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Clinical vs research experience?

I am applying for MD/PhD programs. Is it more important that I get more research experience after I graduate or clinical experience? #premed #medicine #clinical-research #research

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Thank you comment icon Honestly good to have both. Be curious ask questions. Caroline V
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Thomas’s Answer

Depends on what area of Research you select. MD/PhD programs are a combination and as a simplified explanation can lead to a position in academic medicine (more clinical) or in industry (more research).

The MD/PhD programs have time for your required clinical work and PhD studies. You will receive an education in research (determining a research question to be answered, how to set up a research plan, how to statistically evaluate research and how to scientifically present your research in print and in person etc). The field of medicine you select will have a major determination of your clinical commitment. Medical research can be clinically based - what is best care for patients now or it may be bench/laboratory based as you determine whether some medications or procedures could be a real potential breakthrough in the future. (For example a Surgeon/PhD would be interested in a study just published that discussed whether acute appendicitis should be operated on immediately as is present practice or should be treated with antibiotics and not surgery vs an Oncologist/PhD who is looking for cellular level cancer care.)


Thomas recommends the following next steps:

Look at many MD/PHd programs and see how they set up their research programs. Is the program individualized for you or more predetermined? Do they have mentors in only a few selected fields or more areas from which to select? And what may seem as to not be an answer to your question but is important. Where is the program? Would you live there if you were not in the program? Is there time to do more than study? You will be living there for 4-10 years and ought not to hate the place!
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Joshua’s Answer

Research.
An while an MD-PhD may lead to clinical work, and having some shadowing or volunteer clinical hours is important, once you have enough hours to show you know what medicine is about, research is the biggest step. This is one of the more challenging degrees to get into and schools are looking for candidates with well developed research abilities who will be able to teach classes, secure grant funding, develop and complete projects independently, and one day run their own lab.
If you find you love both research and patient care, it is a great path.
Thank you comment icon I really like this answer. Doing research in your undergrad is a great way to get a leg up and build a foundation for future work in medicine. Definitely pursue it. Allen Botnick DC CNIM
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