Non science MD/PhD programs

[pbehzad]

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Are there any med schools that you can get a MD/PhD where the PhD is a non science field such as political science/international politics?

 

[DrMom]

I remember getting something from one of the Illinois schools about MD/PhD with non-science PhDs. Sorry I don't remember the specifics, though.

 

[tBw]

DrMom is right - University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign I think has non-science PhD opportunities. I think there are a few others but the MSTP forum can probably guide you better..

However, the question you probably need to ask yourself is if you *really* need the non-science PhD and *really* want to do it. You will obviously be carving out a highly unique career if thats the PhDs purpose and it might not even be necessary (as with such a unique career path it's unlikely a 'standard' of qualifications is already set). Do you have a mentor that has already gone this path, or something very specific in mind? If you are doing it purely for interest its a big committment just for 'interests sake'. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[dr. deez]

there are several schools at which you can pursue an md/phD in non sci... however, the question is will the school actually fund your studies... i highly doubt it since $$$ for their regular md/phd in natural sciences comes from nih grants and science (health/biomedical) research grants... i am pretty sure that is how it works however i might be wrong... call the school you are interested and make sure there will be $$$ for you 🙂 good luck!

 

[keptium]

University of Chicago definately allows an MD/PhD in political science. My friend got accepted there with the exact same thing...

But just a word of caution. He applied MDPhD political science to a lot of schools, got many interviews to a lot of top med schools, but was ultimately rejected by everyone but U of C. I'm sure had he just done a typical MDpHd he would have been accepted many other places. He said that U of C was the only school out of the 15 or so he interviewed at that seemed to actually take somewhat of an interest in a PhD in poly sci.....so you gotta weight the risk. plus back when he was applying (4 years ago) there has never been a md/phd in poly sci done yet.

 

[All-Star14]

I believe NYU has a program like that.

 

[atsai3]

You are probably going to have to apply separately to MD programs and PhD programs. Assuming both programs at a single institution accept you, then you'll have to work it out with them how to organize your MD/PhD. Your PhD years will likely be funded somehow -- you can either apply for a grant, or teach some undergraduate classes, or work as a grader, etc. Your MD years will likely not be funded unless you get a merit scholarship from the medical school. Furthermore, unless you can get some cross credits, there will likely be no time compression.

Harvard has a MD/PhD program in health policy, and you can choose to focus on political science for your PhD. I don't think the MD years are funded, though.

CWRU has a MD/PhD program in heatlh services research. Both the MD and PhD years are funded (through a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), and you take PhD coursework during your first two MD years so that there is some compression of time. But, while CWRU has a political science department, it would be highly unlikely that you could get your dissertation to fall within the bounds of the health services research program.

Quite a few years ago, Greg Pappas (who eventually went to work as the Surgeon General right hand advisor) did a MD/PhD in anthropology at CWRU, but his MD years were not funded. And there was no time compression -- he took 4 years for the PhD in between his medical school years.

Cheers
-AT.

 

[LoneCoyote]

I believe UC-Irvine and UC-Davis will let you do your MD/PhD in any department in the university though I am not sure if the positions are fully funded if it is not science.

 

[dr. deez]

Trivia Question: Which university has both the women's and men's basketball teams ranked #1 in the land? Don't act like you don't know!!

Answer: I don't really care for women's basketball but I believe that the ARIZONA WILDCATS are first in the most recent polls

 

[All-Star14]

Originally posted by dr. deez
Answer: I don't really care for women's basketball but I believe that the ARIZONA WILDCATS are first in the most recent polls

Hmm...I really don't care about your dislike for women's basketball. 🙄 Don't get too happy...Duke will get back to #1 this season!

BTW, our women are still undefeated (and #1)!

 

[isidella]

Originally posted by atsai3
And there was no time compression -- he took 4 years for the PhD in between his medical school years.

FYI: Most MD/PhD and MSTP programs with a hard sci PhD. take 8 years on average. They say 7, but really mean 8. Sure, many students can do it in 7, and some can do it in 6 if they have a leprechaun sprinklin' dust on thier arse. But count yourself in for 8 years at most programs.
"Time compression" 😀 HeHe, I'll be collesting my non-existant social security by the time I am a resident.