Can you switch from the MD stream to MD/PhD stream?

[daryn]

Talking to my graduate supervisor (I'm doing my MSc) today, she suggested that I should look into doing a PhD too (with her).

 

I can't say I'm not tempted. I love what I am doing. But medicine will always be my first choice, if I have to choose between the two (she knows this too and she supports me).

 

Now, I wonder, why can't I do both? So, making the presumptuous assumption that I am going to get into medical school here at U of T, can I switch from MD stream to MD/PhD stream during first or second year? (or at some point during the MD)? Obviously the PhD would be here at U of T also (in the Faculty of Medicine).

[Kuantum]

Most schools give you the option of applying to MD/PhD within the first year of medical school. However, I think that decision has to be made quite early-on in first year.

[peachy]

Yes, you can apply to the combined program during 1st year. If you are seriously considering it, though, it makes more sense to apply to the combined program the same year you apply to medical school. Your MD application will not be hurt by your combined application, and you can always say no to the MD/PhD offer if you are accepted. But if you are accepted and are sure that you want to do the program then it gives you some extra funding, some extra time to look for a supervisor, and some extra security in 1st year relative to applying once you are already in 1st year medicine.

[daryn]

Yes, you can apply to the combined program during 1st year. If you are seriously considering it, though, it makes more sense to apply to the combined program the same year you apply to medical school. Your MD application will not be hurt by your combined application, and you can always say no to the MD/PhD offer if you are accepted. But if you are accepted and are sure that you want to do the program then it gives you some extra funding, some extra time to look for a supervisor, and some extra security in 1st year relative to applying once you are already in 1st year medicine.

 

 

Too bad I already applied this cycle (in the MD only stream). I'm hoping that I don't have to reapply next year (fingers crossed)!

[degoo_]

I think you should be able to move in provided there are spots available. I know this year for example, there are fewer MD/PhDs than they have spots for. If the same thing occurs next year, I'm sure its easy to switch in.

Also, the real bulk of the PhD doesn't really start until later on in med school, so the switch is not something that absolutely must be done right away.

Let them know, the faculty is really accommodating (it seems).

[peachy]

Too bad I already applied this cycle (in the MD only stream). I'm hoping that I don't have to reapply next year (fingers crossed)!

Ah, in that case, yes, you can apply from first year medicine. Details are on the website, I believe it's pretty much the same process as applying prior to medical school.