Well.. .my idea is always that before you decide to set yourself on one of these paths do a little clinical shadowing and several lab research.
Some definitions first….
- MD: Signifies Doctor of Medicine, a doctor’s qualification in medicine
- PhD: Is the highest diploma obtained at a college or university, usually requiring 3 to 5 years of original study in a specific field of study.
- MD/PhD: refers to an education consisting of both the medical training of a medical doctor (MD or DO) with the rigor of a scientific specialist (PhD)
You could also consider to get involved in some clinical research. This will likely offer you a taste of the different fields. Some MDs do clinical research, if you get interested in that, you would not need an MD/PhD.
You actually should gain some upfront exposure prior to make any decisions. Neither clinical work nor lab bench effort is just what it may appear like in theory. You need to get your hands dirty. Attempt to request information, find out about them, and have several tastes of each one.
I believe it’s more easy to find a personality niche when you are delighted by the specific work you’re doing every single day, rather than attempt to enjoy doing work you hate, even if you fit the “typical profile” of the career.
Generally a double degree is perfect for those people who are interested in both, basically. However, you will possibly not wind up doing most of the actual bench work if you are an MD/PhD. The MD/PhD who’s the P.I. of the science lab I currently work for NEVER does some of the actual experiments we currently do, he simply covers administrational stuff and discusses problems/ideas along with his henchmen.
All his time through the week is spent on clinical work. I am not sure that will be the way it always works, but that is my own experience. However , if you happen to be equally interested in both, then I would still think an MD/PhD may be worth considering.
MD/PhD will place you at some advantage in grant-writing while you’re a new researcher. (Eventually, the degree matters less because research recruiters assess you according to your actual accomplishments.)
Imagine that studying scientific research can be easier if you have been trained like a physician. This advantage isn’t definitely worth the extra 3 years, but it’s somewhat of an advantage. It provides the flexibleness to view patients if you’d prefer. A slight majority of the MD/PhD’s I have seen usually do not, but some do and in any case all of them could. It could aid in the pursuit of an academic position too.
And also you? What are your positives and negatives of choosing a MD, MD/PhD or PhD profession?
Who am I ?: S. Ochoa is writing for the clinical research training courses blog, her personal and non-commercial in nature pastime blog to produce free recommendations for clinical research training newbie’s/experts to assist them get a new profession.
No related posts.
