Vanderbilt program

leroyk · Jul 31, 2005

I'm scheduled to do a rotation at Vanderbilt, but I've heard that they have a reputation of taking only MD/PhDs. I'm wondering if I should do the rotation or go somewhere else instead--I don't want to waste a month at a program that won't even interview me if since I don't have a PhD. That said, I would love to go to Vandy, it's one of my top choices. Any advice.....

RadOncAnon · Jul 31, 2005

Everyone I have talked to for the last two years has indicated that Vanderbilt only interviews MD/PhDs. The last class was four MD/PhD grads. You could talk to the PD directly and ask, but otherwise I would not bother doing a rotation if you are straight MD student.

user_name · Jul 31, 2005

I can verify that they only interview PhDs. They interviewed only 12 last year for 3-4 spots and ALL had PhDs. That is from a person who interviewed there. My home program director told me not to apply because their PD told him they only want PhDs. I know it sounds like 2nd and 3rd hand info, but you can bank on it.

COhiker · Jul 31, 2005

While I heard the same things on the trail, I would encourage you to speak to the program directly. If it's a place you really want to be, it's worth finding out if their policy is going to change in the coming years.

trublu · Aug 9, 2005

Indeed. I've heard it straight from Hallahan's mouth that he only interviews MD/PhDs, because he "can". If you ask me, you could probably do better...

cdf95cro · Aug 9, 2005

Vanderbilt residents are supposedly given their own lab space/grad assistant during residency, with the expectation that will be "R01 ready" in 2-5 years after residency; consequently, he wants folks who have a substantial research backgound. The reason for only taking MD/PhDs is that it weeds out anyone not super-comitted to academia, and ensures a baseline research expertise. Hallahan mentioned at AACR to a faculty member at my place that with the applicant pool the way it is, its hard to decide who to take even with this initial screening in place....

Testudo · Aug 9, 2005

Of note, one of Vanderbilts matches this year was not a MD/PhD

stephew · Aug 9, 2005

always be wary of considering such comments as "we only take md/phd's" and "we olny look at USMLE scores above XYZ" as dogma. Remeber, other's should do the weeding out; you shouldnt weed yourself out of any possiblilty. What's the cost of a few extra applications next to the debt you already have?

RadOncMan · Aug 10, 2005

Vanderbilt will take non-MD/PhDs, albeit ones that are just as committed to an academic career. Hallahan is committed to training the next generation of physician-scientist leaders in Radiation Oncology (training in grant writing, obtaining competitive research grants, balancing clinical and research work), and as such, will probably not interview anyone who who has not shown a high degree of commitment to academia. He is firmly committed to career development and hopes to see his trainees become chairman within 10 years after finishing their training.

Of course, everyone who applies to Rad Onc says that they are at least considering a career in academia right? =)

stephew · Aug 10, 2005

remember there is also the holman pathway so that one can develop a full research based career without the phd. http://www.theabr.org/Holman.htm
and you dont even need that if you take good electives or do a fellowship, if that floats your boat.

landon · Aug 10, 2005

Additional Holman Pathway Details

Wilson LD, Haffty BG, Harris JR.
Radiation oncology, resident research, and the American Board of Radiology Holman Pathway.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Jul 1;62(3):623-5

radonc_gal · Aug 12, 2005

leroyk said:
I'm scheduled to do a rotation at Vanderbilt, but I've heard that they have a reputation of taking only MD/PhDs. I'm wondering if I should do the rotation or go somewhere else instead--I don't want to waste a month at a program that won't even interview me if since I don't have a PhD. That said, I would love to go to Vandy, it's one of my top choices. Any advice.....

i was scheduled to do a rotation and declined, as they are not accepting applications this year for residency. i'm surprised - they made it very clear in notifications that they were not accepting apps this year.

Casey · Aug 12, 2005

Hmmm...I wonder when they made this decision. I had emailed the PD a few months ago, and was told they were taking applicants. Vanderbilt is still listed on ERAS as accepting applications. I guess I can take them off my list and save myself a few dollars.

Butch · Aug 13, 2005

Casey said:
Hmmm...I wonder when they made this decision. I had emailed the PD a few months ago, and was told they were taking applicants. Vanderbilt is still listed on ERAS as accepting applications. I guess I can take them off my list and save myself a few dollars.

Last year, Mt. Sinai in New York was listed on ERAS. They did not actually have a residency position. Many applicants (including myself) spent money to apply there.

Perhaps a kind applicant could inform Vanderbilt and other such programs to remove themselves from the ERAS system.

Gfunk6 · Aug 13, 2005

radonc_gal said:
i was scheduled to do a rotation and declined, as they are not accepting applications this year for residency.

Confirmed this with the PD today via email.

Vanderbilt program

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