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Get in more clinical experienceHello!
I applied to 20+ MD/PhD programs this year and received 0 interview invites for MD/PhD or MD programs.
Basic stats:
- 3.71 GPA with strong upward trend
- 521 MCAT
- 1.5 years full time neuroscience lab research (really 2 years - 1 year was part time)
- 4 years full time working as a "utility player" for a med device startup (worked in product development, regulatory, operations, clinical support, etc - significant OR time, mostly in rural E. Washington and Montana)
- 30hrs ER volunteering (had a 12AM Sunday night shift senior year and couldn't change after summer so dropped)
- 60hrs search and rescue volunteering
- 90hrs shadowing in ER and thoracic surgery
- VP/President of College Rugby Club
- Many hobbies such as climbing, skiing, playing music, etc.
Working for the med device company kind of prevents me from committing to volunteering long-term for something where I am relied upon. I have to travel somewhat frequently for work with very little notice, and there are often fire-drill projects that require extra hours. I understand that this is probably the weakest part of my application.
I'm also thinking that I really did myself a disservice by applying MD/PhD having not worked in a reputable academic research setting for a few years. While I personally think my experience in industry has been valuable, it is certainly a wild card. I'm thinking I should apply MD-only for the next cycle, and pursue MD/PhD programs during M1 if I choose to go that way.
I have several very solid letters of recommendation as well.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Rewrite all essays
Forget about MD/PHD.