Dispelling the myth: comparable duration and impact of research training for MD-PhD and PhD graduates.

ABSTRACT: The average time to degree for completing a life sciences PhD in the United States is longer for single-degree than dual-degree trainees, supporting a perception that the PhD training of MD-PhDs is less rigorous or fulsome. To determine whether degree format influences the duration and impact of graduate training, we analyzed data for the 2011-2016 graduates of 3 Harvard Medical School PhD programs. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the association between degree type (MD-PhD vs. PhD) and research outcomes, including time to degree, time to thesis defense, and publications submitted during the PhD. Although pursuing an MD-PhD was associated with a 1.5-year shorter time to PhD degree, basing this calculation on the official PhD period does not account for completion of earl

SUBMITTER: Mather RV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11383590 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature