Reconsidering if MD/DO is right for me or if I should pursue a PhD instead?

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I'm currently applying to medical school, and it's made me seriously reconsider if I'm choosing the right path. I have always been extremely passionate about research, and if I gain admission to DO schools but not MD, I know that my research opportunities would be limited. Since it's something that I enjoy so much, I'm not sure if DO schools would be a good fit (I know I should've considered that more before applying, but please give me some grace). If I have an unsuccessful cycle, I see myself applying to PhD programs, along with reapplying to some MD programs. If anyone has gone through a similar thing/ended up picking PhD over MD/DO, I'd love to hear your perspective. Also, any general thoughts are welcome, cause tbh I'm lost. Thanks!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums. I chose a PhD over a medical degree, and I'm glad I did decades ago.

It's hard to judge without an understanding of what you have done for each career path (WAMC profile). But there are DO programs that have research opportunities (see the three universities with both MD and DO programs). Furthermore, the NIH (barring any weird reorganization) sponsors summer researchers from medical schools, so the question is whether your school's curricula allows for it. Check for offices of medical student research at all MD and DO schools you may be interested in. You should do this homework before applying.

You need an honest conversation -- perhaps with a prehealth or academic advisor/reference -- about your perceived choices. It would be easier to get into PhD programs, and you might get a stipend (barring weird funding circumstances). My curiosity drove me, and I knew medical school would be there if I wanted it later (but I got lucky with my research project that embedded me in a clinical setting).

 

[Goro]

If you're willing to turn down a do acceptance, or not even apply to do schools because of the lack of research opportunities, then I suggest getting the phd.