mstp curriculum questions

[tidbit218]

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Hi all. I'm applying this year, and I was sure I wanted to do the mstp program, since I really enjoy research. However, I've received a lot of advice against the program; doctors tell me that I don't need the Ph.D. to do research, and that taking time off to do research in the middle of med school means that you're not as well prepared for rotations. Has anyone else heard things like this? If so, how do you answer? Thanks.

Elizabeth

Also, I'd love to talk to anyone else who's planning to apply this year, just to compare notes. Talk soon. 🙂

 

[CaNEM]

As far as not being well prepared for rotations after doing your PhD, it depends. Many programs are now encouraging MSTP students to stay active in the clinic during their research years to eliminate this problem. They also have refresher seminars and such to prepare you right before you return to the wards. And in a way, MSTP students have an advantage over their MD counterparts in the wards, because they have developed their scientific thinking and questioning skills, which can give them great insight into the clinical problems they encounter.

MDs will tell you that you dont need an PhD to do research and PhDs will tell you that you dont need an MD to do clinical research or work with people. If you want the real deal on MD/PhDs, however, you'll have to talk to real live MD/PhDs. Don't only isten to others' opinions, though, do what you think is best for you. If you want to make research a big part of your career, and want to compete for top positions in academic medicine, the PhD may be worth it. You will probably also be better prepared to run a lab, if that's one of your goals. However, if you are instead concerned about the time it takes to do the MD/PhD, and have other things you'd rather do with the time, or if your reserach interests aren't as great, perhaps an MD only is best for you.

BTW, I'm applying this cycle, and currently interviewing/deciding. Myself and others here will be glad you answer any questions you have, and feel free to PM me.

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by tidbit218
doctors tell me that I don't need the Ph.D. to do research, and that taking time off to do research in the middle of med school means that you're not as well prepared for rotations. Has anyone else heard things like this? If so, how do you answer? Thanks.

Hi Tidbit:

I'm also applying this year to MD/PhD programs.

While most program follow a "traditional" program" there are those that are flexible and allow you to "design" your own.I currently shadow an MD/PhD and she suggets a schedule like the following:

year 1 - graduate courses - pass orals and cumes

year 2 & 3 - medical school/basic sciences/summer research

year 4 & 5 - clinical rotations (over 2 years)/ research

years 6 & 7 - clinical electives/complete research/write up dissertation

I think the above schedule will work for me since I plan to get a PhD in a medically relevant science like pathology or tumor biology.

Good Luck

Kim

 

[DarkChild]

pathdr2b,
thats a pretty unusual curriculum, do you mind telling me what school the MD/PhD student you are shadowing goes to?
if you'd like, you can PM me it instead.
Thanks!!!

 

[fonzy]

I have looked at a few med schools' MSTP curriculum and I think they all have first two yrs of MD courses [pre-clinical], then grad school [PhD], then back to clinical [3rd and 4th yr of MD part].
I have never seen MSTP starting with first yr of PhD.
I am also interested in the info' about schools that offer first yr of PhD and then all 4yrs of MD then the rest of PhD work.
Pl PM me if the info' cannot be shared in public.

Thanks and best

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by DarkChild
pathdr2b,
thats a pretty unusual curriculum, do you mind telling me what school the MD/PhD student you are shadowing goes to?
if you'd like, you can PM me it instead.
Thanks!!!

The doctor I shadow already has her MD/PhD. She a graduate of Penn and I know from talking with folks in the admissions office there that this school ,while having a traditional curriculum, has a unadvertised "flexible" one as well. Some others include Yale, Cornell, GWU, and Morehouse, Vanderbilt, and UI-UC. Usually you won't find any of this information posted but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

You have to understand that most schools while "requiring" the traditional program, almost always have one or mabye more students doing the program in other ways. In this case, one size doesn't fit all and for a student like myself with a family, I need all the flexibility I can get!