People of Science with Jon Choy

Synopsis: In this podcast episode, Linh, an MD-PhD student, discusses her journey to becoming a physician-scientist. She discusses how she ultimately decided to pursue the MD-PhD track. Linh also details her experience in the MD-PhD program at UT San Antonio and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) Scholars Program, particularly the challenges and rewards she’s faced so far. Lastly, she shares her career goals and advice for undergraduate students interested in pursuing the MD-PhD track.

Connect with Linh on LinkedIn

Takeaways:

• Get involved: Linh presented at an undergraduate research conference, where she was encouraged to apply to the NIH STEP-UP summer research program. Through fellow research program participants, she learned about the MD-PhD path and became interested in biomedical research.
• Do what you’re interested in: After graduation, Linh participated in a post baccalaureate program where she worked with a physician-scientist mentor and had the opportunity to work with patients. Here she realized that she wanted to make an impact on patients through her research and have a deeper understanding of the clinical aspects of her work, which solidified her desire to become a physician-scientist.
• NIH Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam): Linh is in her third year of the MD-PhD program at UT Austin, having finished her first two years of medical school and beginning her PhD as OxCam scholar through Track 1. Track 1 allows her to receive medical training at UT Austin and PhD training at Oxford.
• Goals: Linh is interested in pursuing research that has a direct impact on patients, such as clinical trials and public health intervention trials. She also hopes to develop her skills in using evidence in research and clinical decision-making.
• Reflect and meditate: Linh advises undergraduate students considering an MD-PhD program to take time to reflect on their personal values and interests and to conduct  informational interviews with people further along in their careers to get a better understanding of the path they are considering. She also recommends students take  time to figure out who they are and what they want out of life before embarking on such a demanding program.                

Reflection:

Linh’s journey illustrates the importance of reflection and self-discovery in the decision to pursue a demanding and long-term program like an MD-PhD. It is important to consider not only our interests and goals, but also how they align with our personal values and how we can use our skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on others. Additionally, seeking out guidance and advice from others can be helpful in gaining a better understanding of the path we are considering.