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What are the pros and cons of being a medical researcher with an MD?

I am figuring my career pathway. I know I am definitely sticking to biology, be it biotech or medicine.
I am specifically interested in the research aspect.

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Pamela’s Answer

Hi Meghana, I am a MD but I don’t don’t do research, however my husband is an MD/PhD who spent many rewarding years caring for patients while also doing research, and has transitioned to the biotech industry. He now works on research & development of cancer immunotherapy drugs and no longer sees patients. The down sides are the additional years of training and the pressure to obtain grant funding etc, as a researcher, but the reward comes with having a very specific niche and being an expert in a field that advances medical knowledge. Depending on your perspective, getting an MD but not seeing patients for the long term might be a pro or a con. The good news is that you can start the path to an MD/PhD but change course at any time. You could decide to be more clinical and focus on patient care, or you could spend more time in the lab. You’re allowed to adjust your path! Hope this helps.
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Julie’s Answer

Oh wow, what a question.. pros: think of all you can learn while researching for your doctor or boss, plus, researchers make good wages, with time. It's exciting, and sometimes can lead to better types of research.
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Amanda’s Answer

Hi Meghana,

Interesting question but definitely a do-able path! I currently work in research without a medical degree, however, I do practice emergency medicine as an EMT. I’m currently working on heart failure research and work at a medical school with a lot of students. One suggestion I would make is finding a school that has a strong research arm in an area you’re interested in, that way you know there are opportunities to both earn your degree and find out more for where you’d like to fit in. Research is fairly broad and it sounds like perhaps you’d want to do something with clinical trials/pharmaceuticals? For those types of jobs, you may not necessarily need an MD, DO, or medical degree as long as you have a PhD in a related field. From what I’ve gathered from the students I work with, they find long-term research careers too arduous and lacking the pace that they’d like to move. Perhaps you should apply for an internship or summer research position in a lab while in school to see if it is something you’re really passionate about. You can be passionate about medicine and not want to do bench work as well. But, try out a few positions and see where your true interests lie. There are MD/DO PhD programs that allow you to do research, I find that those students are typically more passionate about research than actual patient interaction.
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Julie’s Answer

Research is definitely for a curious, and seeking mind. It can lead one just about anywhere. Pros-- it can lead you anywhere. Cons- it is a bit frustrating if one can't find what one is looking for. It is a great way to become a detective of sorts.
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