Do people ever transfer MSTPs?

[parasympathos]

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Not to sound whiny from an extremely fortunate position (sorry) but I have a question I'd like to at least explore. I'm in an MSTP now but several of the faculty I was interested in working with for grad phase have gone to other institutions and I am no longer sure this program was the right fit for me research-wise. I love my classmates and feel ok about the medical school I'm just not sure the grad program was the right fit. Do students ever transfer between MSTP programs? If so what procedure is followed? I would be looking to transfer after completion of my second year of medical school and the USMLE step 1. Do people have thoughts on how this works? What qualifications I would need?

 

[Caristra]

The only time I have heard of this happening is when a student all ready in their thesis lab finds out that the PI is moving. In that case they can often elect to follow the PI and join the new institutions MSTP. I have never heard of someone pre-grad school years swapping programs. Do you have a specific school in mind?

 

[Maebea]

Transfers do happen, but usually only for compelling personal reasons. These reseasons are along the lines of your spouse's job is moving to another city or you are an only child who has to care for a disabled parent. The reason you site, lack of research compatibility, in not (to my knowledge) acceptable.

You should talk to your program director about this for two reasons. First, they need to know of your difficulty in finding a suitable mentor. It is their job to ensure that you receive appropriate training, and that includes finding a good mentor. They will brainstorm with you about research opportunities, and help you to define your interests in a way that takes advantages of the strengths of the institution. (It is more important that you have a great mentor than a great research project.) The second reason to bring your program director into the picture now is that if you do apply for a transfer, s/he is going to have to provide a recommendation for you to the other program. You do not want her to find out from another program director that you are applying for a transfer.