research in personal statement

[shoopshoop]

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hi everybody,

more questions - i am close to submission but am now worrying about my personal statement. if i am not applying md/phd can i still say i want to practice medicine and research together? will this get me screened out at some schools? it is not the focus of my statement but i do end by saying that is one of my long term goals.

 

[mathnerd88]

Yes. You don't need to have a MD/PhD to do research.

Loads of MD's participate in research. In fact, my PI is just a MD.

 

[shoopshoop]

i would also appreciate some adcom input on this @LizzyM @gyngyn @Goro. are personal statements with goals like these well received at your schools? are there scenarios where mentioning this would hurt me/get me screened out? i can imagine that schools that love and focus on clinical training/are less focused on research will find it strange that i am applying there.

 

[gannicus89]

I think it's okay. I mentioned getting into research as well...especially since so much of my ECs is research-related. Regardless, the focus of my PS was answering why medicine / why do you want to be a physician / what do you want to do with the degree.

 

[HybridEarth]

A lot of MDs participate in outcomes research. This is the way a physician I'm working for put it... Research let's him track how well he is doing his job while also contributing to the field.

Having research interests is a good thing. Don't worry

 

[Goro]

It won't get you screened out, but it will automatically invite interviewer questions like "why not just get a PhD"?

And yes, those schools that do not have a major research focus will wonder why you're applying there.

i would also appreciate some adcom input on this @LizzyM @gyngyn @Goro. are personal statements with goals like these well received at your schools? are there scenarios where mentioning this would hurt me/get me screened out? i can imagine that schools that love and focus on clinical training/are less focused on research will find it strange that i am applying there.

 

[GrapesofRath]

There have been a number of threads on this site where people with strong research focus and interests are asked in their statement either "Why didn't you apply MD/PhD or why didn't you just focus on a PhD instead?". At the very least be prepared for a question like that should it arise.