MSTP Boulevard part 01

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thanks for the reply vmn2 - but you've also deepened my suspicions. isnt it weird that you would interview with cornell and michigan's MD/PhD programs and those schools wouldnt even look at you for MD admission?
something's fishy about that - and its the same thing I have noticed. it seems applying as an MD/PhD decreases your chances of getting into an MD program - with ppl getting rolled over into an MD program following an MD/PhD rejection, being the exception, rather than the rule.
honestly - I'm going to start telling people to think twice about applying mudphud.

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Hi DarkChild --

I applied to Yale's MSTP, but got an MD-interview and went just to check it out. I got into the MD prog at Yale but will be declining it. I found this odd though because none of my friends have heard back from Yale's MD prog yet. Maybe it's an MSTP reject thing.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by JJ4:
•Hi DarkChild --

I applied to Yale's MSTP, but got an MD-interview and went just to check it out. I got into the MD prog at Yale but will be declining it. I found this odd though because none of my friends have heard back from Yale's MD prog yet. Maybe it's an MSTP reject thing.•••••When did you hear from Yale? Was the acceptance letter(email) from the MDPHD office or from the MD office?
 
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•••quote:•••Originally posted by chef:
•Q for Vader:

Vader, on 2001 UCSF's matchlist I saw most impressive ophthalmology matches (1 to Harvard Eye&ear, 1 to Wilmer, 1 to Bascom Palmer, 2 others UCIrvine & WashU). Do you know if these folks were MD or MD/PhD? Were they "Superstars" of their class?

<img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" /> •••••Hey chef and MAPK,
Good questions... I don't know if the opthal. 2001 matches were MD/PhD or MD. There are MSTPs who have gone into the field in the past though. I can tell you that in general UCSF MSTP grads do VERY well in matching for residency (virtually always their top choice). This is probably true for the majority of MSTPs around the country. Most UCSF graduates have gone into medicine or peds (psych, neuro are other popular choices), but some go into surgical fields. Graduates routinely go on to places like Harvard, MGH, Brigham & Women's, Columbia, Stanford, U Wash, and of course UCSF. :)

Basically, the doors are wide open for you when you graduate. Good luck. :D
 
Hey Adam (Rumit),

I was just wondering if U Michigan is still a top consideration for you? I saw on another thread that a student you stayed with said the M1 curriculum was pretty easy, with lots of free time. When I looked on the webpage that listed the daily schedules, it actually looked very packed. But, then again, maybe there is time in between classes that is not designated on the schedules.

Talk to you later,
Andrea
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by RNAgirl:
•Hey Adam (Rumit),

I was just wondering if U Michigan is still a top consideration for you? I saw on another thread that a student you stayed with said the M1 curriculum was pretty easy, with lots of free time. When I looked on the webpage that listed the daily schedules, it actually looked very packed. But, then again, maybe there is time in between classes that is not designated on the schedules.

Talk to you later,
Andrea•••••Yeah, U Mich is definitely still a consideration, especially if I don't get into UCSF or Stanford. I really liked it and the students. As far as I could tell, the MSTP student that I stayed with didn't always go to class, and basically felt that he didn't need to study that much. So, I think that's why he said that.

I've basically decided to wait until I hear from UCSF and Stanford and know what all my options are. Then I'll decide. I'm still considering UCLA and U Iowa as well.

Good luck,

Adam
 
I have a question about deferring my undergrad loans....

If I enroll during the summer in a lab rotation, is that good enough of a reason that my loans will be deferred? I read my loan agreement and it says that I can defer "if you are enrolled in a graduate or fellowship program" but I dont know if simply doing a lab rotation during the summer counts. Does anybody know if that counts as being "enrolled"? But I guess I wont be taking any grad classes yet so I'm not sure about that.

I know that WashU pays your stipend if you come during this summer; is that a common practice among MSTP programs? Sonic, does Hopkins pay the stipend if you decide to come over this summer or are you on your own? Are you planning on doing a lab rotation this summer, or waiting till fall?
 
