Philosophy degrees?

[2ndave]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I know there are some old threads on this subject, but I just wondered if anyone had any new information. I'm trying to find out if there are any MD/PhD or MD/MA programs out there that let you do the 2nd degree in philosophy.

I've checked out links to some bioethics sites, thinking I might come across a few leads that way--but while there seem to be lots of bioethics centers around, I don't see many degree programs.

Anyone have any info?

 

[Neuronix]

Fully-funded MD/PhD programs that allow you to persue a non-science PhD are few and generally have few spots for it. Two that come to mind are Penn and Yale. I'm sure others can dig up some more. Otherwise, you would have to foot the bill for your MD. Many schools that have a Philosophy PhD program and a MD/PhD program would probably take you for a MD/PhD without MD funding. I would suggest you contact the schools you are interested in to see how they feel about it, because their takes on it are going to vary depending on the focus of the program.

Why not MD/MPH? Many schools have that combination. There are also some MD/MA programs out there, but I'm not as familiar with that.

 

[2ndave]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

MPH--hmmm... I've thought about that, but I'm not sure it's exactly what I'm interested in. Luckily, though, I know that at some schools the MPH is one of those combined degrees you can apply for after starting an MD program. I'm sure at that point I'd have a better idea whether it was a good fit or not.

I actually wasn't expecting to find programs that offered funding for work related to a non-science degree. That just seems to be asking too much! I'm just interested in finding out what areas of overlap there might be between philosophy and medicine. I also wonder what people can do with such combined degrees. I know there are some people who've done it, and I'm really curious.

 

[surge]

Originally posted by 2ndave
I'm just interested in finding out what areas of overlap there might be between philosophy and medicine. I also wonder what people can do with such combined degrees. I know there are some people who've done it, and I'm really curious.

I know Yale has a program in history of medicine.

Um, so, out of curiosity, why are you interested in the degree if you don't even know what you would do with it?

 

[dmowen]

Hi 2ndave,

I'm not sure where you're from and how you feel about Texas, but UTMB Galveston has a center for medical humanities where you can do an MD/PhD. Check it out at
http://www.utmb.edu/imh/GradProgram.asp
If you're more interested in bioethics, I've heard Penn has a pretty good program.

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by surge
Um, so, out of curiosity, why are you interested in the degree if you don't even know what you would do with it?

I have a bachelor's degree in Eastern Philosophy that I don't technically "do anything with". But I can't count the number of personal "situations" having this background has helped me in (like having something else to talk to adcoms about in an interview). Life is not just about getting an education to do something with it. Sometimes it's the journey of acquiring eduction that is the purpose.

To the OP, UI-Urbana-Champaign and Harvard also have an MD/PhD option in Philosophy. This isn't of course MSTP, but with some planning you could probably find the funds to pay for the both programs.

 

[2ndave]

originally posted by surge:
Um, so, out of curiosity, why are you interested in the degree if you don't even know what you would do with it?

I was wondering when someone would ask that... Seems like you can't get away with anything on SDN without someone questioning your motives 😉 Thanks for the tip about Yale though.

Well, in fact, I do know what I'm interested in. I already have research experience in philosophy which relates to illness and suffering. But I didn't want to weigh down this thread with a longwinded explanation of the ways in which my interests overlap. Plus, even if I know what I personally might like to do with a combined degree, that alone doesn't make it feasible or practical. THAT'S why I'm trying to get input from other, hopefully more experienced, people.

pathdr2B:

Right on! I was a religious studies major too. Having a humanities background is really valuable in so many different ways.

 

[jmed]

I believe Case Western has a program for MD and an MA in bioethics.

 

[thewebthsp]

Hey 2nDave,


Guess what -- I'm in a similar position you are in! I'm a double bio/philosophy and I also want to graduate work in philosophy.

The programs with "official" openings:

Penn
Georgetown

Possible programs:

Harvard
Yale

I definitely think there should be more than this out there...but there needs to be a clear mandate for bioethicists -- maybe a separate MD/PhD program?

Anyways, email me at [email protected] if you want --
I haven;t yet met any fellow MD/PhDs in philosophy yet.

Dave

 

[Flick]

2ndDave,
You might want to check out the MD/PhD at the University of Texas-Galveston. I believe they have a special program in the medical humanities which might mesh with what you are looking for.

 

[IrishOarsman]

add me in with those who have been searching for MD/MA - PhD - MPhil in philosophy programs.

check out U of C's program in medicine arts and social sciences (MAS?)

also, UWashington seems to have something like that going on.

if any of you actually talk to any admin officers etc about it, please let me know

 

[Primate]

It's been said before, but bears emphasizing. Penn doesn't seem to care about the field of endeavor for the PhD. People I know who've done some pretty "out-there" work (from a wet-lab perspective) said they were supported well and included in the overall program (no bias against).

I do know that you'll need to really be fired up about WHY you want to study in a non-traditional area in interviews, but that's pretty much true even for wet-lab types. Adcoms don't want to hear, "well, it seems cool and I just like to learn new things." That should be a part of your spiel, but you need to be able to clearly articulate WHY and HOW a particular non-traditional area will help you and eventually the reputation of the school (which is why any med school accepts us in the first place).

Cheers,
P

 

[surge]

Originally posted by 2ndave
I was wondering when someone would ask that... Seems like you can't get away with anything on SDN without someone questioning your motives 😉 Thanks for the tip about Yale though.

Well, in fact, I do know what I'm interested in. I already have research experience in philosophy which relates to illness and suffering. But I didn't want to weigh down this thread with a longwinded explanation of the ways in which my interests overlap. Plus, even if I know what I personally might like to do with a combined degree, that alone doesn't make it feasible or practical. THAT'S why I'm trying to get input from other, hopefully more experienced, people.

pathdr2B:

Right on! I was a religious studies major too. Having a humanities background is really valuable in so many different ways.

Yeah, going back, I see how my question came off wrong.

Having said that, pathdr2b's claim that "sometimes it's the journey of acquiring eduction that is the purpose" is something that I definitely agree with in many ways, but I maintain is a very poor reason for getting a PhD in an MD/PhD program.
I was truly curious, and I also believe you need to be able to verbalize and articulate your reasons - to the ADCOMs, not me (convince the skeptics, if you will). I wouldn't recommend getting defensive (pathdr2be more than you).
Now, after reading your elaboration, I definitely see your point (and am actually quite intrigued).
As I said, I know Yale has a program, and they are also a very humanities intensive school overall - which is incidentally one of the main reasons I chose to go there. Good luck.

 

[dr2loo]

I think it's fabulous that you want to pursue humanities. In fact, you will likely have a perspective other physician scientists will not... A lot of people singuloarly focused on sciences miss out on the very real and important socialogical and theoretic concerns facing the patients they will eventually treat.... at any rate, there are some programs out there for what you want that vary in how hard they are to get into. I think U. Illinois will allow you to do your PhD in whateveryou want and Dartmouth might as well... people are correct in saying that their aren't a boat load of schools out their for what you want, but they do exist...more homework for you...