Student Perceptions of M.D.-Ph.D. Programs: A Qualitative Identification of Barriers Facing Prospective M.D.-Ph.D. Applicants

Abstract

Phenomenon: Despite a high degree of interest in research among matriculating M.D. students, very few apply to combined M.D.-Ph.D. training programs. Even fewer of those applicants are female, leading to a gender disparity among M.D.-Ph.D. trainees. We used a qualitative approach to understand why students choose not to apply or matriculate to M.D.-Ph.D. programs. Approach:We recruited recently matriculated medical students at a private research university with a self-reported interest in academic medicine and biomedical research to participate in focus groups, in which students discussed their career and life goals, general knowledge and sources of information for M.D.-Ph.D. programs, perceived benefits and downsides, and barriers to applying to such programs. Findings: Twenty-two students participated in focus groups. Participants desired careers combining clinical work, research, and teaching. Students had knowledge of the structure and goals of M.D.-Ph.D. training and received information about dual-degree programs from research mentors, the Internet, and peers. Tuition remission and increased grant access were cited as benefits of M.D.-Ph.D. programs, whereas duration, perceived excessive research training, and early commitment were downsides. Perceived competitiveness, misconceptions about training, a lack of M.D.-Ph.D. program-specific advising, discouragement from applying, and duration of training all served as barriers preventing students from pursuing dual-degree training.

The national MD-PhD program outcomes study: Relationships between medical specialty, training duration, research effort, and career paths

“…We did observe an upward trend in research effort as a function of the time from graduation to a first position in academia for those who graduated between 1995-2004. This observation deserves further study, as does the question of whether the growth in training duration is, in fact, undesirable since it may deter undergraduates from applying without conferring benefits to those who do enter this career (23). With that in mind, we note with concern that the number of MD-PhD program applicants has been essentially flat during a time when medical school applications have increased (24-26).…”

Sustainable Clinical Academic Training Pathways: A framework for implementation in Oman

“…22 Suggested barriers to entering and/or completing a dual-degree MD-PhD programme include the lengthy training period, poor mentorship and a lack of funding. 20,22,23 c l i n i c i a n i n v e s t i g at o r p r o g r a m m e s In Canada, the first clinical investigator programme (CIP) was developed in 1995. 17,24 Unlike the MD-PhD pathway, CIPs are aimed at the postgraduate/ resident level and comprise a minimum of two years of condensed and structured research training courses.…”

“… 22 Suggested barriers to entering and/or completing a dual-degree MD-PhD programme include the lengthy training period, poor mentorship and a lack of funding. 20 , 22 , 23 …”

“…Possible barriers to implementing this programme are likely to be similar to those reported in other training pathways, such as dwindling interest in research among medical students, a high attrition rate, lack of availability of research infrastructure, lack of time among mentors/supervisors and inadequate funding. 10 , 17 , 20 , 23 , 33 Therefore, sufficient intellectual, financial and administrative support is crucial for the success of this programme.…”

Public Perception of Primary Care Providers with Dual Degrees

“…These studies focus on career advancement and the perception that students have on the dual degree program at their corresponding university. [8][9][10] The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of dual degreed healthcare providers on patient trust.…”