Hi baylor,

I need to look into deferring my loans as well. At Michigan, the summer rotation is required, so I'm sure I would be officially enrolled beginning in the summer. For other programs, where it is optional, I'm not sure. My guess is you could get a letter from Wash U (or wherever you end up going) stating that you will be enrolled as a full-time student starting this summer, and mail it along with the deferral forms. Let me know if you find out any more info., and I'll do the same. :)
 
Hey Sonic,
Thanks for the info. I actually started having 2nd thoughts about WashU 2nd look. I'll have to think hard in the next couple of days so I can give enough time for travel arrangements if I decide to go (or not).

Hi Baylor21,
I know Duke also pays full stipend during the optional summer rotation. Good luck with your decisions (school, housing, 2nd look,...). Hopefully I'll see you at WashU 2nd look.
 
Help future Mudphuds!

I'm applying to a program and I'm wondering what counts as "publishing an abstract"? I've presented material at 2 professional meetings, does this count? And if not, what should I put that under?

Thanks! :D
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by CoffeeCat:
•Help future Mudphuds!

I'm applying to a program and I'm wondering what counts as "publishing an abstract"? I've presented material at 2 professional meetings, does this count? And if not, what should I put that under?

Thanks! :D •••••Coffeecat,
It's cool that you're off to an early start. The presentations are not technically publications, however, if there's not a section for presentations, feel free to put it under "publications of abstracts" (as long as you explain in the caption that it was a presentation at a professional meeting).
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by CoffeeCat:
•Help future Mudphuds!

I'm applying to a program and I'm wondering what counts as "publishing an abstract"? I've presented material at 2 professional meetings, does this count? And if not, what should I put that under?

Thanks! :D •••••Hi CoffeeCat,

If you submitted an abstract when you signed up for the meeting, and were presented with a book of "published" abstracts when you attended the meeting, then that is a published abstract. Just list the title, authors, and place where the work was done for each abstract.

Here's an example of how I listed my abstracts...

Abstract from the 1997 Cold Spring Harbor Meeting on Retroviruses:
Use of B5 Cells to Evaluate the Effect of Mutations in the SU Protein of Cell-Free HTLV-I
Kathryn S. Jones, Francis W. Ruscetti, Andrea C. Baines, and David D. Derse
Laboratory of Leukocyte Biology, National Cancer Institute-FCRDC, Frederick, MD 21702
 
The way it works at UCSF is that we enroll for a summer term if we want to do a rotation. Assuming you are straight out of college, you shouldn't have to start paying back your loans. They can usually be deferred until the end of school, although it may be to your advantage to start paying them back now, in order to avoid having debt later. It all depends on what type of loans you have, how big they are, and what time schedule you have on paying them back. Hope this helps. :D
 
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Sonic and others going to Hopkins 2nd look...

I know that they reimburse you for travel expenses. Is there some max amount they will pay out for plane tix (i.e. $500) or will they reimburse you for any amount?
 
Hi Baylor,
I sent you a pm
Arrowsmith
 
Hey Baylor21 -

I just got back from Baltimore. I had a blast at the revisit. I got to talk to some super faculty, found out that Hopkins is increasing the stipend to $19K next year (for regular MD years) and $23K for graduate years. I don't know if there is a cap, but my ticket cost me $255 and the MD/PhD had no problem in getting it reimbursed.

I was also given the Hopkins MSTP Residency Match list... I'll let you guys be the judge of the quality. 100% of students received their first choice.

JOHNS HOPKINS MD/PHD PROGRAM RESIDENCY MATCH 2002
(Student names omitted for privacy)

1. Plastic Surgery - Johns Hopkins Hospital
2. Medicine/Rad.Oncology - Johns Hopkins Hospital
3. Medicine/Rad.Oncology - Stanford/Mass.Gen.Hosp.
4. Medicine - Johns Hopkins Hospital
5. Pediatrics - Johns Hopkins Hospital
6. Ophthalmology - Wilmer Eye Inst. (Johns Hopkins)
7. Medicine - Massachusetts General Hospital
8. Medicine - Brigham & Women's Hospital
9. Dermatology - UCSF
10. Pediatrics - Children's Hospital, Boston.
 
