With the job market so competitive these days, many folks across disciplines are choosing to pursue advanced degrees in order to gain an enhanced skill set. A “Muslim stereotype” is that many parents steer their children towards undergraduate science majors in preparation for professional degrees in medicine. However, there are many alternative paths that may be aligned with their interests–one such alternative is to pursue a PhD degree in biomedical science.
While the course prerequisites may overlap, biomedical research is quite different from pursuing a medical degree. For students that are interested in the medical field but not sure about practicing medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or biomedical graduate programs are also an option.
What exactly is a ‘biomedical’ graduate program? In short, biomedical research refers to basic scientific research with relevance to human disease. Biomedical PhD programs are typically organized by the medical school but are graduate programs and therefore focused on research rather than medicine.
The specifics of each program are different between schools since they are not centered on a general curriculum as with professional degree programs. This means each school has different requirements, coursework, and faculty research. So, if you’re considering doing a PhD, choosing the right school is important. For example, I knew I was passionate about cancer-related research so I considered schools with strong cancer centers.
The cost of a biomedical PhD program, or lack thereof, is also a distinguishing factor. Students are supported through research assistantships and/or teaching assistantships—therefore, biomedical PhD programs in the U.S.A are typically fully funded for at least 5 years. This means that tuition (often along with health insurance) is covered, and students receive a graduate stipend. The stipend varies between programs but is generally sufficient enough for covering general living expenses. It’s definitely not a fortune, but it is one option for higher education that will not likely result in significant debt.
Pursuing a PhD in biomedical science definitely isn’t for everyone but it should at least be known as an option for students with interests in science and medicine. I, for one, was attracted to this path because of the potential impact research can have upon society. Getting a PhD is about discovering new ideas and contributing to a field of knowledge, and it is an opportunity I feel blessed to have. May Allah (swt) bring us what is best for us and allow us to make the most of our educational opportunities. Ameen.
