WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE MASTER’S AND DOCTORS’ DEGREES WANT TO BE CLINICAL DOCTORS IN THE US?
In recent years, I have seen many people who have master’s and doctorate degrees in countries like Japan, Taiwan, or even the US but still decide to do so. If you are wondering between these two paths – the research path with a PhD and the path of research with a PhD and path to becoming a clinician in the US, this article will help you get more information about these two paths.
Of course each person has their own story, different passion and goal. I cannot stand in their position to fully understand why they chose such a path, but hopefully through this, you will have more information to consider which direction is more suitable for yourself.
1. Opportunity to work in the US
If you have a PhD, career opportunities often revolve around teaching and research.
You can work at universities as a lecturer (job includes teaching and research), or join pharmaceutical companies and medical companies to research and develop products. This is an ideal environment for those who are passionate about discovering knowledge and contributing to science.
On the contrary, if you are a doctor who has graduated in Vietnam (and any other country) and want to practice formal clinical medicine in the US, the only way is to join the program U.S. medical residency training.
Only when you complete this program will you be officially licensed to practice, recognized by the government to examine and treat patients. If you don’t go through this step, even if you have experience or a degree from somewhere else, you still cannot become a real clinician in the US.
2. Salary and benefits
When I first entered university and started learning about educational paths, I was really surprised by the salaries of those pursuing academic careers.
Even for professors at large universities, including medical schools, the average annual income only ranges from $70,000 to $100,000, the highest is only about $150,000. If you teach at smaller schools, this number is even lower.
A PhD’s income mainly comes from salaries paid by the university, plus research grants (grants) from organizations such as NIH (US National Institutes of Health), etc. However, applying for a grant is not easy and is sometimes very precarious. If you are not successful in applying for funding, your income will be seriously affected.
That is also the reason why the academic community in the US was very excited and shocked when news broke that President Trump had greatly reduced the budget for NIH research funding.
Meanwhile, clinicians, as you know, earn very high income and the minimum salary is never less than $200,000.
Not to mention if you work as a specialist or work overtime or work in areas with a shortage of human resources, it is normal for your salary to double that number. This is a significant departure from the research path.
3. Benefits and challenges of each path
The research path with a PhD gives you social respect and the freedom to specialize in a field of interest. You can work in a university environment, a company, or even direct your own research.
>
However, as mentioned, unstable income and heavy dependence on grants are quite a challenge.
>
On the contrary, if you love clinical work – working directly with patients, examining and treating patients, and clearly feeling your impact on human health – then the residency path to become a clinician will be more suitable. Not only will you have a high and stable income, you will also be respected by society and have the opportunity to develop a sustainable career.
>
An interesting thing is that in the US, many clinicians can still combine research in their careers. They can both examine patients and participate in scientific projects. This flexibility allows them to focus on an area depending on their interests at each stage of their career and life.
>
For example, if at one point in their career doctors want to pursue research, they can temporarily reduce their clinical hours to devote more time and effort to research. However, their main job is still clinical, so their income and life are not affected much by factors such as funding cuts or failure to apply for grants.
In short, the above is Basic information about two paths – scientific research and becoming a clinician in the US. Each path has its own benefits and challenges, and the choice depends entirely on your passions, interests, and personal goals.
>
Some people choose the research path because they love discovery, while others want to become a clinician to directly cure and bond with patients. There is no right or wrong path, there is only the most suitable path for each person.
>
Hope this information will be useful for you in orienting and pursuing your dreams.
>
Please comment “yes” if the article is useful to you.
>
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy.
