MD vs PhD Workload: Comparing Time Commitments

[torquemada]

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?

 

[Angry Citizen]

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?

 

[berkeman]

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?

 

[torquemada]

not in healthcare - but i hate customer service and whiny ppl

 

[torquemada]

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?

 

[berkeman]

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...

 

[berkeman]

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.