What is MD/Phd and MD?

[FightingIrish01]

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Hey, what makes people pursue MD/PhD? Obviously they are really into research but when they do MD/PhD, they aren't going into medical practice or residency right? Can't a biology major or a physiology major pursue a PhD in physiology and do similar things as an MD/PhD? I am lost 😱

 

[firebird69guy]

Hey, what makes people pursue MD/PhD? Obviously they are really into research but when they do MD/PhD, they aren't going into medical practice or residency right? Can't a biology major or a physiology major pursue a PhD in physiology and do similar things as an MD/PhD? I am lost 😱

many times, people that go into MD/PhD will become teachers/researchers/physicians. There is just more opportunity and knowledge base of the material, and they focus on a specific area of study. These MD/Phd students will not do research alone. If this were the case, they wouldn't do that extra MD degree (as you say). But in order to prescribe medicine (as in clinical trials), you probably need and will want an MD.

hope this helps

 

[Bluntman]

Hey, what makes people pursue MD/PhD? Obviously they are really into research but when they do MD/PhD, they aren't going into medical practice or residency right? Can't a biology major or a physiology major pursue a PhD in physiology and do similar things as an MD/PhD? I am lost 😱

>90% of MD/PhDs still do a residency. A straight PhD will never be able to touch patients.

 

[penguinophile]

Check out the forum for Physician Scientists

 

[Bluntman]

Here's a couple links to explore if you want to learn more:

1. Physician scientist subforum here on SDN

2. MDPhDs.org

 

[8744]

Hi.

An MD/Phd allows you take a few years off after the first two years of medical school. Then, when you grow bored of Dungeons and Dragons, sweaty chicks who wear the same clothes for a week at a time, and cheetos chased down with Diet Coke while you watch bacteria divide you can resume your medical studies

Glad I could help.

 

[Mperor]

Hi.

An MD/Phd allows you take a few years off after the first two years of medical school. Then, when you grow bored of Dungeons and Dragons, sweaty chicks who wear the same clothes for a week at a time, and cheetos chased down with Diet Coke while you watch bacteria divide you can resume your medical studies

Glad I could help.

actually quite dead on from most of the MD/Phds I know. **as I post this from a lab waiting for my bacteria to divide**

 

[Mperor]

Check out the forum for Physician Scientists

also, awesome sinfest AV

 

[Sondra]

Hey, what makes people pursue MD/PhD? Obviously they are really into research but when they do MD/PhD, they aren't going into medical practice or residency right? Can't a biology major or a physiology major pursue a PhD in physiology and do similar things as an MD/PhD? I am lost 😱

One of my cousins is in medical school right now. She already has a PhD and decided to go back for the MD. She explained to me that it would further her research ability by being able to work direcly with patients.