The FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of questions often asked by those considering the MBPhD course, including “what attributes you should possess”, “advantages and disadvantages of the MBPhD vs the standard course” and “the pressures of the MBPhD”.
1.What attributes make me suited to an MB/PhD programme?
Three things. Number one is a passion for research. Number two is a willingness to learn about the scientific method. Finally, three: a commitment to develop as an excellent clinician.
I can’t emphasise the last point enough, because an excellent clinician-scientist is, first and foremost, an excellent clinician. In the future, you might be taking time out of clinical practice to pursue research. You’ll have to prove to your colleagues that despite this you are still a world-class doctor. Being a clinician will benefit your research, because you understand the problems that matter to patients. That means you can direct your research questions accordingly – a perspective that pure scientists will find harder to appreciate.
2.Is there a disadvantage to doing a PhD early on, before you have all your clinical experience?
Some people might tell you that it’s better to do the PhD later on in your career when you are more certain of your clinical speciality. There may be some truth in that – but I’m sceptical.
To put it bluntly I think this sort of thinking misses the point of a PhD. The doctorate is an apprenticeship in the scientific method. The most important skills you learn are transferrable. They involve broader changes in your attitudes to research, clinical practice and work-life balance. The doctorate will change how you approach problems, critically appraise evidence and come to balanced conclusions.
In fact, this statement applies to me: my PhD was most relevant to psychiatry and neurology, but I don’t think I am going to pursue these clinically – instead, I am probably going to apply for an Academic Foundation Programme in General Practice. Nevertheless, I am so, so glad I did the PhD when I did. Firstly, it gave me three years totally immersed in a research project – something that is basically impossible to get otherwise. It maximised my output and meant I could publish a big, first author paper (amongst others) well in time for my Foundation Year applications.
Secondly, the PhD taught me to think about long-term goals. In medical school, thinking ‘long-term’ is thinking about the exams at the end of three terms of an academic year – in a PhD, ‘long-term’ is three years. A marathon like this is never going to be smooth the whole way, and it can be hard to think of the ultimate goal of submitting a thesis when you have setbacks along the way. You learn to be resilient: when experiments fail, you don’t always treat it as a negative. You use failure as an opportunity to learn. You reflect on your practice. All key skills to develop as a both a scientist and a doctor, regardless of your speciality.
Third, I learnt how to organise my time.
3.Aren’t things really time pressured having to finish your PhD before you come back to medical school?
They are. But you learn to be organised with your time. I had several busy experiments to manage but was also required to keep up with clinical supervisions and teaching requirements – as well as extra-curricular activities. You have to be disciplined, organised and make the most of every minute. It’s pretty tiring but at the same time empowering. You’ll surprise yourself with just how much you can get done in the space of one day!
Time-management, together with an excellent, understanding supervisor and my confidence to set boundaries meant I completed my thesis in time. You will learn how to say ‘no’ – you won’t have the time to help with every experiment, train every new student or give a talk at every conference. It’s best to focus on a smaller number of jobs and do them well, rather than spread yourself too thinly.
As I mentioned above, the reality is that there will be some overhang of the PhD into your first few weeks of clinical work. Fortunately, my viva happened early on in my first year back and it was useful to have it close to completing my thesis. I remembered all the experimental details, statistical methods and caveats. I also had a review article and experimental paper to write in the first few months, but I prioritised: my main concern was clinical work, so I allocated my time appropriately.
4.Is there an opportunity cost?
There is a probably a financial opportunity cost: the stipend you get as an MB/PhD student is less than the pay you’d get if you did the PhD later. However, you’re probably going to be more competitive for job applications in the future.
The other cost to think about is time – you’ll be taking three years out of conventional training. It can be hard to see your colleagues progress on through their training whilst you remain a student. On the other hand, getting a funded research degree (especially a PhD) at a later stage in your career is a lot more competitive. For many consultant posts at top hospitals you’ll need a PhD or MD anyway.
I haven’t ever really thought of my research as a cost, though. The PhD has given me so many opportunities that many other clinical students simply couldn’t do. I have spoken at multiple national and international conferences; travelled to Washington DC, San Diego, Paris and Shenzhen; and met world-leading scientists. You become an expert in your field – granted, it will be a very specific area of science, but you will have the privilege of being consulted by other researchers for your advice.
To top it all off, you’re going to have both a medical degree and PhD before the age of 30. If I say much more it’s going to sound like an ego-trip, but I’m trying to emphasise just how amazing an opportunity the MB/PhD is. I’ve never had second thoughts.
5.So, should I apply?
Just ask yourself three questions. Am I passionate about research? Do I want to learn more about how research works? Do I want to develop as a clinician? If your answer is yes to these questions, go for it.
If you want more information about the Cambridge MB/PhD programme, check out the course website here. MB/PhD directors are more than happy to meet undergraduates to discuss, and you can contact the MB/PhD director Professor Stefan Marciniak at sjm20@cam.ac.uk.
