. If I applied MD/PhD would that make it easier or harder for me to get accepted? Thanks!

This was the situation for me. Had a ton of research, was not the strongest applicant but decided to make a "Pack" with a researcher that had connections with the adcoms. I liked MCO, felt as though the faculty clicked well with my personality so with that

... I added the PhD application to the Molec Cell Bio program, was accepted, then immediately put on the heat for the MD acceptance, received that in two weeks time. Wallah, I was in.

Now that I'm in, I fully intend to keep my end of the deal and produce some quality research, and hopefully learn a few extra things while I'm in grad/prof school.

So far I have not regretted my decision to choose MCO in the least. The faculty are awesome, and my research is cutting edge (if I told you, I'd have to kill you 😉 ). So, by all means if you feel more competitive taking a particular angle, do it. But make sure you follow through. 👍

 

[ManchotPi]

I have a similar question - but the other way around.

ONce in an MD program can you add the PhD option? I've heard NOT to apply to MD/PhD programs because they are even more competitive than MD programs alone. Is this true? I have a strong research background. If I applied MD/PhD would that make it easier or harder for me to get accepted? Thanks!

 

[BaylorLion]

U of Chicago is another exception. Also, once you're interviewed, with a few exceptions (Baylor, UMich, Einstein and Wash U that I've heard of), you'll only be considered for admission to the MSTP, and not to MD-only.

I've heard that Einstein will let you change your application program post-interview, but requires a 2nd interview unless they rejected you and moved you into the MD pile.

 

[Newquagmire]

U of Chicago is another exception. Also, once you're interviewed, with a few exceptions (Baylor, UMich, Einstein and Wash U that I've heard of), you'll only be considered for admission to the MSTP, and not to MD-only.

i wouldn't say it's the same consideration for md-only, but it's not zero either. i've got a big fat waitlist at a lot of schools md-only.