Emory MSTP vs UAB MSTP

[goku2005]

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I am deciding between Emory MSTP and UAB MSTP. Does anyone have any insight into which would be a stronger choice. I have debated everything from research, location, students, etc. and it seems to be a dead heat. Any insight into either institution would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doctor&Geek]

Do you have a specific field in mind, and compared and contrasted the two schools in that particular field?

 

[Gfunk6]

Ditto. I can try to address any specific concerns or questions that you have.

 

[goku2005]

Currently I am interested in cell signalling and immunology. However, I dont know if that will be my interests later. I guess you guys could look at it through the those fields. Also what do you think of the administration of the program?

 

[Gfunk6]

Re: Immunology

Both UAB and Emory are very strong in this area in terms of NIH funding. At UAB, there are several outstanding researchers in Immunology including Max Cooper (HHMI), Edwin Blalock, and Etty Beneveniste.

Re: Administration

UAB just recently had an audit of its MSTP by the NIH and did a superlative job. OUr renewal was judged to be "Excellent" (Priority Score = 179) by the NIH review panel. So we have an extension through July 2010.

Also, the program is working hard at reducing the total length of time for the MSTP. We have recently have had people graduate in 6.0-6.5 years. The goal is to get the average below 7 years within the next few cycles.

 

[Doctor&Geek]

UAB has a huge research apparatus at both the basic and translational ends in immunology. Most of the immunology on the translational side focuses on lupus and rheumatoid arthritis with the whole group scheduled to get brand new lab space in Shelby. Rheumatology here is very, very big, even within the Department of Medicine. On the basic science side, UAB has consistently had one of the top funded departments in Micro and Immuno for years. AIDS is a major focus here, but more basic immunology is also an emphasis.

http://www.microbio.uab.edu/immunology.html

I can easily recommend at least 10, maybe 15 groups based on what I've heard and people I've met alone for thesis research. I'd add that Max Cooper will be retiring soon, and he has already taken his "last" graduate student, an MSTPer my year.

Emory's Immunology program is also very very strong, so I don't think you could go wrong attending either institution if your emphasis is in immunology. If you want to cut a straw longways, then I suggest that you look over each list, count the number of researchers you could consider rotating and possibly doing research with, and then choose the one with the higher number.

Cell signalling - well, could you be more specific? 😀

The average time to graduation next year, if everyone is on schedule, is 7.8 years for 11 students. I think we graduated the last of the lifers in this past years match.

 

[emt409]

I'm a first year medical student at UAB thinking about joining MSTP next year, so if you have more specific questions about life in Bham, or as an MSTP (i have a couple good friends in the program, I am more than happy to answer.

UAB Pros:

Fantastic in immunology - especially transplant (UAB does more kidney transplants than any hospital in world)

Not sure about cell signaling, you'd need to be more specific.

Much, much, much cheaper to live in Birmingham. You're stipend will go much further here.

Gym is directly across street from med school building - you'll appreciate this so much more when you realize how much time you spend there.

Weather is better here than any other place except LA or San Diego.

UAB Cons:

UAB has gotten insanely more competitive in past couple years due them trying to get in top 10 med schools, so they're admitting a much more competition focused class.

Med school labs are kind of old.

No formal cadaver dissection.

Feel free to email me with any other questions! [email protected]

 

[emt409]

wow, just realized that was a 2005 post, guess you're already at one of the two 🙂

 

[Mountain Cow]

wow, just realized that was a 2005 post, guess you're already at one of the two 🙂

Actually, its nice that you bumped this up. The posts were interesting. Wonder how/if the comparison has changed over the past 3 years.