MD/MSc Program

[mdixon811117]

Do any of you guys know much about the MD/MSc program, and how much longer it would take to complete at St Georges??

After med school and a residency, I've always envisioned myself working at a university hospital, where I'd be practicing and teaching med students/residents; I figured that having the graduate degree would be an attractive asset that would set me apart from potential applicants.

I had my interview this week for entrance into the MD program, and my interviewer didn't know much about the program; he figured that it would be an extra year.

Let me know what you guys think and if you think it would be beneficial, or if it is a waste of my time.

[algen]

OK, well I have heard about the MD/MPH program, is that what you are talking about??? If so then it will take one year extra to complete, but six months extra if you give up your summer holidays. :?

[Nimitt]

FIrst of all you dont need an MS to teach at a University hospital. Secondly, getting an MS and SGU is like getting the MPH at SGU. You can do a search on all the MPH threads where people give there opinion on the program. Not only will you spend 1-2 years more at SGU you are also paying alot of money to get an MS from a program that wont really be recognized (meaning it wont carry much weight) compared to a graduate program in the states although I think the MPH might actually carry more weight than MSc at coming from SGU.
Having an MS already is one thing but if you have the option of just doing the MD I would recommend just doing that and trying to get into a university program for a residency which will help you in getting a academic placement as an attending more than the MSc.

Good luck.

[jaywalk81]

what i really dont understand is why ppl think that beside the MD degree from SGU any other is not as good compared to stateside degree? then doesnt that go with every other degrees that are earned outside the US? and by all means i have met plenty of professors, researchs that obtained all their trainings outside the US and i dontthink anyone looks down on their resume and say "hey you didnt get or went to a stateside school and thus your degree doesnt comapre much as a stateside degree"

i think a lot of us are stereotyping that US has a better system and by all means i agree mostly that our education is pretty good but that doesnt mean that if someone has a degree from a foriegn country that person will be any less trained or in knowledge wise whether this be in MD, MPH, MSc, BA, **, PhD or whatever combination of letters that are out there.

ok that was my opinion and half a rant. i am tired
good luck to you.

btw this post was not directed at anyone in particular and no insult was intended for anyone.

[Nimitt]

When you get a MSc or PhD the institution you come from, your publications and your PIs are important. SGU is not a research power house even though they may conduct some research through the WINDREF or Micro department!
All the people you mentioned the profs and researchers probably are well published.
I am not saying US schools are better, there are many institutions outside of the US that are well published and are research power houses. I am saying SGU is not one of them and for that reason especially if your end goal is an MD and to teach at a University hospital it is not worth it. There are plenty of MDs that do research clinical and benchwork.

OK now i am tired! Jaywalk its your turn... :lol:

[jaywalk81]

hahaha i see your point dr. nimitt.
you win.
you know what they say about doctors...that they are always right...

[Nimitt]

You know what I like the sound of Dr. Nimitt!!!!!!!

[mdixon811117]

Sounds good; I know you can get into some residency programs where you could get the graduate degree, plus getting certified for your specialty, which might be an interesting route to go. There are two reasons why I figured it would be a good idea to get a MS along with my MD:

1. Doctors who have an MS are, all-in-all, regarded as better "trouble shooters" than doctors who started med school before recieving their ** or have their **, and therefore enhance their ability to treat patients

2. I've been told that, generally, MDs are crappy scientists - and because I wanted to do some research, lab work, and help author papers, etc, I figured that getting the MS was a good idea as well....although working and treating patients is by far more important to me than research.

By no means am I trying to offend anyone...this is just all stuff that I've heard from my professors...but, maybe I'm an end product of overexposure to academia-propaganda and don't know any better.

I'm really interested to hear your guys' comments though.

[Nimitt]

I kinda agree with what you are saying. But you have to keep in mind the research that MDs mostly (not all there are tons of exceptions) is clinical research vs. bench work that the PhDs you are exposed to do. Its different.
But you can always do research during your residency or even take time off to do it then to get published and the exposeure you are looking for. You might not get a MSc out of it but you will have the papers and the experience (clinical or bench).
I plan on doing benchwork in my PD's lab in residency as soon as learn to extend the hours in a day to about 30.

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[Crispy]

There are not a whole lot of research students at SGU, but that does not mean there isn't opportunity to do research here. Research is available through WINDREF and the Microbiology Department. Before you consider doing a straight MSc or MD/MSc degree, think about what type of research you are interested in doing. You can then see if it is possible with the lab here at SGU. I chose to do the 18-MSc program into the MD program. This is a new program in which in 18 months you get a MSc in Microbiology while taking 12 credits of MD classes. Provided you have a 3.0 after the 18 months you are enrolled in the MD program, but have lighter terms since you have already taken some of the classes. The MD/MSc degree varies from this--I think it is an extra 6 months to 1 year (they are not the same however!). It does cost extra money, but if you are willing to pay and want to do research and possibly get your thesis published, go for it. The MSc degree is recognized in the US. So it depends if you are willing to put in the extra time and money. It may end up that the research you want to do is not possible with the lab facilities here at SGU.

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