Dropping the PhD and Repayment

[muchomaas]

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I'm a 4th year MD/PhD student in an "MSTP" (just started my 2nd year of grad school) and am strongly considering dropping the PhD, because I do not see research as a part of my future career.

I talked this over with my program director and he says that I will have to pay back all of my med school tuition and the stipend from the first 2 years. After perusing the internet and this forum, this appears contradictory to NIH guidelines (http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Training/InstPredoc/PredocOverview-MSTP.htm and to popular opinion http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=581069).

He explains this by saying that the NIH only offers partial support and it just so happens that none of the NIH money was used to support me (I guess it was used to support other students and the program got lucky?). I don't recall signing any clause about having to repay in case of incompletion.

I'm not sure how to proceed-- how to verify the facts of the matter, and whom to contact. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[StIGMA]

Consider sending an e-mail to the NIH contact person. Ask them to specify if the guideline applies to individuals or to the entire program.

I do not think you will be required to pay back anything.

 

[Neuronix]

Yes, you need to contact the NIH Program Director about this matter. I spoke to the former NIH PD about this issue many years ago, which is where my understanding comes from. Regardless of that, if you are serious in pressing this issue you will clearly need the backing of the NIGMS and threat that the program will lose future funding if they try to do this to you.

 

[gbwillner]

As far as I know, everything your director is saying is true- only some of your salary and support is funded by the NIH, and only some of the spots at your program.

They usually just eat the money. But regardless of outcome of pressing on this matter- don't let the fear of having to repay your tuition keep you from quitting the PhD. Cut your losses now, and you'll be able to pay it off with loans later.

 

[muchomaas]

As far as I know, everything your director is saying is true- only some of your salary and support is funded by the NIH, and only some of the spots at your program.

They usually just eat the money. But regardless of outcome of pressing on this matter- don't let the fear of having to repay your tuition keep you from quitting the PhD. Cut your losses now, and you'll be able to pay it off with loans later.

If only some of the spots are funded, shouldn't this be made 100% clear to students upon admission/entry into a program? One of the nice features of the MSTP, so I thought when I applied, was the "no pay back" clause-- it says it right there on the website. If programs are arbitrarily choosing which students to put on the grant, and then not notifying them, this is seems rather dishonest. I was accepted into an MSTP program, but unbeknownst to me, I am not receiving all the benefits that were advertised.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll probably be emailing the NIH program director.