by robert Joseph » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:54 pm
I possess both a Ph.D and a clinical degree and there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to having both or either degree alone. For example, having both degrees can align you for criticism by clinicians that your mindset is more like a researcher; and researchers potentially criticize that you are merely a clinician superficially dabbling in research.
It has been stated in other posts that an MD degree will not allow you certain research opportunities that a Ph.D. will have but by the same mention, a Ph.D. does not have the unique access to human subjects....Here a some brief yet what I consider major points for thought
An MD always has the opportunity to practice medicine and do research, a Ph.D. is principly geared to research... although there are non tradiational applications to Ph.D training ie see the book that I believe is called beyond the ivory tower.
Also consider that if you go to medical school and run up a $200,000 bill and decide to just do basic research,,,you could be eating Ramin noodles 3 meals a day for some time.
Give it some thought, its not about which is better just about what options you want to execute in the future.
Although I am biased, I like having both degrees, it offers a unique perspective that is best kept for another posting.