MD/PhD

[madnak]

Is anyone here in a MSTP program, or does anyone have an MD/PhD?

If so... How was the coursework - in general and relative to "normal" med school? How competitive are these programs and the associated grants? What kinds of options will you have after graduation, and what kinds of research opportunities are available during the program itself? Would you recommend such a program for someone who's torn between pure research and medical practice? In what range of fields will the medical training be relevant? Is it primarily pathology? Are there applications to technology or discovery science? What kinds of subjects are most relevant? How much of a role does physics play? Are there any areas of mathematics involved that aren't obvious (anything other than calc, probability, statistics, and linear algebra basically)? Would you recommend any specific undergrad focus or preparation?

[Colonel Kataffy]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a dominatrix?

[RunDownHouse]

I sent madnak a PM, but basic answers are that coursework is pretty much standard during med school and PhD years, with some extra lab work thrown in.

"Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a dominatrix?"

"How competitive are these programs and the associated grants?"

Considering its full ride for your 8 or 9 years or whatever, its not cheaper to hire a dominatrix, and its pretty competitive.

These programs are great for someone truly torn between research and patient care, not so great for those who can't decide because they don't really like either one.

The types of opportunities and fields open to you will obviously be highly dependent on your specialization, which will be influenced by your PhD work and vice versa, but in general you'll have a few more opportunities than MDs because you're qualified to do the research side.