The MD/PhD training track is not for everyone.

In fact, there aren't very many people interested in medicine who are also genuinely interested in research. I do not think that is a bad thing.

As competition for medical school acceptances mount, pre-med students are pressured to do research in order to bolster their application. Similarly, in medical school, students do research to enhance their application for residency. In residency, you need to do research for fellowship - and so it continues.  However, doing research as a trainee and running a research program are two entirely different beasts. The MD/PhD program is an amazing opportunity, but like many things in life - not for everyone.

Here are five reasons NOT to do the MD/PhD program:

#1 - Free medical school

While it may feel nice up front to hear the words "free medical school" while facing the rising admission prices of medical school, it should not be your motivating factor. The vast majority of students take out loans for medical school and they aren't eating ramen noodles. If you aren't willing to pay to do research (in time or money), then this is not the path for you. Money cannot take away adversity.  There have been ups and downs with medical training and a "free ride" is not worth dedicating 4+ years of your dynamic life to a job you do not absolutely love. This same sentiment applies to jobs outside of medicine!  There are other ways to help with student debt, loan forgiveness, and affording medical school - you are not alone.

#2 - Saving money!

Are you really saving money? You are essentially trading four years of your top end career (attending salary) for 4+ years of life in graduate school working for < than minimum wage. Would you rather get out quick and snatch up the attending job? Because that end salary can gradually pay for your medical school - especially four years at that rate. Also, a life in academia generally is less financially prosperous compared to private practice. Overall - you are loosing four years of an attending salary and choosing a career that will be paid less than your private practice colleagues. Summary: try to take financials out of the equation.

#3 - Because your PhD will only take you 2 years.

You should expect the unexpected. All of my classmates wanted to finish their PhD as fast as possible. There are a few students who graduate in 3 years, and a rare exception that graduate in 2, but the majority of students graduate in 4 or 5 years. You cannot predict the course of your project, the "scoop" that could happen, and many other set backs and successes that will occur!

#4 - So I can get into a good residency

PhDs do not assure you a good residency. PhDs demonstrate that you are able to commit to research, develop a project and bring that project to completion. A PhD behind your name does not comment on your ability to care for patients, interact with other people as humans, or speak to your clinical reasoning or dedication to patient care.

#5 - Prestige

Bottom line is that you should do what is best for you. Obtaining degrees for the sake of having a few extra letters after your name is not helpful - and really not worth your energy. There are many MDs that have amazing research programs, and there are plenty of MD/PhD's that do not. What separates success is grit, determination, and perseverance.

That said - if you LOVE medicine and you LOVE researcH:

you should absolutely consider this training path!

I detail why I chose to do the MD/PhD, Medical Scientist Training Program on my blog!

Thanks for joining me. :)

Questions? Is this path right for you? Comment below!

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