PhD: increase or decrease competitiveness?

[sakura]

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In general, does a terminal degree such as a PhD from a major state university give one more options (i.e., more competitive programs) when applying for residency or fellowship? Is it possible for it to decrease one's competitiveness?

 

[SleeperHold]

I would guess that in general, a PhD will not make up for a glaring deficiency, like a 180 step 1 score. However, it would help set you apart, especially if it comes up during your interview. I'm sure at the more research-oriented institutions, they'd probably view this favorably. At the med school I graduated from, there were hardly any anesthesia faculty doing research, and most of the residents did little to no research +/- the yearly poster at the regional anesthesia meeting, from what I could tell.

 

[TayShaun]

I agree with what Sleeper said. It looks like you're interested in several fields, and for all of them research is just one element that programs look at -- in addition to board scores, grades, letters of recommendation, interview -- so having a PhD naturally means your research background will be pretty strong. But that doesn't mean you'll be good in those other things that programs consider.

Bottom line: do an MD/PhD if you're WANT to do a significant amount of research in your career and are willing to add a few extra years of school to do it. Don't do it just to get into a good residency because then you'll be unhappy during med school.