Deferring for Fulbright?

[TotoroMZ]

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Long time lurker, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a top-tier med school and also recently became semi-finalist for Fulbrightindependent research. Would deferring matriculation for a year and doing the Fulbright be significantlyadvantageous when applying for residencies?

 

[AMEHigh]

Long time lurker, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a top-tier med school and also recently became semi-finalist for Fulbrightindependent research. Would deferring matriculation for a year and doing the Fulbright be significantlyadvantageous when applying for residencies?

If you want to do the Fulbright, then do it. Assuming you weren't forced to apply by a parent or mentor, it seems like something you'll be invested in. If that's the case then I would absolutely follow through on doing. Who know whether it will significantly help your residency applications (I'm sure it'll be a good talking point during interviews), but it won't hurt you at all. So I would go for it.

 

[Frogger27]

I'd do it. Med school isn't going anywhere and a Fullbright is an amazing opportunity. I'm guessing your school wouldn't give you any problems deferring a year for this.

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

Long time lurker, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a top-tier med school and also recently became semi-finalist for Fulbrightindependent research. Would deferring matriculation for a year and doing the Fulbright be significantlyadvantageous when applying for residencies?

TotoroMZ, I'm also interested in doing the same thing (ETA though), any tips on applications? What do you think it was that gave you an edge over all the other competition so far?

 

[libertyyne]

Fullbright. Then med school.

 

[MusicDOc124]

Just ensure you have it in writing/email/a form of sorts from the schools you're going to attend that you will be deferring a year. Some schools don't allow for deferrals, some specify what will constitute being granted a deferral, and some will simply do it upon request. Just double check and get it in writing.

 

[TotoroMZ]

If you want to do the Fulbright, then do it. Assuming you weren't forced to apply by a parent or mentor, it seems like something you'll be invested in. If that's the case then I would absolutely follow through on doing. Who know whether it will significantly help your residency applications (I'm sure it'll be a good talking point during interviews), but it won't hurt you at all. So I would go for it.

I'd do it. Med school isn't going anywhere and a Fullbright is an amazing opportunity. I'm guessing your school wouldn't give you any problems deferring a year for this.

The thing is I will be matriculating into MDPHD. I originally applied to Fulbright thinking that if I don’t get into MDPHD, I can maybe have Fulbright as an option for gap year. Given that MDPHD is already 8 years, and my Fulbright is for research, I’m not sure if I want to delay another year unless there is some kind of overwhelming advantage. I think the general consensus is that a year later into training is more valueable also, so I’m pretty torned.

 

[TotoroMZ]

TotoroMZ, I'm also interested in doing the same thing (ETA though), any tips on applications? What do you think it was that gave you an edge over all the other competition so far?

I think the research awards are pretty different from the ETA. I had to contact PIs before time and attain affiliation letter and there is a grant/project proposal essay. I think I can only advise for the research portion but nonetheless in your essays, try to demonstrate some kind of tie to the country you are applying to (or if no ties, why you want to go there.) Also cultural exchange is essentially the mission of the Fulbright, try to sell yourself in that light. And lastly, prepare early!

 

[MusicDOc124]

The thing is I will be matriculating into MDPHD. I originally applied to Fulbright thinking that if I don’t get into MDPHD, I can maybe have Fulbright as an option for gap year. Given that MDPHD is already 8 years, and my Fulbright is for research, I’m not sure if I want to delay another year unless there is some kind of overwhelming advantage. I think the general consensus is that a year later into training is more valueable also, so I’m pretty torned.

Multiple ways of looking at it. 1 being the way you stated, and another... Have you ever lived abroad or traveled - learned another language? While you will be there primarily for education and research, it's still a much different experience doing research in a foreign country than it is here. Those 7-8 years of MD/PhD will be busy and time consuming, and when you're talking that much time anyway - what is one more year if you get to spend it abroad doing research? This could also be a great networking opportunity internationally, especially if the project(s) you work on are in your field of interest.

 

[DSM_302.0]

The thing is I will be matriculating into MDPHD. I originally applied to Fulbright thinking that if I don’t get into MDPHD, I can maybe have Fulbright as an option for gap year. Given that MDPHD is already 8 years, and my Fulbright is for research, I’m not sure if I want to delay another year unless there is some kind of overwhelming advantage. I think the general consensus is that a year later into training is more valueable also, so I’m pretty torned.

I did a Fulbright (research, Middle East) almost a decade ago (and am a current M0). Fulbright was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life.
If you're going into an MD/PHD, a Fulbright is an excellent way to do some low-stakes research, enjoy yourself abroad, make some incredible connections in your country of residence and in your field, and will give you stories for the rest of your life. All these years out and anytime I interview for a job (or for med school), folks have been interested in hearing about my research. It's a wonderful accomplishment and experience, and a nice gold star on what sounds like will already be a pretty star-studded resume. I hope you take it.

 

[Money Moniker]

Do the Fulbright, drop the PhD. Life is too short brah, before you know it you'll be 35 and losing hair.