To apply MD/PhD or not? Any Advantage?

[Haybrant]

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Hi,
Im sure people have looked into this question before: I have a decent reserach background but not excellent numbers (32,3.7). Ive heard that it might be wise to apply MD/PhD b.c the chances of getting an interview are higher than by just applying MD. I like research but im not certain I would like to spend 7+ years doing the combined degree, but having the option would be nice. I will be involved in research through some avenue in the future either way so having a PhD would make loads of difference. Would it be advantageous to apply combined to certain schools and not others. How would one choose? Thanks for the help!

 

[45408]

I've heard the opposite, actually. Some MD/PhD programs are ridiculously difficult to get into because they only accept a very small number of students each year.

 

[Haybrant]

good point; shoulda asked if it is, in fact, the opposite and it makes it more difficult? But alot of schools, to my understanding, separate the two in that you have to get into both MD and PhD separately. So at these schools, does applying to the combined program help get the MD interview at all??

 

[IndyZX]

i think your "running the MD/MD-PhD option" would only really work if you had a higher MCAT score. it is unethical, though... and i think any hint of hesitance would probably be a big negative.

 

[cache20033]

the fact that you're asking this question means you really shouldn't....you would get raped in the interviews....they do more than just ask you 'why medicine'....just my two cents

 

[Haybrant]

ill be fine with the interview...any thoughts about the question?

 

[IndyZX]

yeah, there will be an advantage for outstanding applicants in getting into top MD-PhD programs as opposed to straight MD programs.

do a search on the MD-PhD forum

 

[Fermata]

This has been belaboured in the MD/PhD forum.

 

[cache20033]

i think you may have misunderstood what i meant by what i wrote.....i'm sure you'll do fine in the interviews when they ask you questions regarding research etc....where your problem lies is that when they ask you questions and drill you regarding your choice to become a physician scientist. i think they'll be able to tell from several interviews with you whether or not your cut out for the lifestyle and the expectations one might have.....they obviously need to know you're really serious about what you are getting into because they don't want to drop 200 grand on someone that doesn't know if this is the lifestyle for them.....in your case, where your wondering if it's an advantage to apply mstp to get better chances at interviews tells me that you're doing it for the wrong reason, which led me to state my opinion on why you wouldn't do well in the interview.


but if you do have an 'expertise' in talking the talk and do happen to gain an acceptance through it...then i don't think it's right for you to take someone's spot who really does value research as a career(unless of course you change your mind and decide that's what you want to be)...but hey, that's just my opinion.

 

[Haybrant]

yah sorry for the confusion; i similarly didnt get across what i wished to with my original posting. I very much enjoy the prospect of being engaged in translational research but hesitate that it would take 7+ years to accomplish. If anything id be taking someone's spot that happens to be more wiling, at least at this point in the application process, to spend that long in the program, not someone that has more passion for the applications of research than I (the latter being the more important to combined program adcoms, i hope).

 

[Newquagmire]

If anything id be taking someone's spot that happens to be more wiling, at least at this point in the application process, to spend that long in the program

bingo. don't do it.

 

[tic112]

to the OP, your numbers are a little low for MD/PhD programs.
if you're really interested in doing research, many MD's can still carry out research (you don't need a PhD).
furthermore, if you realize later on that you do want to do research as a career, then you can always apply to your med school's MD/PhD program as a medical student.

 

[zep]

This may be a little off topic re the original question, but if you DO go for the MD/PhD then you really need to be sure that your heart is into the science. If not, the PhD will be the most painfull 3-4 years of your life.

 

[agp4]

You mentioned that you liked translational research. Its a lovely catchword, but there's virtually no way you can avoid studying basic science for your PhD. From what I've heard, most of the MD/PhDs out there do basic research for their degree, and then afterwards, if still interested, switch to translational work. If you're only interested in translational work, I think you'd be fine with just an MD, and then later in your career using a small lab to tinker in on the side. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

[georgebush43]

yeah, there will be an advantage for outstanding applicants in getting into top MD-PhD programs as opposed to straight MD programs.

do a search on the MD-PhD forum

if you re-elect me, i'll make sure sand-jiggas like you dont become doctors.

LATERS, DOOOD

 

[adamj61]

I've heard the opposite, actually. Some MD/PhD programs are ridiculously difficult to get into because they only accept a very small number of students each year.

I disagree...sometimes a less competitive applicant can be hooked up with their research. I know a guy from Ohio with a 3.5, 33 that got into Harvard's MD/PhD....it all depends

 

[georgebush43]

I disagree...sometimes a less competitive applicant can be hooked up with their research. I know a guy from Ohio with a 3.5, 33 that got into Harvard's MD/PhD....it all depends

and, i know someone with a 3.5, 33 that didnt get into Harvard's MD/PHD.

Please stop spreading BS.