MD vs PhD Workload: Comparing Time Commitments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on comparing the workload and time commitments associated with pursuing an MD versus a PhD. Participants explore the implications of choosing between these paths, including financial considerations and personal interests in science or medicine.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the financial benefits of obtaining an MD, noting the high costs associated with medical education.
  • Others emphasize the importance of having a genuine interest in medicine or science, suggesting that lack of passion could lead to failure in either field.
  • Concerns are raised about the realities of working in healthcare, including dealing with difficult patients, which may not align with some participants' preferences.
  • There is a discussion about the long-term financial stability of doctors versus the short-term debt incurred from medical school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the financial outcomes of pursuing an MD, with some believing doctors do well financially while others highlight the burden of educational debt. There is no consensus on the best path, as personal interests and experiences vary significantly.

Contextual Notes

Participants' perspectives are influenced by their personal experiences and assumptions about the healthcare field and the nature of scientific work. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the value of pursuing either an MD or a PhD based on individual goals and preferences.

torquemada
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Just wondering what the workload is like when you compare the two? As much as I like pure science, sometimes i figure if I'm doing all this schoolwork for a PhD why not just get an MD and make a ton of money instead?
 
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If you aren't interested in being a doctor or a scientist, you'll fail miserably at both. Don't be bloody lazy. If you like pure science, then the courseload will be fun for you, so what exactly is the problem?
 
torquemada said:
Just wondering what the workload is like when you compare the two? As much as I like pure science, sometimes i figure if I'm doing all this schoolwork for a PhD why not just get an MD and make a ton of money instead?

What makes you think MDs make (net) a lot of money? The cost of getting to the MD is quite high.

And do you have a passion for medicine? Do you enjoy patient contacts and helping people who need help? Do you have any experience or exposure to working in the health care field?
 
not in healthcare - but i hate customer service and whiny ppl
 
berkeman said:
What makes you think MDs make (net) a lot of money? The cost of getting to the MD is quite high.

Don't doctors do really well?
 
torquemada said:
Don't doctors do really well?

I think in the long term, most do okay. In the short term, I think many are in substantial debt from loans to pay for their education. There have been some threads discussing this... I'll see if I can find the discussions...
 
torquemada said:
not in healthcare - but i hate customer service and whiny ppl

And you don't think you'll be dealing with some whiny people as a doctor? I work part-time in healthcare (as an EMT), and that expectation is not very realistic, IMO.
 

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