MD/PhD vs. PhD only

[Fritz]

I have a question that has been bothering me for sometime. What is the advantage of doing an MD/PhD over just a PhD alone. I mean aside of doing the really cool stuff in medical school and residency, and spending approximately 10 years in school.
I look around me and most of the people doing basic research are PhD only, so what opportunities does an MD/PhD have that an regular PhD does not have. And also, I have noticed that it is really hard for the PhDs these days to get a job. Would it be as hard for MD/PhDs as well?
Thanks,
Fritz.

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[ninebillion]

I echo the same concerns. I'd love to hear current students' opinions and notions on all these interesting questions.

 

[Fritz]

I'm bumping this. Maybe there is anyone out there who can answer.

 

[pathdr2b]

Try doing a search. We've discussed this topic alot in the past year.

 

[Neuronix]

Yes, I've been planning to do the search myself and post the links, but I've just been really busy lately. I will still get around to this eventually...

 

[Arista.MD]

I was thinking about the same thing.

 

[Vader]

Yes, this topic has arisen numerous times, though it always remains an important question to ask.

I would recommend checking out the mdphd applicant guidebook and site at:

http://intransit.us

or

http://go.to/mdphd

 

[vixenell]

From what I gathered this summer, if you want any interaction with patients, an MD is almost a necessity. So its basically deciding whether you are interested in regular bench research, or if you will eventually branch into clinical research.