Surgery and genetics?!

[Morguean]

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Alright... So I am a pre-med and I am applying for some research programs. I need to describe what I am interested in researching and what I want to pursue in medical school. I am highly interested in surgery and since I took a human genetics class, I love genetics. I earned an A in the class and it was not difficult because I enjoyed it. I do not think I would enjoy a research based career though (I like using my hands, if that makes any sense).

On my applications for research programs, I am explaining that I wish to pursue an MD/PhD. I figure that once I get more experience, I'll figure out what I want. But as for this application, how can I say that I am interested in these two things? I want to research in genetics, but be a surgeon? Does this happen??

I apologize for my ignorance. 🙁

 

[Winged Scapula]

While I won't tell you what to say on your application, I will correct the common misconception that surgeons are not involved in research. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, there are many surgical diseases in which genetic mutations play significant role.

For example, while the uninformed often turn up their nose at colorectal surgery, the recognition of many familial syndromes leading to an increased risk of malignancy, active research into inflammatory bowel diseases, and a host of genetic mutations, makes for an active field of research which draws many surgical residents into its practice. The same is true for breast cancer And gynecological oncology. Let's also not forget about the inheritance patterns of endocrine disorders such as the multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN Syndromes). Honestly, it's a wonderful time to be a surgeon with interest in genetic research.

Therefore, there is nothing unusual about having interests in human genetics and the surgical management of disease.

 

[DrBowtie]

Alright... So I am a pre-med and I am applying for some research programs. I need to describe what I am interested in researching and what I want to pursue in medical school. I am highly interested in surgery and since I took a human genetics class, I love genetics. I earned an A in the class and it was not difficult because I enjoyed it. I do not think I would enjoy a research based career though (I like using my hands, if that makes any sense).

On my applications for research programs, I am explaining that I wish to pursue an MD/PhD. I figure that once I get more experience, I'll figure out what I want. But as for this application, how can I say that I am interested in these two things? I want to research in genetics, but be a surgeon? Does this happen??

I apologize for my ignorance. 🙁

Bolded shows you should not do a PhD. Just go straight MD.

 

[45408]

I am highly interested in surgery and since I took a human genetics class, I love genetics.

All of which is fairly likely to change.

If you don't want to be a career researcher, give up the MD/PhD plan now, and just go for your MD. You can still do a lot of research with "just" an MD. Don't worry about trying to plan out your specialty + research interests this far in advance.

 

[Winged Scapula]

All of which is fairly likely to change.

If you don't want to be a career researcher, give up the MD/PhD plan now, and just go for your MD. You can still do a lot of research with "just" an MD. Don't worry about trying to plan out your specialty + research interests this far in advance.

Good point. I didn't see the comment about not wanting a research career while browsing on my phone.

An MD/PhD is for exactly that: someone who wishes to make research a significant portion of his/her career. It is not required and you'd likely be miserable if you're not research oriented.