Essay: I Want To Pursue A MD-Phd Degree

Through my research experiences and time spent with patients, intertwining my research with treating patients is a unique opportunity presented within an MD-PhD degree. Since May 2015, I have been simultaneously working in an optometry clinic while performing numerous genomic research projects. While walking to class or waiting in line, I read about the genetic basis of conditions of the eyes, or conditions that could be treated with Cannabis, which began to satisfy my need to combine research with my clinical work. Looking to continue my research while on my path to medicine, I began contemplating possible degrees that would allow me to achieve my goals. Deciding to pursue an MD degree was a decision I have thought over many times; although, questioning the amount of research I would be able to perform as an MD was a new question that arose soon after beginning my research career.
Although, either way I thought of it, I saw myself leaving one degree program to begin the next without seeing an opportunity to fully express my talents with one degree and not the other. After being recommended to an MD-PhD program by my professional investigator, I began to speak with students in this program to learn more about their lives academically and personally. The first student I met with was in his 2nd year of his PhD program. I was in awe of the research he performed; however, his personal life did not seem balanced with the demanding schedule of his research and coursework, I was left unsure if this degree was for me. However, realizing that one opinion would not accurately describe a program, I found other students and graduates to talk to, which immensely changed my perspective on this degree program. I began to see the opportunities that are present within the combined MD-PhD