Doris Duke/CRTP/HHMI/Sarnoff Thread

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has anyone heard about any movement yet??
i'm getting sad =(

So, any specific opinions regarding letters of intent?

Originally Posted by wonderboy00

has anyone heard about any movement yet??
i'm getting sad =(

Nothing on my end.

Originally Posted by rvv2002

So, any specific opinions regarding letters of intent?

Yes. I think they're of no use. If there was a time when they would have an effect, it would be after the interview before offers came out.

Only thing we can do now is wait in line.

I know that several of the DDCF schools have not been able to offer as many spots this year as opposed to previous years due to the economy. As med-schools are cutting their budgets, unfortunately some had to cut their funding for extra spots in the DDCF program (that they themselves were funding) seperate from those spots that are funded through the DD foundation which are still being funded. However there were several programs that told me they were working really hard to find extra funding in order to offer as many spots as possible this year.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

Yes. I think they're of no use. If there was a time when they would have an effect, it would be after the interview before offers came out.

I would have to agree with RxnMan on this. I sent an email to the PD of my top program ~1 month ago letting him know that his program was my first choice and that I hoped to get the opportunity to be in his program. Not sure that had any impact on the selection committee's final decision, but I wanted them to know that I was serious about their program and that it wasn't just another program on my list that I applied to.

Spots are still being offered by DDCF schools...I got one from Penn today

Originally Posted by LittleGuy

Spots are still being offered by DDCF schools...I got one from Penn today

Congrats!!!

Just got the call. I'll see you all in Bethesda this August.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

Just got the call. I'll see you all in Bethesda this August.

wow, congrats rxnman! i'm assuming ur referring to crtp (vs. cloisters), so correct me if i'm wrong.

Originally Posted by wonderboy00

wow, congrats rxnman! i'm assuming ur referring to crtp (vs. cloisters), so correct me if i'm wrong.

Thanks. CRTP was the only program I applied to (look at the huge debate a few pages back).

For those people who have accepted the Cloister offer, have you heard anything back from them (i.e. info regarding what to do next, housing, etc.)? Thanks!

Hi guys. I will be taking a yr off between 2nd and 3rd year to do research. Are there any other year long research program that you could suggest besides Doris Duke and cloisters.
thanks

Originally Posted by Kobeyashi

Hi guys. I will be taking a yr off between 2nd and 3rd year to do research. Are there any other year long research program that you could suggest besides Doris Duke and cloisters.
thanks

Please take a look at the year-off research program part of this forum's FAQ.

Folks, I'm looking to expand the FAQ to include year-off research program interview advice. Even if you didn't get accepted, tell us your experience. If you are interested in helping, then cut and paste the following into a PM to me with your responses -

Program you interviewed at
Trip structure
- Where did you go, how did you get there
- How did you get to the site from the airport, trainstation
- Where did you stay
- Did you pay your way
- Other travel reccomendations
Interview day structure
- How long
- How many interviewers
- How many interviews
- Tours involved? If so, what could you see?
Interview Prep
- What did you do to prepare?
- What worked well, what didn't
- Funny/odd questions you were asked

All participants will be referenced for their contributions (unless requested otherwise). All contributions will be added into the FAQ under the respective program's FAQ entry.

^ RxnMan, great idea to add to the FAQ. I found that section very helpful as I was trying to figure out if I should do a fellowship and what programs I should look at. Hopefully we can get a lot more contributions to it. I will try to add to it if I find some time in between board studying.

A 2nd year med student here looking to apply next year. Now that some of the programs have gotten back to people and positions offered; I was wondering if some people could comment on how they went about compiling a successful application for CRTP/Cloisters/etc. Thanks.

I spoke to my FA department today and they mentioned that for the loan deferment I would need to do the grace period for 6 months first and then apply for deferment with my lender. This would use up my 6 months of grace period and basically screw me over after I graduate from medical school. Isn't there some other way?

Originally Posted by HarveyCushing

I spoke to my FA department today and they mentioned that for the loan deferment I would need to do the grace period for 6 months first and then apply for deferment with my lender. This would use up my 6 months of grace period and basically screw me over after I graduate from medical school. Isn't there some other way?

