Applying to MD and MD/PhD programs

[Signifier]

This June I will be applying to MD schools. However, I have honestly loved research during my undergrad years, and I am also considering MD/PhD programs. At the present, I cannot decide to go fully either direction...

How does it look to apply to both MD and MD/PhD programs at various schools? From your personal experience, are you/did you apply to just MD/PhD or did you also apply to MD only programs? Thank you.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[24thGrade]

Not all, but some MD-PhD programs will take the following stance: If you cannot fully commit your application to being in an MD-PhD program that is a very good reason for them to not commit an incredible ammount of financial resources to your training.

I realize that there are legitimate reasons to be on the fence, but applying MD-PhD only is a good way to show directors that you are actually comitted to the path and not just looking for free medical school.

 

[hownowmauvecow]

I applied to both MD-PhD programs and MD only programs (since I am a Texas resident I usually applied MD only to the schools I was applying MD-PhD) I had two reasons for doing this: 1) if I decided for some crazy reason not to do MD/PhD I had a backup plan that did not involve pissing off any administrators (by doing MD/PhD then dropping down to MD only after two years) and 2) if for some reason I did not get into the MD/PhD program but got into the MD only program at the school I really wanted to go to then I could reapply to the MD/PhD program as a M1. I usually told adcoms about the 2nd reason and they actually took it as I was even more motivated since I had a backup plan. You can spin almost anything to make yourself look good.

 

[Signifier]

For how many schools can you reapply MD/PhD as M1?

 

[Raziela]

1. You can only apply to the MD/PhD program at the medical school you've matriculated at.

 

[24thGrade]

1. You can only apply to the MD/PhD program at the medical school you've matriculated at.

That being said, get some hard numbers about how many M1's school x has accepted for the last 5 years. I know at some they simply claim to be "happy to accept M1's" into the program, but the reality is that they don't actually do it. It may just be a ploy to get you to go to their medical school. If come May you realize MD-PhD is something you really want to do (you have some real soul searching to do) and you have no acceptances, it may be worth reapplying next year as there is NO guarantee that any school you matriculate to will let you transfer. At best, you're still at the mercy of ~2 interviews that could easily swing the wrong direction and that is then your ONLY chance of getting into a program. Further, you're first year's tuition/living expenses will not be reimbursed which at most private schools is easily valued at $60-75k.

 

[StIGMA]

(To Raziela) That is not wholly accurate. It is possible to make other arrangements (although you will be completing medical school at the school you matriculated). One well known pathway is the NIH Oxford Cambridge Scholars Program.

 

[Raziela]

(To Raziela) That is not wholly accurate. It is possible to make other arrangements (although you will be completing medical school at the school you matriculated). One well known pathway is the NIH Oxford Cambridge Scholars Program.

You're totally right, I stand corrected. Seeing as I looked up this program just the other day, there is no good reason why I forgot about it >_<

 

[Signifier]

Raziela- sorry if I misspoke. I meant, do all schools with MD/PhD programs allow their M1's to apply to the MD/PhD track? I second 24thgrade's question.

 

[StIGMA]

Raziela- sorry if I misspoke. I meant, do all schools with MD/PhD programs allow their M1's to apply to the MD/PhD track? I second 24thgrade's question.

No, but most of the well funded programs will allow this. Some programs may allow it one year but not the next year. There may be competition (eg, 3 internal applicants for 1 spot). You need to get information about how many students apply/are accepted internally before you commit to an MD program if you are interested in the MD/PhD track. You would also need to be satisfied if you do not get accepted internally. At non-MSTP's you may be allowed in the program but may not be guaranteed funding/tuition.

If you want to enter an MD/PhD program, you should make this decision before you apply. It will cost you a lot of money to enter the program later, and there are no guarantees. You may be at a disadvantage in coursework, and you will have lost out on part of the MD/PhD class bonding.

 

[tennisguy12]

I'm new to SDN so I apologize if I should not be posting this question here. I am applying to the following schools:

University of Kansas
Saint Louis University
Loyola-Chicago
University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Nebraska
University of Texas - Houston
Baylor University
University of Utah
MC Georgia
Arkansas
MC Wisconsin
UT HSC San Antonio
Louisville
Washington University in St. Louis

Do you know where I can find a comprehensive database of information concerning the application process for these programs or did you find your information for each individual school you applied to? I have an easier time finding information for MD-only programs. If this database does not exist, any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, if I am in the wrong thread, feel free to redirect me. Thanks.

 

[nothingman]

In short, you typically apply the same way as for med school assuming all of those schools participate in AMCAS.

If I recall correctly (this was some years ago for me) you apply through AMCAS just as you would for any MD only program, and check the MD-PhD program check box within their common application. Typically, the only differences are additional research LORs sent directly to the MD-PhD office (i.e. from PIs) that are separate from your med school letters; you may also mention why you are pursuing MD-PhD in your personal statement.

You can look up individual programs to see if they want additional statements/applications/whatever, but this typically takes place at the secondary application stage after your file passes initial screening.

Good luck!