Why???

[aesclepi]

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I was earlier interested in doing the dual degree thing, but now that i realize that one still must go through the same amount of residency and training, I came to ask myself why. Why go the extra mile to get the dual degree if you don't plan on doing research? What real other benefit does this program have? (i am trying to be serious, i really am interested in what more this has to offer)

Thanks

 

[jjmack]

I think one would only do the program if they wanted to do research. The advantage of getting a Ph.D. instead of just doing all the research after a residency is the fact that the stakes are much lower when you are a student. You are not working to get a job. It allows growth and learning in a more nurturing enviroment....I can't believe I just said that. In the end, only do a dual degree if you want to spend a serious amount of your career 80%+ in research. If not it's just a "waste" of your time.

 

[Primate]

Do not do the MDPhD if you already know you don't want to do research. It won't do you any good and it will take a spot from someone who wants a different type of career.

It's not just "going the extra mile," it's a different kind of training with a specific aim. That aim is NOT to provide a bigger brass ring for students to go after. It IS to train physician scientists.

If you know you don't want to do research, save yourself the pain and get "just" the MD.

P

PS - does anyone else think it's wierd that MD or PhD classmates, when they're talking to a CD student, will often and in all seriousness say things like, "I'm just an MD" or "I'm just a PhD?" WTF - no one would normally say that. I find it odd.

 

[Sonya]

primate,

I don't think it's weird. I do not think t hey are putting themself down, or lowering themselves by saying "just". I think they are trying to be clear, or make a contrast or something.

and to the original poster,

There is very little point in doing MD PhD if you don't foresee a career focusing on research.

 

[surge]

Primate, I know, isn't that crazy?!?

Furthermore it's actually bizzare that I and other MD/PhDs in my class are in fact considered to be 'smarter' by many of our classmates.
When I make a coment about being behind or something, 8 times out of ten I get a response to the effect of "yeah but you don't need to worry since you're MD/PhD"

😱

 

[Vader]

Originally posted by surge
Primate, I know, isn't that crazy?!?

Furthermore it's actually bizzare that I and other MD/PhDs in my class are in fact considered to be 'smarter' by many of our classmates.
When I make a coment about being behind or something, 8 times out of ten I get a response to the effect of "yeah but you don't need to worry since you're MD/PhD"

😱

I have experienced very similar attitudes/interactions among my MD and PhD student colleagues.

Being an MD/PhD student certainly makes you unique. And this can work the other way as well (I have heard comments from people such as "Oh, you're one of those MD/PhD people"). For the most part though, I have heard more or less positive feedback.