Hi! I've just spend the past two hours reading all 37 pages in this thread... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

I just thought I would bump this thread up... And add myself to the list of MD/PhD people. I had a visit yesterday to the government lab where I'll be doing my PhD (hopefully), and I was very impressed, so I'm now officially ready to commit myself to the MD/PhD program. :) I'll almost certainly be attending the University of Manitoba.

Anyway, for those of you who don't know, I applied regular MD to four programs in the US - Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and Duke. I was rejected pre-interview at Yale and Harvard, interviewed at Duke (just got rejected...), and I'm waiting on Stanford. I would've applied MSTP, but I was under the impression that you had to be a US citizen to get funding, which obviously isn't the case. By the time I realized this, it was too late... Unfortunately.

Anyway, I have given some thought to trying to do a Masters next year (I've gotten a REALLY nice graduate scholarship courtesy of the Canadian government), and reapplying MSTP to all of those US schools, but I don't think it's worth it. As far as research goes, Manitoba offers some really amazing stuff. The MD program is somewhat lacking, but it's decent.

Anyway, my name's brandonite, and I'm an MD/PhD applicant... LOL And the best thing is that I now know Original's first name... :)
 
But brandonite, you're not really a newcomer to this thread, are you? I think I remember seeing some of your posts on here earlier (am I right?). Anyway, it's great that you've officially joined! :D
 
Yup. I posted around page 15... Just wanted some advice about whether to do an MD/PhD. :)

Now, I'm a full fledged member. :) Now, I just have to decide if I want to go to Manitoba, or reapply next year to get into a 'dream school'... :D
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by brandonite:
• And the best thing is that I now know Original's first name... :) •••••Ahh! :D

Sonic,
I'm not going to WashU's 2nd look. I'll be back in the country a whole week after spring-break and cannot afford to miss the last few classes. It'll be nice to graduate :wink: .
 
Hey,

Has anyone heard from, or know when or how we'll hear from, UCSF or Stanford. I know they were supposed to be meeting sometime in the past couple of days. So it's pretty much killing me :)It's funny how I've been able to wait pretty patiently for months (since November for UCSF) but now when it's only a short time left it's torture :)

Good luck all,

Adam
 
Hey ADAM-

On Thursday I got a call from Stanford regarding a regular MD admission. I asked the dean about MSTP decisions and he said that he didn't know because it was a separate committee. Regarding UCSF, I heard that we're going to be notified by April 5th. Good luck!

-MapK
 
Hey BRANDONITE-

Welcome to the MSTP thread! I read your other thread about deciding between MD and MD/PhD...I think you're definitely making the right choice. I don't know if you read my crazy long post a couple of pages back when I rehashed the physican-scientist forum I attended, but one of the main concerns is that the US doesn't train enough research oriented doctors and programs are actively recruiting foreigners (eventhough Canadians are barely foreign!). So, I don't think you should worry about matching at a top rated US residency or landing a solid postdoc fellowship after your finished with your MD/PhD training. It sounds exciting that you're one of the first at the school...you can really influence the director and make a big different in the direction that the program takes.

MapK
 
Thanks again, MapK! I'm going to talk to the director on Thursday, so I'll see what he says. I would really like to think that I can have an influence on the program, but if I get a feeling I'm just some sort of test case, I may take a year and do a Masters program and then reapply again... I think my big problem this year was that my research was mostly in astronomy, so if I did a masters in biophysics, combined with my EC's and MCATs, I should have a shot at a top MSTP program somewhere... I get the feeling that internationals do pretty well. Or perhaps Sonic and Original are exceptions to the rule... :wink:
 
brandonite,

regarding your comments about internationals and MSTP programs. I think that internationals tend to be more interested in science/research than American citizens do because of financial reasons. Most internationals that I have known want to make good money, but its not as much of a goal for them as it is for Americans. So I think that may be a reason why there seem to be lots of internationals in hard core science programs. And thats not just for MD/PhD either. At MIT for example over 50% of the grad students are internationals.
 
I was astounded to find an acceptance letter from a program I didnt even apply to... it was a fat envelope to the Univ of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Electrical/Computer engineering program.

