The Why MD/PhD Essay

[DaBeav]

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So I feel like I have a pretty solid PS and the research essay wasn't too hard to crank out...but this why MD/PhD degree essay is draining me. It seems like I can only think of cliche and vague comments. I don't really know what I want to get my PhD in or what I want to specialize in so it feels a little difficult to add personal emphasis. Is this essay as critical as the other two? The PS seems a little more narrative-like...should the MD/PhD one be more straight forward and to the point (it is shorter)?

 

[SaltySqueegee]

So I feel like I have a pretty solid PS and the research essay wasn't too hard to crank out...but this why MD/PhD degree essay is draining me. It seems like I can only think of cliche and vague comments. I don't really know what I want to get my PhD in or what I want to specialize in so it feels a little difficult to add personal emphasis. Is this essay as critical as the other two? The PS seems a little more narrative-like...should the MD/PhD one be more straight forward and to the point (it is shorter)?

Maybe I can give you some context.

From where I am now, what you do your PhD in is not so much important as the part of the PhD that teaches you how to ask critical/focused questions in any realm of science. Ask some of your professors what they did their PhD in, and you may be suprised that it is usually completely different compared to their current research. Progressive research is in areas that connects bridges between two disparate realms, and makes forward strides in characterizing these interactions. So, the most important part of a training program is to learn the tools of the trade (i.e. methods and materials), learn the generalities of health sciences (i.e. the MD) and develop any project through and characterizing some novel new piece of information (the PhD). That is the true physician-scientist. At least in my mind.

Hope that helps. Remember, it is not some much the area of research as it is the critical mindset that is to be developed that is important.

👍

 

[DaBeav]

Maybe I can give you some context.

From where I am now, what you do your PhD in is not so much important as the part of the PhD that teaches you how to ask critical/focused questions in any realm of science. Ask some of your professors what they did their PhD in, and you may be suprised that it is usually completely different compared to their current research. Progressive research is in areas that connects bridges between two disparate realms, and makes forward strides in characterizing these interactions. So, the most important part of a training program is to learn the tools of the trade (i.e. methods and materials), learn the generalities of health sciences (i.e. the MD) and develop any project through and characterizing some novel new piece of information (the PhD). That is the true physician-scientist. At least in my mind.

Hope that helps. Remember, it is not some much the area of research as it is the critical mindset that is to be developed that is important.

👍

Thanks...some good advice.
It's a good way to look at things seeing as how you have clinicals and likely a residency between getting your PhD and finding yourself in a lab again. The way science is paced, some techniques and the actual focus of your research could likely be obsolete by the time you reach a research junction in your career again, but the tools of critical analysis/innovative solution and practical experience in obtaining funding, collaborating, and scientific writing are never lost.

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Thanks...some good advice.
It's a good way to look at things seeing as how you have clinicals and likely a residency between getting your PhD and finding yourself in a lab again. The way science is paced, some techniques and the actual focus of your research could likely be obsolete by the time you reach a research junction in your career again, but the tools of critical analysis/innovative solution and practical experience in obtaining funding, collaborating, and scientific writing are never lost.

Exactly. If this is your focus for why you want an MD/PhD, you will not be dissappointed.

 

[ClarinetGeek]

Maybe I can give you some context.

From where I am now, what you do your PhD in is not so much important as the part of the PhD that teaches you how to ask critical/focused questions in any realm of science. Ask some of your professors what they did their PhD in, and you may be suprised that it is usually completely different compared to their current research. Progressive research is in areas that connects bridges between two disparate realms, and makes forward strides in characterizing these interactions. So, the most important part of a training program is to learn the tools of the trade (i.e. methods and materials), learn the generalities of health sciences (i.e. the MD) and develop any project through and characterizing some novel new piece of information (the PhD). That is the true physician-scientist. At least in my mind.

Hope that helps. Remember, it is not some much the area of research as it is the critical mindset that is to be developed that is important.

👍

I completely agree. Explain how the additional degree will benefit you, what you want to do with it, and also what lead you to deciding to pursue MD/Phd.

Best of luck.

Let me know if you need further clarification.