MS --> Physician Scientist

[GradStudentToPhysician]

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Hey y'all!

I am a first year graduate student (Masters of Science in Biology) at a state school in CA. My thesis research is focused on investigating the regulation of the cellular and molecular orchestra of coronary artery disease. This program has placed me in an interesting position as I have 2 PIs. One being a physician (cardiologist) and the other being a researcher (cancer/cell biologist). This has allowed me to have the opportunity of working on an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, specialists, nurses, and fellows. I have come to realize, through this experience, that the career I want to pursue is that of a physician scientist.

The question that I would like input on from those of you in the community is how to go about this. There are a few routes one can take to become a physician scientist. I know that the PhD is not necessary, but it helps! The route that I am currently looking at is to complete a PhD program (intending to apply this Fall) then matriculate into medical school. I am aware that this route may be the longest and that at the end of the PhD I may still not get into medical school. I have not given any specifics about my "numbers" as I would like a broad scope of responses. Thank you in advance

 

[DSM_302.0]

Hi! I don't have specific advice for you, but I think this is cool and I wish you luck.

I think I'm chiming in because I want to be a dissenting voice: I don't share others' passion for safeguarding anonymity. Who cares if someone knows who you are? Unless you're a total jerk on this forum, I don't think this could hurt you at any point.

Good luck!

 

[GradStudentToPhysician]

Hi! I don't have specific advice for you, but I think this is cool and I wish you luck.

I think I'm chiming in because I want to be a dissenting voice: I don't share others' passion for safeguarding anonymity. Who cares if someone knows who you are? Unless you're a total jerk on this forum, I don't think this could hurt you at any point.

Good luck!

Thank you for you candor haha

 

[hebrewBAMmer]

The route that I am currently looking at is to complete a PhD program (intending to apply this Fall) then matriculate into medical school.

I mean this is what I did. I'm happy with it, but it was long and difficult a.f. You could also probably just do an MD and focus on research in medical school/residency, although a PhD does provide significantly better research training. Really only do the PhD if you want to have a research-intensive career. If not, there's no reason to