Then I thought about it a little more and realized that it must be part of the UIUC Medical Scholars Program (MD/PhD). I withdrew my application from it and didnt go to the interview but the grad application is separate so I guess it went thru anyways.

I guess I'll just go ahead and keep it for sentimental value. UIUC ECE is ranked like #3 in the country.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by MacGyver:
•brandonite,

regarding your comments about internationals and MSTP programs. I think that internationals tend to be more interested in science/research than American citizens do because of financial reasons. Most internationals that I have known want to make good money, but its not as much of a goal for them as it is for Americans. So I think that may be a reason why there seem to be lots of internationals in hard core science programs. And thats not just for MD/PhD either. At MIT for example over 50% of the grad students are internationals.•••••Maybe I should try and get a copy of the MSAR. I wouldn't want to turn down an MD/PhD offer up here just because I wasn't entirely confident in the program if I didn't have a decent shot at a good program in the US/Canada. I mean, I didn't do terribly well this year in my applications to US schools, and while a year's work at a masters program might help change that, it's still really hard to tell. If I wasn't happy with Manitoba, and I knew that I would get into a top 20 MSTP program in the US, then I would wait a year, no problem. But for all I know, Manitoba might be the only program that will take me next year, and I will have wasted a year for no good reason.
 
Hey EVERYONE,

The Cornell/SKI/Rockefeller MSTP sent this email regarding their 2002 Residency Match results:

Student #1 Brigham & Women's Medicine
Student #2 UCLA Medicine
Student #3 UCSF Neurosurgery
Student #4 St. Vincent's Pre-lim/UCLA Dermatology
Student #5 Hopkins Bayview Pre-lim/Hopkins Neurology
Student #6 NYP-Presbyterian Medicine
Student #7 Brigham & Women's Medicine
Student #8 Brigham & Women's Medicine
Student #9 Stanford Univ. Progs Medicine

MapK
 
Question about lab rotations...

I'm definitely doing a lab rotation this summer no matter what school I go to.

My question is, do MD/PhD people in lab rotations generally just help out with a project that is already ongoing in the lab, or do you need to come up with your own mini-experiment (something that can be completed in a couple of months)?

Any guidance from people doing the same thing this summer or from people like Vader who have already done some of this?
 
Baylor 21,

I wish I can provide you with more substantial info, but this is what I found out from the UC Irvine MSTP. This program will hook you up with your research advisor early on before starting any rotations and discuss about the type of projects you can pursue. If you already know what type of research you want to do and in whose laboratory you want to carry it on, you should be able to start your own project this summer and continue where it's left off in the next summer. Most 1st yr MSTP students are not too certain about these though, they seem to take on part of ongoing projects in a lab of interest during their summer rotation.
 
I'm hoping to work in the lab this summer where I'll do my PhD. Not on a project related to that, but hopefully just getting a feel for the research that goes on in the place. And, I'll have to begin the transition from Astronomy to Biophysics... So, spending time around the NMR/MRI etc. machines should really help. At the very least, it'll give me an idea of what I like and don't like.

Here's a question for all of you - what have people thought when you've told them of your desire to do MD/PhD? I've gotten two very different reactions over the past couple of days when I've told my friends/family/professors... My professors seem to think it's a great idea, and have been really encouraging. But my family and friends think it's a horrible decision. They say that med is already a long enough path, and can't understand why I would want to make it longer... I disagree, of course, but am I alone here? What did your friends and family think when you told them?? I was a little shocked, actually...
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by baylor21:
•Question about lab rotations...

I'm definitely doing a lab rotation this summer no matter what school I go to.

My question is, do MD/PhD people in lab rotations generally just help out with a project that is already ongoing in the lab, or do you need to come up with your own mini-experiment (something that can be completed in a couple of months)?

Any guidance from people doing the same thing this summer or from people like Vader who have already done some of this?•••••What I did in preparation for my first lab rotation:
1) Talked to a bunch of PIs and figured out which lab I would like to work in.
2) Met with the PI I had chosen and he told me about the various projects going on in the lab and who was working on what.
3) Read a few background papers to get acquainted with the approaches the lab takes.
4) Decided to work with a postdoc on a particular problem I was interested in.
5) Met and discussed what I would be working on over the summer.
6) Observed and learned some techniques from the postdoc and eventually started working more autonomously.

