Twelve tips for choosing and surviving a PhD in medical education – a student perspective

Abstract

The decision to undertake a PhD in medical education could mark a critical point in defining your future career. Attaining the highest level of degree in such a diverse and rewarding area as medical education may not only provide you with an opportunity to undertake important new research, but could also unlock different job opportunities. As is often the case, such rewards are not gained lightly. There can be real challenges in making the decision to undertake and then to successfully navigate a PhD. The specific subject and process of each doctorate is unique, leaving many prospective and current students uncertain as to what to expect. We offer our 12 tips from the perspective of two current PhD students to help guide those who share our interest in medical education and are considering doctoral study.

Was it worth it? A qualitative exploration into graduate perceptions of doctoral value

“…These experiences filled gaps in their development and were of significant importance postgraduation, suggesting that 'standard' doctoral degree programmes alone may not adequately prepare graduates for work. This is a useful finding for educational designers, and more holistic guides to the doctoral experience are beginning to encourage extracurricular involvement (Bryan & Church, 2017).…”

Developing entrustable professional activities for doctoral graduates in health professions education: obtaining a national consensus in Iran

“…The literature about HPE doctoral programs is mainly focused on listing the institutions that offer formal or less structured doctoral programs [ 1 ] and providing basic information about the role of programs and their various options [ 8 ], organizational structure [ 9 ], the process of supervision and quality of research [ 10 ]. Other studies provided standards for PhD dissertations in HPE [ 11 ] or proposed tips for studying a PhD in HPE [ 5 , 12 ]. One paper compared the instructional content of Master’s and PhD programs in HPE and mapped the links between the content of HPE programs and continuous professional development (CPD) roles and responsibilities [ 13 ].…”

Developing Entrustable Professional Activities for Doctoral Graduates in Health Professions Education: Obtaining a National Consensus in Iran

“…The literature about HPE doctoral programs is mainly focused on listing the institutions that offer a formal or less structured doctoral programs [1], and providing basic information about the role of programs and their various options [9], organizational structure [10], the process of supervision and quality of research [11]. Other studies provided standards for PhD dissertations in HPE [12] or proposed tips for studying a PhD in HPE [6,13]. One paper compared the instructional content of Master and PhD programs in HPE and mapped the links between the content of HPE programs and CPD roles and responsibilities [14].…”