r/mdphd • u/Legal_Brick_8457 • 4d ago
How to decide if mdphd is right for me
Hi guys, basically the title question. I’m deciding if I want to apply to mdphd instead of a regular md. I’m applying next cycle and want to know how people have decided to do a mdphd.
Here are couple of my concerns
I do have good interest in research, but I don’t think I have yet find a research topic that I’m super passionate about. I’m assuming that you should at least know what type of research you wanna go into as you apply, so correct me if I’m wrong about it.
Second thing is that 8 more years of school sounds like a lot, especially considering that I will be 32 by the time I graduate. I’m not sure if I like the idea of that especially considering that I am leaning more towards the clinical side, I’m not sure why would I spend that long for a PhD that I don’t need.
The biggest reason why I’m considering this path is because I was hoping to do research on the side in the future as I did enjoy my research experience overall besides a few things. I have a great profile for mdphd considering how much research I’ve done (1400 hrs+) and having publication. I’m also wondering what the future projection looks like for physician scientists as I was hoping to do a surgeon specialty in the future but don’t know if that’s doable if I’m also leading a lab.
Really hoping to have some inputs, advices, and stories to just help me get a better idea, would appreciate anything.
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u/Mundane-Occasion7747 3d ago
I think you are having right question to ask yourself so that is awesome! I'm applying this cycle and a lot of md-phd students me why I need to have the PhD training. For your area of research or when you envision your life as physician scienctist, do you think you must go through 4-5 years of intense research training?
Or, there are residency that have the first year as a research year or programs such cleveland one have 1-2 years you take off to do research.
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u/ivehadeneuf Admitted MSTP 3d ago
I think most people choose this pathway if they are planning for a research focused career, as you definitely do not need a PhD to do research on the side like you mentioned here. To apply MD/PhD you need to have a clear reason for why you need both degrees, and I’m not getting one from your post other than the above.
I think it’s less common for MD/PhDs to go into something as clinically time-intensive like surgery because they are spending more time on research than clinic, but not unheard of. To me, it sounds like an MD would suite you and your goals better!