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- Pre-Medical
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I'm currently accepted at two MS programs - Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at USC and Biomedical Informatics at UChicago and having trouble deciding between the two. I want a program with ample research experience, but also one that would be well received by MD programs.
The Stem Cell program is more focused on molecular, classic wet lab research and primarily consists of pre-MD and pre-PhD students. The coursework is focused on molecular bio and stem cell bio, which both relate to my undergraduate major (Mol/Cell Bio).
The Biomedical Informatics program is focused on research methodologies, integrating data analysis into clinical and molecular research. It allows you to take classes along specific tracks, and I would focus on clinical informatics and bioinformatics (protein, DNA, RNA sequencing). I've spoken to students in the program currently, and it seems that 25% or so of students are planning on applying to medical school/have applied. Many of them hold clinical research roles at UChicago or Northwestern alongside their capstone projects in the program. It does seem like a professional certificate-type program, but the faculty I've spoken to have said it's a very flexible program that people tailor to their needs.
I'm conflicted as I know the Stem Cell program classically is more in line with pre-medical coursework and research, but Biomedical Informatics is a growing field that is becoming more and more applicable to clinical professions. I have had previous coding experience and think my strengths and interests would lie more with data analysis in a research setting rather than working in a wet lab.
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!
To add - my stats are cGPA 3.53, sGPA 3.48, MCAT 521 (took in 2016 so need to retake soon). I applied in the 2018 Matriculation cycle but did not receive an interview. Also, I was 19 when I applied, which I have been told may have been an issue.
The Stem Cell program is more focused on molecular, classic wet lab research and primarily consists of pre-MD and pre-PhD students. The coursework is focused on molecular bio and stem cell bio, which both relate to my undergraduate major (Mol/Cell Bio).
The Biomedical Informatics program is focused on research methodologies, integrating data analysis into clinical and molecular research. It allows you to take classes along specific tracks, and I would focus on clinical informatics and bioinformatics (protein, DNA, RNA sequencing). I've spoken to students in the program currently, and it seems that 25% or so of students are planning on applying to medical school/have applied. Many of them hold clinical research roles at UChicago or Northwestern alongside their capstone projects in the program. It does seem like a professional certificate-type program, but the faculty I've spoken to have said it's a very flexible program that people tailor to their needs.
I'm conflicted as I know the Stem Cell program classically is more in line with pre-medical coursework and research, but Biomedical Informatics is a growing field that is becoming more and more applicable to clinical professions. I have had previous coding experience and think my strengths and interests would lie more with data analysis in a research setting rather than working in a wet lab.
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!
To add - my stats are cGPA 3.53, sGPA 3.48, MCAT 521 (took in 2016 so need to retake soon). I applied in the 2018 Matriculation cycle but did not receive an interview. Also, I was 19 when I applied, which I have been told may have been an issue.
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