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I am a potential MD/PhD applicant who is wondering exactly what types of research a "Physician-Scientist" is most suited for. I have been given the blanket term "Clinical Research" by many people, but they are rarely able to provide concrete examples besides epidemiological studies or pure clinical trials.
To put this in context, I have my BS in biomedical engineering -- my primary interests lie in the use of basic science and technology for the invention of tools that will positively impact the health care field (think prosthetic joints, artificial tissue, or better detection instruments). While this goal clearly involves the aforementioned examples of clinical research, it is not necessarily the primary focus.
However, from what I can tell, the MD/PhD was made for this kind of direction. My logic is as follows: it seems that each degree provides different strengths to a potential researcher or PI. That is, in addition to the research strategies and perspective one gains as a PhD student, the MD provides a more complete picture of the human body, thus giving better vision of the applications of a discovery. All of this is without even mentioning the enormous collaborative potential of someone who can "speak both languages" effectively.
Do I have the right impression of the applications of a combination degree? Or, given my goals, am I wasting my time to even consider it? If so, which of the individual degrees would be more productive?
I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you!
To put this in context, I have my BS in biomedical engineering -- my primary interests lie in the use of basic science and technology for the invention of tools that will positively impact the health care field (think prosthetic joints, artificial tissue, or better detection instruments). While this goal clearly involves the aforementioned examples of clinical research, it is not necessarily the primary focus.
However, from what I can tell, the MD/PhD was made for this kind of direction. My logic is as follows: it seems that each degree provides different strengths to a potential researcher or PI. That is, in addition to the research strategies and perspective one gains as a PhD student, the MD provides a more complete picture of the human body, thus giving better vision of the applications of a discovery. All of this is without even mentioning the enormous collaborative potential of someone who can "speak both languages" effectively.
Do I have the right impression of the applications of a combination degree? Or, given my goals, am I wasting my time to even consider it? If so, which of the individual degrees would be more productive?
I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you!
