Hello all, I hope you are well. I was hoping for anyone's opinion/perspective on this issue. I am scheduled to matriculate into an MD-PhD program this fall (late July). This program, however, will not supply me funding for the MD potion of the MD-PhD program (there are smaller scholarships I could apply to, but the full cost would not be covered). There is a lab I would consider joining if I go to school here, but I have heavily considered an alternative option of obtaining a PhD in my current post-bacc lab. Upon discussing this with my advisor, we both believe a realistic timeline would be to graduate in 2.5-3 years (I have already been here 3 years of undergraduate and 1 year of a post-bacc and have a first author publication and a mid-author publication). What I am thus wondering is if you think it would be worthwhile to pursue a PhD in my current lab then apply to medical school after this?
Financially I do not see any difference as I would be paying out of pocket regardless of if I get the MD now or later (may actually be cheaper later if I get into a lower tuition school). However, I understand my MCAT will have expired by then and I will have to keep up with my volunteering/shadowing to remain competitive (undergraduate GPA is not a worry; >3.95). I also understand it is no guarantee I get into an MD program if I re-apply as I would obviously have to go through the application process again.
I understand this is ultimately my decision and I will have to face the future consequences myself, but I was wondering about your thoughts on the matter.
Thanks!
Financially I do not see any difference as I would be paying out of pocket regardless of if I get the MD now or later (may actually be cheaper later if I get into a lower tuition school). However, I understand my MCAT will have expired by then and I will have to keep up with my volunteering/shadowing to remain competitive (undergraduate GPA is not a worry; >3.95). I also understand it is no guarantee I get into an MD program if I re-apply as I would obviously have to go through the application process again.
I understand this is ultimately my decision and I will have to face the future consequences myself, but I was wondering about your thoughts on the matter.
Thanks!