🚀 go-pugleaf

First of all, I would like to thank those who have responded so far
regarding the research residency program at Temple.  I will continue to
answer any questions anyone has or provide any help I can.

Secondly, I hope I didn't start an argument here (re: Drs Howell and Selco).
All in all, I would have to say that I agree with Dr. Howell in that there
are major contributions to be made by those who have their PhDs in fields
outside of the natural sciences (sociology, economics, etc.), and that we
shouldn't confuse the terms basic science and natural science.

I would imagine that Dr Howell would have some insight for some of the MD-PhD
students who I have heard worrying about their futures.  I refer to that
subset of students who are getting their PhDs in the non-biological but
still natural sciences (math, physics, chemistry).  It seems as though some
of these students are concerned about how to integrate their "non-biological"
expertise with the practice of medicine.  Well, I imagine Dr Howell has to
do that squared!  What is it like trying to practice medicine on a patient
by patient level while doing research that abstracts itself to the whole
society of medicine?  Do the two compliment each other well?  How did you
get into such a situation (i.e. did you pursue the PhD after you had the
MD or did you know all along that this is what interested you)?

By the way, I will discuss with the director of the residency program and
the MD-PhD program what the opportunities are for non-natural-science
research (i.e. would they allow research in economics or the such).  I will
get back with an answer A.S.A.P.

Thomas Bartman, 4/7, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Temple University