What if you don't want to be an MD/PhD anymore?

Health Professions MD/PhD admissions medical school admissions


After a couple years in an MD/PhD program, you might wear thin and decide you no longer want to pursue this dual degree.

Why it happens, and what can you do about it...

The path to gaining admissions to an MD/PhD program is difficult, and filled with hurdles.  Seeking admissions to these programs can be emotionally draining.  At the end of the process, receiving admissions acceptances is certainly a gratifying feeling: 

You’ve achieved a spot that is reserved for a select few. 

By virtue of the fact that you’ve gained admission to a program, you’ve demonstrated your potential for success as a physician-scientist. 

So, why do we see attrition rates of approximately 10% if it was so difficult to get in, in the first place? 

There are lots of reasons why someone would choose to leave the MD/PhD program, to pursue just one degree.  In this post, we’ll explore why this happens.

There are two possibilities here:

  • Some individuals drop the PhD and decide to finish their medical degree
  • Some individuals decide to finish their PhD and pursue research careers

The more common scenario however is the first, in which individuals decide to pursue their medical degree.  The reason for this is (usually) that having the medical degree still grants you the flexibility to do both clinical work and research.

So, why do people choose to drop the PhD and pursue the MD?

The purpose of these programs is to gain in-depth training in both clinical work and research methods.  But, in speaking to individuals, there are a number of reasons why individuals tend to opt out of the PhD and finish their medical degree

  • Time commitment

At the beginning, the thought of 7-8 years in training making enough money to get by, doesn’t seem like a big deal.  It’s a small price to pay for working towards your goal of becoming a physician-scientist.  But as you go through the program, and get older, this time commitment may not fit with your goals/priorities/responsibilities.  The lack of earning a significant paycheck may not work, as your life changes through the program.  For some, the financial pressures of taking care of loved ones and family members requires students to leave the program

  • Change in career path

Medical school is an amazing time, and these first years are exciting, filled with specialized knowledge of the human body.  Additionally, the ability to interact with patients proves to be extremely satisfying for students.  This is an experience that you may not have had before attending medical school.  For some, these new experiences lead to a realization that a patient care centered career is where you are headed.

  • Burn out

Completing training is long and filled with obstacles.  In addition, it can be emotionally draining, as you transition between being a medical student, then to the PhD.  These transitions are often accompanied by a feeling of not moving forward, when  your medical school counterparts move forward.  In addition, carrying out research, which often doesn’t have immediate payoffs is also a source of anxiety.  All of these things lead to feelings of depression, frustration, and anger (all of which are normal!) and can lead students to opt out of the PhD and finish their medical training.

What do I do if I think I want to drop a degree?

First of all, don’t panic or freak out.  Understand that this is a normal thing that does happen, and you’re not alone

  • Think about what your motivations are for dropping the degree

Are you doing it because of burnout?  Talk to your classmates, and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in feeling frustrated, angry, depressed, and afraid.  What’s really important for preventing burnout, is finding balance in your life. Get out there and follow your interests.  Enjoy the things that make you who you are!

  • Talk to  your program if research isn’t in your career plans

You won’t be the same person you were when you started, and your career goals may have changed.  If you think research isn’t for you, talk to your program.  You shouldn’t be afraid to tell them that this path that you’ve started on doesn’t fit with your career plans.  They want you to succeed, and you can’t be unhappy and successful.

What happens if I drop out of the program?

The first thing that will happen, is that you’ll be a lot happier, pursuing a path that works for you.  Some schools do require you to pay back what they’ve invested, but most do not.  Check with your school

Overall, this is your future and career.  You should choose the best path for you.  Your program wants you to succeed, so be honest with yourself and with them.

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