I think it is best to figure out the particular lab and a problem you want to work on. If there is someone working on it already, you could work with them, or if no one is working on it, then the PI may let you set up your own project. However, a typical rotation last for a relatively short period (a few months at most), so it can be difficult to start from scratch. The bottom line is that you have to work it out with your PI.

Hope this helps. :D
 
Hey EVERYONE!

It's kind of ironic how I found out on April Fools Day...but I got into UCSF MSTP! I really hope it isn't a joke because I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to go.

MapK :)
 
MapK:

Congratulations! That's totally awsome. Can you tell me how you heard? I'm patiently waiting for some word :)

Thanks,

Adam

•••quote:•••Originally posted by MAPKinkster:
•Hey EVERYONE!

It's kind of ironic how I found out on April Fools Day...but I got into UCSF MSTP! I really hope it isn't a joke because I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to go.

MapK :) •••••
 
Hey ADAM!

They sent the news via snail mail. I'm not sure if they did permanent or mailing address b/c I put down my permanent home address for both (my parents called me with the news last night). For a while I was a little paranoid because it seemed like a perfect April Fool's joke. But I'm sure my parents wouldn't do something messed up like that. Anyhow, I'm not going to be totally satisfied until I go home on Wed nite and read the letter for myself.

Good luck! I hope we can be fellow MSTP classmates this coming year!

MapK
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by MAPKinkster:
• But I'm sure my parents wouldn't do something messed up like that. •••••lol <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
Congrats!
 
Does anyone know when Harvard MD/PhD letters get mailed?

- Thanks
Branden
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by MAPKinkster:
•Hey EVERYONE!

It's kind of ironic how I found out on April Fools Day...but I got into UCSF MSTP! I really hope it isn't a joke because I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to go.

MapK :) •••••Congratulations MapK!! Welcome to la familia... if you have any questions about the program please let me know, although it sounds like you are pretty sure on your decision. :D
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Vader:
[QBCongratulations MapK!! Welcome to la familia... if you have any questions about the program please let me know, although it sounds like you are pretty sure on your decision. :D [/QB]••••Hey VADER-

Thanks! I'll send you a PM if I have any questions. =)

MapK
 
Hey MapK, Congrats!!! Thats dope, and ur from Bezerkely, same here. I hope i get in for MD, so i can apply to the MSTP there.

Anyone find out about UCLA MSTP??? i'm dying to find out already...

Javi
 
Hey all,

Well, I found out some disapointing news yesterday. I called the admissions office at UCSF and Stanford and found out that I'm being rejected at SF and am on hold at Stanford which basically means rejection. Apparently, at both places, the major reason was that the medical schools didn't really like me, whereas the MSTP's did. Which makes some sense, since my experience tends towards research.

Anyhow, I now have to decide between UCLA, U Mich and U Iowa, and I need to make that decision by the 15th. By the way, for those who care, I got the official UCLA letter last Monday...the letter was dated March 15th, but it was postmarked the 29th. In any event, I'd love to hear all of your opinions on the matter. I really liked UCLA, and I really clicked with my interviewers, but I don't really like the city and my wife hates it. On the other hand, I really liked Ann Arbor, but I didn't like any of the researchers that I talked to, and the PI who I work for now (who knows a lot of people) doesn't know anyone at UM. He's known plenty of people everywhere else I've interviewed. So, that's a little worrysome.

Well, I guess that's it. It feels kinda strange to basically be done with the application process. Now, all that's left is choosing a school and starting. What an odd transition :)

Good luck all, and I'd be happy to answer any questions people have about applying...especially now that I'm done with that part :)

Adam
 
Hey Adam,

Well in some sense it's a good feeling to be done. . .some closure I guess (whatever that means) :D

As for the three you listed, I've heard good things about all. Michigan is a very well rounded MSTP (I've got two friends there that love it) --- but this also depends on what your areas of interest are. As for Iowa, all the guys I know that interviewed there were really impressed with the program and are considering it very much (if they got in). UCLA has a very strong basic research component and I'm sure that you'll find your niche in terms of research --- however, while you won't be putzing around LA as much with all your responsibilities, I guess your wife's thoughts may matter in this case in that as the years progress she's going to have spend long hours alone. Good Luck!

