Research career with MD

[Lifehouse]

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Hi, I'm an incoming college freshman. I'm interested in pursuing an MD/PhD but I understand how competitive these programs are. I prefer patient interaction, which is why I most likely will end up pursuing an MD. However, if I become more interested in research, can I get a research job with an MD? Does having an MD make a candidate more appealing than a PhD? Also, does it matter where this MD comes from (U.S. vs Caribbean or European medical school)? I hope was clear with my questions.

 

[solitude]

Hi, I'm an incoming college freshman. I'm interested in pursuing an MD/PhD but I understand how competitive these programs are. I prefer patient interaction, which is why I most likely will end up pursuing an MD. However, if I become more interested in research, can I get a research job with an MD? Does having an MD make a candidate more appealing than a PhD? Also, does it matter where this MD comes from (U.S. vs Caribbean or European medical school)? I hope was clear with my questions.

Yes, you can get a research job with an MD, but it will most likely require that you complete a postdoctoral fellowship after you complete medical school. An exception is a research AND clinical job, in which you would be seeing patients while also conducting more clinical research. In that case, most simply need to complete the standard medical residency and fellowship. Another option would be to see patients clinically AND conduct basic science research--this often but not always will require a postdoctoral fellowship in addition to postgraduate clinical training.

It's hard to answer whether the MD makes one more appealing than a PhD. The MD can see patients, which usually brings in a more steady stream of revenue, whereas the PhD focuses on research only. It really depends on the department, the university, and your qualifications after you obtain the MD or PhD (i.e. what is your postgraduate training?).

U.S. and European universities will provide you with an appropriate education (although some stink). Try to steer clear of Caribbean medical schools if you want to practice in the U.S. or Europe. Particularly with regards to research, these schools are frowned upon, not to mention inadequate institutions for obtaining an education.

 

[jameslynton]

Hi, I'm an incoming college freshman. I'm interested in pursuing an MD/PhD but I understand how competitive these programs are. I prefer patient interaction, which is why I most likely will end up pursuing an MD. However, if I become more interested in research, can I get a research job with an MD? Does having an MD make a candidate more appealing than a PhD? Also, does it matter where this MD comes from (U.S. vs Caribbean or European medical school)? I hope was clear with my questions.

Know one at NIH who has just a MD. Was a pathlogist - now a full time researcher and very happy. Yes - it does matter to some degree where you got your MD. Lot depends on PGY1-5 and your area of research. Best wishes and work hard over the coming years.

 

[hawkeey]

You might find some of answers by reading some of the publications:

http://www.physicianscientists.org/Publications.html

In short though, the reason you want a PhD is to gain the necessary scientific training which teaches you how to critique and explore science. Medical school teaches you memorize information and use it. These are very different approaches. MDs occasionally have a very hard time exploring science in a mechanistic way and many studies tend to demonstrate mere correlations. It is possible to learn how to do this without PhD training through fellowships, but it is very difficult. Many MDs in research admit that they which they had the training of their PhD and MD/PhD colleagues.

You may be interested in pursuing a PhD clinical research which will give you both the scientific training and the personal interaction.