<p>Okay, so, I probably would like a Ph.D in Genetics or something like that, and of course, an M.D. I hear that M.D/Ph.D programs generally take 7-8 years(!?). This seems really excessive, considering an M.D. takes 4-ish and a Ph.D usually takes less (doesn’t it?)
Is this a made-up fact? Because I saw on one university’s site that their combined degree program took five years.
Which is accurate?</p>
<p>There are no 5-year MD/PhD programs, maybe MD/MBA or MD/MPH. A typical PhD in the sciences can take 5-7 years. So, being able to do a MD and a PhD in 7-8 years is a bargain.</p>
<p>Jeez, really?</p>
<p>So, do people enroll in combined programs and earn their M.D. at the 4-year mark and THEN continue on in their Ph.D studies?</p>
<p>Do people really wait 7-8 years to start residency? Are they 30 before they are interns?</p>
<p>There are two ways to get a MD/PhD. One is of course to get both degrees separately (the 5-7 years for PhD and 4 years for a MD). The more common choice is the 7-8 year combined program. In that program, you would do the first two years of med school, then take 3 years off to get your PhD, and then come back to finish the last two years of med school (the clinical years). If you assume the typical MD/PhD student starts med school at age 22-23, then yes, they’ll be around 30 when they finish school and start residency.</p>
<p>This would typically be very expensive, wouldn’t it? Going more than ten years paying money for high-level degrees without a high-paying job?</p>
<p>It would be, except that the federal government will actually pay for it (if you do them jointly through the MSTP program). Tuition is covered and in fact you are given a small stipend.</p>
<p>does anyone know the real benefits of doing M.D./Ph.D? </p>
<p>Because, after all, one can still do research-basic sciences and clinical-with an M.D. alone.</p>
<p>Ahh. So, in exchange for taking 8 years and earning two, you are rewarded by feredal funding?</p>
<p>Re 7: It’s easier if you have an MD/PhD to get funding early on. Of course, it also takes three or so extra years.</p>
<p>Re 8: I have no idea what you just said.</p>