Originally Posted by Pinkertinkle

The only time I've ever heard this even be a concern is from RxnMan, and I believe it is entirely unfounded...I don't even know how this became a concern at all.

Hmmm...

/sarcasm

HC - Go to your dean. This is not a new problem, your school must have sent a kid to HHMI before without screwing him over. Find out how it was done last time.

I spoke to the program administrator of the DD program that I will be attending. They mentioned that the national DD foundation will write up a letter stating my involvement in a predoctoral research fellowship, bla bla bla...etc. and that I can send this to my lender. She said that past fellows have not had problems with putting their loans into deferment for the year. I did not press her for info regarding what that meant and the details of the deferment. I am curious what current/past DD & HHMI fellows did in this regard.

So I called up Wachovia (my med-school loan lender) and I guess there should not be a problem with my taking a year off. When I leave med-school and begin the fellowship I'm suppose to call them and tell them there is a change in my status as I am doing the fellowship. Then the 6 month grace period starts. After the 6 month period is when I am able to apply for the deferment. The loan officer said that once I become a full time medical student again, the grace period resets, so it should not affect my grace period after I graduate from med-school. I would recommend for those that are worried about this issue to call up your lender and see what they say.

Originally Posted by HarveyCushing

I would have to agree with RxnMan on this. I sent an email to the PD of my top program ~1 month ago letting him know that his program was my first choice and that I hoped to get the opportunity to be in his program. Not sure that had any impact on the selection committee's final decision, but I wanted them to know that I was serious about their program and that it wasn't just another program on my list that I applied to.

Another perspective. I did the Cloister program from 2006-2007 (feel free to PM about applying, who to work with at the NIH, etc...) I wrote thank you letters to all my interviewers. I met one of the interviewers later during a lunch and he remembered me. He told me that his secretary only delivered the letter to him after final decisions were made, in order to keep the playing field level. I would still recommend writing TY letters though since he did note he appreciated the gesture.

Originally Posted by HarveyCushing

I spoke to the program administrator of the DD program that I will be attending...So I called up Wachovia (my med-school loan lender)...

Awesome. I'm glad that things worked out.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

Hmmm...

/sarcasm

HC - Go to your dean. This is not a new problem, your school must have sent a kid to HHMI before without screwing him over. Find out how it was done last time.

It's pretty clear that I wasn't talking about the financial aid issues of the fellowship but rather responding to your rather disturbing implication that being a fellow would somehow make you a 5 year student/non-senior and be a disadvantage or "red flag" in the residency application process.

Random question: anyone know how the stipends work i.e. when our first check will come? Trying to budget out my remaining loan money. =)

Originally Posted by Pinkertinkle

It's pretty clear that I wasn't talking about the financial aid issues of the fellowship but rather responding to your rather disturbing implication that being a fellow would somehow make you a 5 year student/non-senior and be a disadvantage or "red flag" in the residency application process.

I agree - I was also confused by your "red flag" comment. But anyways, looks like my fin-aid office works the same way - you do in fact wait the 6mos then apply for a deferment. I guess my office here was helpful

So I have a question to those taking a year off (M2's): are you still taking step 1 by the date required by the school (eg. at most schools, a certain point in time/the day before you would have started M3) - or are you going to figure out housing stuff upfront, and push back step 1 by a week or so. I guess my real question is how flexible is your home institution in the date which you much complete step 1 before you begin your fellowship?

Originally Posted by Rocket3004

I agree - I was also confused by your "red flag" comment. But anyways, looks like my fin-aid office works the same way - you do in fact wait the 6mos then apply for a deferment. I guess my office here was helpful

So I have a question to those taking a year off (M2's): are you still taking step 1 by the date required by the school (eg. at most schools, a certain point in time/the day before you would have started M3) - or are you going to figure out housing stuff upfront, and push back step 1 by a week or so. I guess my real question is how flexible is your home institution in the date which you much complete step 1 before you begin your fellowship?

I am doing an HHMI fellowship at my home institution, and they allow students to take Step I whenever they want. That being said, I don't want this test hanging over my head for too long, so I'm aiming for June/July.

