Does MD/PhD applications hurt your regular MD admissions?

[Lancer_VII]

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Does anyone know whether applying to MD/PhD programs hurt one's chances at the straight MD - i.e. if you don't get into MD/PhD program, your application will be loked down to when reviewed by the regular MD prog. My g/f is thinking about applying to all MD/PhD programs but doesn't want this to negatively affect her chances for a straight MD.

Also, Does anyone know the range of GPA/Science GPA/MCAT scores for these programs? She has a 30Q, a 3.7 total, 3.5 science, and 3 pubs including a 1st author in Nature. Can anyone help gauge her chance?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dr. Chiquita]

I can't help her with what her chances would be at MD/PhD programs. BUT I know from researching into MD/PhD programs at some schools that at some schools, MD and MD/PhD committees go over applications separately. In other words, if you apply to their MD/PhD programs, your applications will be reviewed by MD committee as well as MD/PhD committee. At these schools, you will have to get accepted by MD first in order to stay in the game for MD/PhD. Hope this helps.

 

[Dr. Chiquita]

BTW, why doesn't she want to apply to SOME MD only programs? Just curious.

 

[huxley]

She has a FIRST author in NATURE? Wow, that's amazing. Was she a PhD student?

I think her numbers are really competitive, with the MCAT being the weakest one, but not bad. The pubs are impressive.

-H

 

[kikkoman]

Does anyone know whether applying to MD/PhD programs hurt one's chances at the straight MD - i.e. if you don't get into MD/PhD program, your application will be loked down to when reviewed by the regular MD prog. My g/f is thinking about applying to all MD/PhD programs but doesn't want this to negatively affect her chances for a straight MD.

Also, Does anyone know the range of GPA/Science GPA/MCAT scores for these programs? She has a 30Q, a 3.7 total, 3.5 science, and 3 pubs including a 1st author in Nature. Can anyone help gauge her chance?

Thanks in advance!

I think with those type of publications, she will definitely swing something. First author on a nature publication while in college? Incredible stuff....

 

[Ryan]

Most schools seperate the two programs, however just check with the amissions director at the schools applied too. Usually, I have found them to be very hepful through email.

 

[Fermata]

She has a FIRST author in NATURE? Wow, that's amazing. Was she a PhD student?

I think her numbers are really competitive, with the MCAT being the weakest one, but not bad. The pubs are impressive.

-H

That's what I'm thinking. With a first authored paper in Nature....plenty of tier 1 md/phd programs would be whoring themselves out to have her in their programs.

 

[Neuronix]

A recent thread about this topic in the MD/PhD forum: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=124697 -- Note Chiquita this will answer your question as well.

My gut feeling is yes it will hurt both your MD/PhD application and your MD application to apply both ways. I think your friend should apply MD/PhD-only to a broad range of top-25 schools. Frankly, this is one of those situations where the applicant is more competitive for MD/PhD than MD. MD programs view that research as just an excellent EC. MD/PhD programs are going to stand up and take notice of that research. I'm willing to bet the numbers cut is going to cut her out of more MD programs than MD/PhD programs. Seriously, tell her to pick a route. It's not like you're locked into one or the other anyways.

 

[KNightInBlue]

A recent thread about this topic in the MD/PhD forum: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=124697 -- Note Chiquita this will answer your question as well.

My gut feeling is yes it will hurt both your MD/PhD application and your MD application to apply both ways. I think your friend should apply MD/PhD-only to a broad range of top-25 schools. Frankly, this is one of those situations where the applicant is more competitive for MD/PhD than MD. MD programs view that research as just an excellent EC. MD/PhD programs are going to stand up and take notice of that research. I'm willing to bet the numbers cut is going to cut her out of more MD programs than MD/PhD programs. Seriously, tell her to pick a route. It's not like you're locked into one or the other anyways.

I totally agree. The impression I got when I spoke to Adcoms was that for MD programs, research is a nice thing to have, but not an absolute requirement, which means her numbers will get looked at most for the MD programs.
If she goes MD/PhD, then her research has way more value (especially the first author in Nature...thats incredible!) and in combination with her numbers, she would be more likely to get accepted.

Then again, the most important question - wht does SHE want to do? research? medicine? or just gain admission? Cuz there are ppl who get into MD first and then apply for PhD...

 

[pisceswonder1]

That's a great question...what does she want to do? If she wants to do only a little research, then she could do a fellowship or something after med school and get the research that way. But if she's set on research by all means do the MD/PhD....I agree she'd have a better chance as MD/PhD anyway. Kudos to her...FIRST author in Nature!

 

[Lancer_VII]

Thanks for everyone's responses! She's very grateful for your help! She decided to go straight MD since she primarly wants to be a clinician and research comes second. As an MD, you can still do research after residency/fellowship/etc. but as a PhD, you will never be able to practice medicine.

As for pubs - it's being at the right place and right time. I myself have worked long hours and months in labs that amounted to nothing because contrary to what they tell you, PCR doesn't work. Likewise, I've also took the initiative to help out post-docs for a few weeks on a project I thought I'd enjoy and learn a lot from - which then landed me a co-authorship.

Again, many thanks! Best of luck to everyone who's still applying out there!

 

[Neuronix]

but as a PhD, you will never be able to practice medicine.

That's so false I don't know where to begin on it. Still, if your g/f puts medicine first, than that's the best decision for her.

Good luck!