MD PhD programs: Is MD PhD right for me? | BeMo Academic Consulting

Many students wonder, is MD PhD right for me? This video will be your definitive guide to MD PhD programs and will answer your common questions regarding this joint degree. It will also give you 4 expert tips to help you get accepted into MD PhD programs.
Definitive guide to MD PhD programs including a list of all schools that offer the program: bemoacademicconsulting.com/bl...
Would you like our help with your med school application?
Go to BeMoMedApplication.com to schedule your FREE initial consultation!
To access a ton of FREE informative and instructional resources, check out our blog at: BeMo.blog !
Don't forget to subscribe to our CZcams channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more great tips and other useful information!
CZcams: BeMoVideos.com
Facebook: / bemoacademicconsulting
Instagram: @bemo_academic_consulting
Twitter: @BeMo_AC

[@DaKuawn]

Definitely a pretty good short description of what MD/PhD programs are some of the career options. I think a few things to consider are the following:
1) physician-scientists don't necessarily have to have a PhD, depending on the science that you do. A masters is more than sufficient in some disciplines. It is very common for physician-scientists in the fields of epidemiology and public health to get a masters and that is sufficient for their graduate level work. They can get these masters either while they are in medical school or during their residency training without having to commit to an MD/PhD program.
2) As stated in the video, not all MD/PhD programs provide the same level of financial support. MSTP (NIH funded programs) guarantee tuition remission and fee remission for both medical and graduate school as well as a stipend. Non-MSTP programs will provide funding and financial support depending on the resources at the medical institutions. In most cases, the PhD portion will be supported completely, but the medical school may be partially or not supported at all.
3) I don't believe that MD/PhD students are any more competitive than medical school applicants alone, the key difference is there long track record of commitment to research and the thrill of discovery.
4) Definitely DO NOT pursue an MD/PhD program for a free MD. As a medical professional, you will make substantially more as a practicing physician than as a physician-scientist (which is why MSTPs fund students not because the training is tough). You miss out on key opportunity costs in terms of income-producing years and funding your retirement! Financially, you are better off doing an MD alone. The goal is not to be swayed not to pursue your research career due to the massive burden of debt usually obtained when pursuing the medical portion of one's training.

[@BeMoAcademicConsulting]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. We're glad you enjoyed the video!

[@macmackay2179]

If I want to be a neurosurgeon like Eddie Chang (MD / PI at UCSF), who is leading the field of neuroscience / language, should I apply for MD or MD/PhD. He just did MD and still does a ton of research. This leads me to think, is the PhD even necessary then? I'm worried if I apply to MD school and say I wanna be like Eddie Chang / do research as well as treat patients they're going to ask well why didnt you apply to MD/PhD then.

[@BeMoAcademicConsulting]

Hi Mac, great question! Both MDs and MD/PhDs get involved in research, which is normal and expected. If you are interested in both treating patients and research, an MD program is most likely the right fit for you, since MD/PhD curricula will focus more heavily on research. If someone does ask you why you chose MD over a MD/PhD, in an interview for example, you can discuss why you want to have that balance between patient care and research, but this is not a common question you will get. Another thing to consider is that there are more MD programs out there than MD/PhD programs, and the latter tend to expect applicants to have extensive research experience.