Originally Posted by socmob

Random question: anyone know how the stipends work i.e. when our first check will come? Trying to budget out my remaining loan money. =)

I know for me at my DDCF program the first check is the end of July. I think they pay the last day of each month.

Originally Posted by socmob

Random question: anyone know how the stipends work i.e. when our first check will come? Trying to budget out my remaining loan money. =)

For which program? For the CRTP, you get $2000 upfront to pay your first month's rent and to get you going, then you get payed on the first of the month.

Originally Posted by diosa428

For which program? For the CRTP, you get $2000 upfront to pay your first month's rent and to get you going, then you get payed on the first of the month.

diosa - Are you doing the crtp now? Would you be able to tell us what exactly is provided in the "fully-furnished apts"? Also, I vaguely remember someone mentioning something about a computer stipend. Is this still available and how/when would we get it? Thanx!!

Originally Posted by altoidette

diosa - Are you doing the crtp now? Would you be able to tell us what exactly is provided in the "fully-furnished apts"? Also, I vaguely remember someone mentioning something about a computer stipend. Is this still available and how/when would we get it? Thanx!!

The bedrooms have a desk, queen sized bed, nightstand, bureau and bookshelf. The living room has a couch, 2 chairs, a coffee table and 2 end tables. The dining room has a table and 4 chairs. The kitchen has a microwave, toaster, dishes and pots and pans. Ours also had a coffee maker. I'm not sure how much appliances vary by apartment. The apartments with wood floors also have rugs (some of them are carpeted though).

I believe that our class was the last year they were offering the computer stipend, but I'm not 100% sure.

Originally Posted by altoidette

diosa - Also, I vaguely remember someone mentioning something about a computer stipend. Is this still available and how/when would we get it? Thanx!!

It used to be something like 31K + $1200 computer stipend, now it's 33K w/o a computer stipend. I'm still planning on getting a new laptop. =)

In case next years applicants are interested, the DDCF program gives you a $27K stipend (tax free), $5K for computer/lab expenses, health insurance provided by sponsoring university, and various funds for travel to national meetings to present.

I'm a potential 2010-2011 cycle applicant and was wondering if anyone has some advice regarding a good time to begin contacting potential mentors for HHMI med fellows and DDRF. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mortal_Lessons

I'm a potential 2010-2011 cycle applicant and was wondering if anyone has some advice regarding a good time to begin contacting potential mentors for HHMI med fellows and DDRF. Thanks.

When I was in your position I started looking at labs and potential mentors late summer/early fall prior to submitting my application. That will give you several months to see what kind of research/projects are available in your area of interest, and tailor your personal statement towards that.

diosa - thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by socmob

It used to be something like 31K + $1200 computer stipend, now it's 33K w/o a computer stipend. I'm still planning on getting a new laptop. =)

me too



btw, do you guys know how health insurance works for us? do we just purchase our own? i'm assuming we'll get a lot of this information in due time, but i haven't heard anything from them yet...i'll leave the rest of my detailed logistical questions for later!

Originally Posted by altoidette

...btw, do you guys know how health insurance works for us? do we just purchase our own?...

If you're referring to CRTP, then I spoke to the program coordinators yesterday about insurance. It is a benefit of the program - you'll be provided a plan similar to BC/BS. If you have a family, they can also be covered.

They told me that they will be sending out our (CRTP) paperwork in the next few weeks.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

If you're referring to CRTP, then I spoke to the program coordinators yesterday about insurance. It is a benefit of the program - you'll be provided a plan similar to BC/BS. If you have a family, they can also be covered.

They told me that they will be sending out our (CRTP) paperwork in the next few weeks.

Yeah you'll sign up for the health insurance the Monday that you get here. I believe they'll reimburse you up to $1500 if you want to keep your own insurance, but I *highly* recommend the BCBS program. It's what all government employees get (including the senators, etc) and it is pretty great. $10 copays, decent prescription coverage and everything else is basically free.

I was hoping some of you guys might have experience with this. Im very interested in the HHMI program requested a brochure both electronically and with the mail in post card and still haven't received a brochure. Do they not like my medical school or is it the wrong time of year to be requesting brochures?

