PhD during or after residency?

[Gigantron]

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I've found that in other medical specialties, it is very possible to obtain a PhD either during or after residency. Are there residencies where you could do this as well? If one was interested in research, would it be wiser to just do a DPM/PhD program as opposed to doing a PhD afterwards?

EDIT: Also, in addition to the above, if one can't pursue a master's or a PhD during residency, can one possibly do it during fellowship?

 

[ldsrmdude]

I don't know of any program that offers a PhD during residency. The program at UTSA (here) appears to offer the possibility of getting a masters in clinical investigation. Of the 3 or so DPMs I have talked to that have both a DPM and a PhD, all of them earned their PhD after their DPM. Speaking as a current resident, I can tell you that it would be very tough to do a PhD during a 3 year podiatry residency.
There are a few fellowships that focus largely on research and although I don't know of any that offer the possibility of getting a PhD, there might be some. The APMA and Dartmouth have a fellowship that confers a MPH at the end of the fellowship year (here).

 

[heybrother]

I strongly suspect that if you investigated these "PhD during residency" situations you would find they occurred during research years that were coordinated into the residency ie. they take time off to do the research and its in residencies where there is an expectation that you would do research. The real question isn't - can I get a PhD. Its can I get a worthwhile PhD on my own terms with great researchers/research opportunities/at a place that will open doors/give you whatever opportunities you want. It should complement your podiatry training otherwise you might as well skip the DPM.

 

[ldsrmdude]

It should complement your podiatry training otherwise you might as well skip the DPM.

👍

 

[Claveaut]

I know Rosalind Franklin (Scholl) offers a dual degree for DPM/PhD. Here is a little information on it.

DPM/PhD and Track II MD/PhD Options
The DPM/PhD Program is available to Podiatry students who have competed 2 years of regular Podiatric Medicine study. Students interested in becoming a DPM/PhD would apply to the program during the first quarter of their 2nd year of school. If accepted, the student would begin their Combined Degree studies at the completion of their P2 year by going directly into their PhD studies. The Track II MD/PhD option follows the DPM/PhD model, with interested Medical students applying to the Combined Degree Program during the first quarter of their M2 year and beginning studies upon completion of the M2 year.

Successful DPM/PhD and Track II MD/PhD applicants should have significant research experienceat RFUMS and the recommendation of a faculty member for the program. These students must have maintained a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in their studies at RFUMS. Students accepted into the program may have already selected a possible research mentor, but are strongly encouraged to rotate through other labs at the University to become familiar with ongoing research opportunities and resources available to them as students.

 

[Royal Rooters]

A classmate of mine recently left school just before the start of externships to pursue a PhD. He plans to return afterwards. Not all people would be able to do such a about-face in the middle of a medical program like podiatry, but he is one person who can certainly pull it off.

 

[Gigantron]

Of the 3 or so DPMs I have talked to that have both a DPM and a PhD, all of them earned their PhD after their DPM.

Could you quickly divulge how they went about doing this? Did they complete residency and practice for a few years before deciding to go back and earn the PhD? Was it immediately after residency before going into practice at all?

 

[ldsrmdude]

Could you quickly divulge how they went about doing this? Did they complete residency and practice for a few years before deciding to go back and earn the PhD? Was it immediately after residency before going into practice at all?

1 completed residency and practiced for a few years before stopping practicing and getting a PhD, the other 2 I think did residency and then got their PhDs while practicing. It might not be a bad idea to check out the Physician Scientist forum on SDN, they might have additional insight.

 

[Gigantron]

1 completed residency and practiced for a few years before stopping practicing and getting a PhD, the other 2 I think did residency and then got their PhDs while practicing.

Huh, I didn't realize one could still practice and get a PhD at the same time. Granted, they must have taken a bit longer to get the PhD if they had to split time between the office/O.R. and the laboratory, correct?

It might not be a bad idea to check out the Physician Scientist forum on SDN, they might have additional insight.

I will be sure to do that. Thank you!