MD/PhD

[smuwillobrien]

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Does anyone know of any sites which fully document a generic MD/PhD program, costs, aims, duration, ... I was also wondering if someone could explain a few things to me.

If you're doing your first two years of medical school followed by your PhD and then your two years of clinical isn't there a big chance that you'll forget a lot of the information you learned in your first two years?

I don't know if this is a concern for most people who are interested in the program, but that seems to be the biggest thing that would keep me from going into one (other than the fact that I might not have the brains).

 

[rjmst]

the first two years have nothing to do with the second two years. they are just so you can pass step 1 & 2 before the second two years.

POOF.

 

[vixenell]

Try posting in the MD/PhD Forum. as there are students who frequently post there.

I was in a MD/PhD Summer program, and had a chance to speak to quite a few current students who were either just starting the second part of the medical ed after getting their PhDs. Most said that yes, that both the transition from med school to grad school and the other way around is difficult. Also, that many times, the attendings who they learn from might often be your former classmates. But most of the people I talked to managed to adjust well after the PhD phase, it just took a lot more work (which most MD-PhD students are capable of). Don't let that alone keep you from applying. If you are able to gain acceptance, its because you exhibit both the maturity and intellectual readiness to deal with that.

My big sib, who was a 6th year took the step 2 after getting her PhD. So its not impossible.

 

[vixenell]

also, check out www.intransit.us (an MD/PhD site made by an SDNer)... its got loads of info.

 

[Neuronix]

The advice given here is correct. One thing I'd like to add is that if you are a Canadian citizen, you will face significant difficulties entering a MD/PhD program in the states. Not that it can't be done, e.g. my good friend at Penn from Vancouver. Still, the number of seats are limited and the applicants are held to a very high standard due to the comtetition for those few seats. If you want someone to talk directly with about your MD/PhD questions, feel free to AIM me at Neuronix2. Nevertheless, I highly recommend the page vixenell recommended for answers to common questions.

Good luck!