There are many pre-med students that engage in research during their undergraduate careers. Some even go on to continue research in medical school, and a few even get a Ph.D. after or during medical school. I have found that there are many students interested in a dual degree, M.D.-Ph.D option. Because of this, I recently decided to interview a M.D.-Ph.D., Dr. Charles Putnam, to get some perspective. He is a former surgeon and is currently a molecular and cellular biology lecturer and researcher at the University of Arizona.
- Why M.D.?
Dr. Putnam's interest in medicine originated from an interest in biology. During his undergraduate career, he was torn between medicine and graduate school. He worked in a surgical research lab, and therefore, got close contact with many physicians. It was from this experience that he realized he could continue research as a doctor.
- Why Ph.D.?
Dr. Putnam cites the fact that there is a big difference in the methodology of medicine and research education. Medicine is evidence based (step by step). In medicine, one must learn the "ABC's" of diagnosing a patient. With research and graduate education, one must take an unconventional approach, and not react in a stereotypical fashion to reach the answer. This is what Dr. Putnam liked about the Ph.D.
- Pros and cons of an M.D.
Pros
First, the satisfaction of dealing with people and challenging problems was a pro for Dr. Putnam. Also, the fact that medicine is a constantly evolving field is a big up. Dr. Putnam gives an example of this with orthopedics and the invention of artificial joints, along with miniature cameras.
Cons
The intrusion of outside agencies like lawyers and insurance companies is down to medicine. Also, the resistance to long hours has diminished the relationship between doctors and patients.
- Pros and cons of a Ph.D.
Pros
The excitement of science and discovery and finding novel ways around a problem were two ups for Dr. Putnam.
Cons
For Dr. Putnam, the uncertainty of making a discovery and gaining funding were the biggest cons for being a researcher.
- What will be the biggest issue or breakthrough in medicine in the next ten or more years?
Dr. Putnam believes that the biggest breakthrough in the future will be practicing medicine on a genomic basis. He also believes that the method of drug discovery will change as it will be based more on basic science, and a specific target in the body, than on fortuitous discoveries.
- Advice for pre-med students
His biggest advice is to not get overly consumed and absorbed with just getting in, but to look beyond entry into medical school. This can obviously be difficult at times; but thinking ahead gives someone the ability to not only have a plan but also make sure that medicine is the right field for oneself.
- Do you recommend a multidisciplinary approach for all students?
The main thing Dr. Putnam tried to get across to me was that, at a practical level, it makes sense to get experience in many fields. The big example he gives is the field of bioinformatics. Getting a degree in computer science, for example, would clearly be beneficial for anyone who wanted to get involved in bioinformatics. Trying other fields like law and public health could always lead to something special so he says trying something different never hurts.