Originally Posted by dantt

I was hoping some of you guys might have experience with this. Im very interested in the HHMI program requested a brochure both electronically and with the mail in post card and still haven't received a brochure. Do they not like my medical school or is it the wrong time of year to be requesting brochures?

How long ago did you put the request in? I can't remember how long it took to get mine, but I would give it 4-6 weeks.

Does anyone know if it is uncommon for students participating in these programs to get published during the fellowship year? Is this expected, or is it more along the line of producing a poster presentation/abstract?

Originally Posted by devilpup

Does anyone know if it is uncommon for students participating in these programs to get published during the fellowship year? Is this expected, or is it more along the line of producing a poster presentation/abstract?

At CRTP, and I believe the HHMI, we formally present findings at the end of the year. There are other multiple opportunities to present througout the year.

You can google for NIH foundation and get a list of former fellows, then cross-reference that with Pubmed.

Doris Duke fellows seem to publish a lot, or at least that's what they list on theier website.

Originally Posted by HarveyCushing

How long ago did you put the request in? I can't remember how long it took to get mine, but I would give it 4-6 weeks.

At least months, I did the requests at different times too. Is the brochure any more detailed than their online PDF??

Originally Posted by dantt

At least months, I did the requests at different times too. Is the brochure any more detailed than their online PDF??

I requested one when I was investigating things, and I don't remember it having any extra content.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

I requested one when I was investigating things, and I don't remember it having any extra content.

There are definitely some different features in the hard copy brochure from HHMI vs. the online "program information" pdf. Whether or not it is necessary is another issue. The online pdf has all the required info regarding the program and application process; more than enough to learn about the program and how to apply. However the hard copy includes this as well as snapshots of past HHMI fellows and quotes from them about their experience at HHMI and what projects they worked on. They also have quotes from current attendings that did the HHMI and how it benefited their careers. In addition the HHMI-NIH brochure includes snap shots of some of the PI's (4-5) at the NIH campus to give an idea of what the PI's projects are and what fellows have worked on in the past. Also the color pictures are cool. Is the hard copy necessary to have? No. Is it beneficial, I would say yes imho.

Do you think requesting a brochure over the phone might help? I called several weeks back and it went straight to voice mail.

Originally Posted by dantt

Do you think requesting a brochure over the phone might help? I called several weeks back and it went straight to voice mail.

I personally used the online request off the HHMI website. That worked perfectly for me. I think I requested the information in July/August of last year. I know they are busy getting everything setup for the fellows that are starting this summer. Not sure if that is influencing how quickly they can get the brochure out to you. The brochure just might not be at the priority of their list at the moment. You can always call/email to make sure they got your initial request.

I've put my CRTP interview experience in the FAQ. For everyone else, please consider sending me your stories. You can do so easily by cutting and pasting the Q's below with your A's into a PM to me.

Originally Posted by RxnMan

Program you interviewed at
Trip structure
- Where did you go, how did you get there
- How did you get to the site from the airport, trainstation
- Where did you stay
- Did you pay your way
- Other travel reccomendations
Interview day structure
- How long
- How many interviewers
- How many interviews
- Tours involved? If so, what could you see?
Interview Prep
- What did you do to prepare?
- What worked well, what didn't
- Funny/odd questions you were asked

All participants will be referenced for their contributions (unless requested otherwise). All contributions will be added into the FAQ under the respective program's FAQ entry.

Originally Posted by dantt

I was hoping some of you guys might have experience with this. Im very interested in the HHMI program requested a brochure both electronically and with the mail in post card and still haven't received a brochure. Do they not like my medical school or is it the wrong time of year to be requesting brochures?

Dantt: this has nothing to do with your medical school (unless you're FMG).

They have been very busy putting together the med fellows/scholars end-of-the-year meeting. Call them next week and ask Min Lee or Puller Lanigan to send you a brochure. They will.

Can anyone from the cloisters program comment on what the convent rooms are like? I'm going to be at the program next year and was hoping for one of the apartments but got assigned to a convent room instead. Are the shared kitchen and bathroom generally clean? Is there anything that's worth bringing (the inventory list made it seem like all we needed to bring was our clothes)?