͵ÅÄ͵¿ú

Advice

Facing the challenges of an M.D./Ph.D.

Courtney Chandler
Dec. 6, 2024

Graduate school is challenging, no matter what degree you seek. Those who want to become physician–scientists face the ups and downs of not just one, but two graduate programs — medical school and a Ph.D. program.

To get a better understanding of how M.D./Ph.D. programs work and the unique challenges these students face, I talked to Hayley Powers, a student in the medical science training program, or MTSP, at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Powers is a fourth-year medical student, meaning she’s finished the Ph.D. portion of her program and is in her last year of med school.

How does an M.D./Ph.D. work?

Powers’ MSTP program uses what she called a “2+4+2” model: Students go through the first two years of medical school, then complete their Ph.D. in an average of four years, and then finish the last two clinical years of medical school. While the length of the Ph.D. portion may vary from three to five years, Powers said the overall program typically takes eight years.

Hayley Powers

Program structures vary among schools, with different splits between med school and graduate work. Powers said her school is moving toward a new model: The first two years of medical school, sometimes called the preclinical years, will be condensed into 18 months. This means MSTP students who re-enter medical school after earning their Ph.D. can do so in January or July, compared to only July with the original model. Medical school is typically conducted in a more traditional semester-based schedule, unlike graduate school in which Ph.D. students may defend at any point during the semester. Therefore, the typing of both programs needs to be considered for MSTP students.

Finding balance

Graduate school and medical school are very different, in both structure and priorities. Powers said they felt opposite to her — in medical school, the path forward and milestones are clearly defined. Students need to study, pass exams, complete clinical duties and pass the boards.

“There are strict deadlines, heavily reviewed curriculum, constant reminders, and lots of supervision,” Powers said.

On the other hand, graduate school has fewer strict deadlines and more flexibility with curriculum and working hours.

“There are many things that count as ‘work’ in graduate school: experiments, analysis, writing, presenting, networking,” Powers said.

It may be hard to find the right approach to these very different worlds.

Throughout her MTSP program, Power said she has mostly focused on either the M.D. or the Ph.D. portion. When she was in graduate school, she rarely did medical school activities aside from occasional clinical volunteering, and in medical school she had little time for research. She said the fact that both programs require full attention is good training for the future.

“Through our careers, we have to straddle the two worlds, both of which demand 100% of your attention and effort,” she said. “Learning how (to switch) between the two sides is part of the skill set we need to master to be physician–scientists.”

To balance both worlds and also a personal life, Powers said time management and organization are key.

“Keeping a calendar is truly the only way I am able to manage jumping from classes to  meetings and clinical obligations,” she said. “Blocking off time for writing, assignments and personal time has also been helpful and something I am still working on mastering.”

Overcoming challenges

Graduate school and medical school are both hard, and every M.D./Ph.D. program comes with its own hurdles.

“Both are incredibly challenging and require your full attention,” Powers said. “I think having a strong work ethic is critical to success in both portions of the training.”

Aside from good study habits and organization skills, Powers said her attitude and approach also had a positive impact.

“I was taught a phrase from my parents, ’you only get out what you put in,’ and I find it applies perfectly to M.D./Ph.D. programs,” she said. “If you dedicate ample time and robust effort, you will find you learn and grow more.”

Powers advises anyone interested in an M.D./Ph.D. program to think about what they want from their future career. Does that path require both an M.D. and Ph.D.?

“Be sure you have your heart in both academic medicine and research before you start,” Powers said. “You will definitely need to have the passion and drive to support you as this is a long program with a lot of ups and downs.”

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.

Learn more
Courtney Chandler

Courtney Chandler is a biochemist and microbiologist in Baltimore, Md., and a careers columnist for ASBMB Today.

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Careers

Careers highlights or most popular articles

Science & sightseeing: The best of Chicago
ASBMB Annual Meeting

Science & sightseeing: The best of Chicago

March 14, 2025

While enjoying the cutting-edge science at #ASBMB25, check out Chicago’s diverse culture, iconic landmarks delicious food and more recommended by the ASBMB Student Chapter members at Loyola University Chicago.

Summer internships in an unpredictable funding environment
Professional Development

Summer internships in an unpredictable funding environment

March 14, 2025

With the National Institutes of Health and other institutions canceling summer programs, many students are left scrambling for alternatives. If your program has been canceled or delayed, consider applying for other opportunities or taking a course.

Upcoming opportunities
Announcement

Upcoming opportunities

March 13, 2025

Wrap up #ASBMB25 in style! Join us for a closing reception at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Chicago’s scientific interface
Annual Meeting

Chicago’s scientific interface

March 7, 2025

Experience the iconic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry at the ASBMB 2025 Annual Meeting closing reception, where history, innovation and hands-on discovery come together. Network, explore unique exhibits and celebrate scientific progress.

Upcoming opportunities
Announcement

Upcoming opportunities

March 5, 2025

Register for ASBMB's webinar on cloud AI systems for biomedical research optimization and bias mitigation. Plus: Submit an abstract and register — at the early rate — for ASBMB's meeting on ferroptosis by March 12!

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry
Observance

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry

Feb. 28, 2025

This Black History Month, we highlight the impact of DEI initiatives, trailblazing scientists and industry leaders working to create a more inclusive and scientific community. Discover how you can be part of the movement.