So...you're married??? Who woulda figured. . . :D
 
Hi all,
Nice to see there's a healthy MSTP forum up and running. I am currently completing my senior year and I'm getting my stuff together for applying to MSTP as I head towards my graduation date (and finishing my thesis). Anyway, I'm making a list of schools whose programs look interesting based on what I've heard from other people and their web pages. I was wondering if anybody had anything to complain or rave about regarding any of these M.D./Ph.D. programs, either from a student or applicant's perspective.
1. Stanford
2. UCSF
3. Yale
4. Harvard
5. Johns Hopkins
6. Columbia
7. Cornell
8. University of Pennsylvania
9. University of Michigan
10. Mt. Sinai
11. SUNY Stony Brook
12. University of Pittsburgh
13. Baylor
14. University of Wisconsin
15. Thomas Jefferson Medical College
16. University of Minnesota
Also if you feel like something is missing from this list, let me know and I'll check it out.

Also, how many schools did you apply to? Of these how many gave you interviews and how many accepted you? Did the costs or the time spent in filling out applications get absurd? Would you apply to more or less given a second chance? Thanks for your help.

Rock on,
mjs419
 
Hi MSTPers,

What's the real deal with "APRIL 15"?? Is this the absolute, government-mandated, AAMC-enforced date that we must choose 1 program and decline from others?? Once I pick one, am I legally bound to that school or can I still withdraw if I get offers from another school?

This sux big time b/c while I have heard from most schools, there are a few schools that I am waiting for MD only which might not notify me until May 15.

Thanks for clarification guys!! good luck to all. :clap:
 
mjs419,

GO PENN! I applied to 13 schools, was interviewed at 12 schools (not harvard), but was only accepted to 5 schools (I obviously don't interview well). I don't think that I would have applied to more schools, but I certainly would have selected the schools more carefully. Thirteen was a bear, and I wasn't even in school.

Chef - If you've been accepted as a MudPhud, why would you do MD at a different school?
 
One school that is missing from that list is Wash U in St. Louis. It's one of the best MSTP's in the country and is probably worth applying to just for the interview. I certainly wish I had. I would say, apply to 7 or 8 schools that you really like and 2 or 3 that you think are safety schools and then maybe 1 school that's just way out there...who knows you might love it :)

Good luck,

Adam
 
I believe the April 15th deadline is for schools that have summer rotations. They really need to know by then in order to get everything set up. I don't think it's completely legally binding (I could be wrong) but I imagine that if you haven't made a decision by then a school could rescind their offer of acceptance.

Good luck,

Adam

•••quote:•••Originally posted by chef:
•Hi MSTPers,

What's the real deal with "APRIL 15"?? Is this the absolute, government-mandated, AAMC-enforced date that we must choose 1 program and decline from others?? Once I pick one, am I legally bound to that school or can I still withdraw if I get offers from another school?

This sux big time b/c while I have heard from most schools, there are a few schools that I am waiting for MD only which might not notify me until May 15.

Thanks for clarification guys!! good luck to all. :clap: •••••
 
Adam,
Wash U is one of the few schools I know a bit about, since I have two friends who are finishing up their first year there. It's definitely near the top of my list :wink:

Also why did Penn stick out in your eyes, chgpwd?
 
mjs419,

I'll be going to Penn this fall. The program is very well organized, and the administration really keeps the purpose of MS training in perspective. Most of the administrators are MD/PhD's themselves, and they make it clear that the program is only an avenue to other things. Everyone at Penn is really low-key and Penn undergrads are the coolest (It's my alma mater).
 
Hey all,

Since April 15th is rapidly approaching, which seems to be the deadline for many of the MSTP's, do most of you know where you'll be going? We should start a running list or something. Anyhow, it looks like I'll be off to UCLA come July :)

Good luck all,

Adam
 
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