PM&R and MD/PhD

[RunGlutenFree]

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I'm currently a college junior looking to apply to MD/PhD programs. I am an avid runner, and would be interested in pursuing a PhD in exercise physiology or biomechanics before completing a residency in PM&R and then a fellowship in sports medicine.

Most likely, I would want to end up in academic medicine. However, in your opinion as a practicing PM&R physician or PM&R resident, do you see this combination as being worthwhile? I have found some programs which look like they would allow the PhD in this area, but does anyone have any good suggestions for programs I should be looking at?

Thanks!

 

[oreosandsake]

I'm currently a college junior looking to apply to MD/PhD programs. I am an avid runner, and would be interested in pursuing a PhD in exercise physiology or biomechanics before completing a residency in PM&R and then a fellowship in sports medicine.

Most likely, I would want to end up in academic medicine. However, in your opinion as a practicing PM&R physician or PM&R resident, do you see this combination as being worthwhile? I have found some programs which look like they would allow the PhD in this area, but does anyone have any good suggestions for programs I should be looking at?

Thanks!

here's a link to a fellowship based in msk research. it doesn't answer your question, but something to think about

http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/depts/pmr/fellowships/spinesports.html

Starting in July 2012, the will be an opportunity for a Musculoskeletal Research Fellowship position. This position will be at least 75% time spent engaged in research and research training with appropriate mentorship. This fellowship position is for applicants interested in pursuing a career in musculoskeletal research.

 

[Ludicolo]

Big time academic programs tend to drool over advanced degrees and the research trail that usually comes with it. If your end goal is academic PM&R, I think having the PhD will help you. And prior knowledge in biomechanics will surely help you grasp certain concepts quicker during residency. But is an advanced degree absolutely necessary for academic physiatry? Nope.

I’m not familiar enough with individual MD/PhD programs to render an opinion. Of course, assuming you get into MD/PhD programs, you’ll still have to do well on the MD part in addition to the PhD part.

 

[Gauss]

I don't think the MD/pHD program matters as much as the residency/fellowship for an academic career. Of course one leads to the next so indirectly it matters. Since most MD/pHD programs finance a large part of your tuition it's worth the extra years of research if you like it.

 

[Jitter Bug]

The PhD will not help you be a better doctor. The residency does that.

However the PhD will teach you to do research, write papers and get funding.

Good to have both if you truly want to do both research and see patients in an academic setting. But not necessary. Plenty of MD's learn research as they go without the degree.

 

[DOctorJay]

2 residents in my class are MD/PHD. if academics is your thing and they will fund schooling for you there will be a place for you in PM&R.