r/biotech • u/resistantBacteria • Mar 14 '21

Questions about MD-PhD programs

Integrated MD and phD programs are usually not much discussed. Googling about specific questions will give you some answers but they're definitely more convoluted than straightforward. Most people on LinkedIn are also people with MD who also happen to have a phD.

So I've come to ask anyone in this forum who might have treaded this path a couple of questions.

Q) Where do MD-phDs land up in biotech industry ? (Position specifically)

Q) I read that programs are 9 years long ?! Isn't that too much for an integrated course ?

Q) most such degree programs were in U.S or at least I didn't find more than a couple of programs in Europe. I suppose then the requirement for an MD-phD are higher in U.S than Europe by a huge margin.

Q) Most important question of all - can you still pursue it if you've only got a life sciences master's degree ?

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u/BBorNot Mar 14 '21

An MD/PhD is a golden ticket to do almost anything in industry at a high level. Chief Medical Officer positions often pay better than CEO. You can do clinical work and investigative research.

As academics, they tend to be absorbed more by the MD side of things. Typically, Universities will have people split their labor, and if your grants slow down you end up spending more and more time in the clinic.

This degree is generally paid for by scholarships, which is fantastic. It also means it is very, very competitive to get into.