Engineering in the secondaries

[JETER]

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I would appreciate any advice from those who have been here before. I am currently knee-deep in completing my secondaries, and I have noticed that I am developing a distinct theme with the questions regarding research. I am a chemical engineering graduate, and currently in graduate school in chemical engineering. All of my research has been in, guess what, engineering. I am trying to tie in with this how the engineering mind set (i.e., attention to detail, anal approach towards modeling, etc) will help me with more medical related research. However, I am a bit afraid that I am stressing the whole engineering thing a bit too hard. Any chemical engineers out there will feel my emotions on how hard it is to get this education, and as a result, I am a bit proud. I guess my question is . . . How taboo is it to keep referring to engineering in these essays? I know that I am by no means unique with this educational background, but it really is all that I have done with research. I was a double major as an undergrad, also in physics, but I found engineering research SO much more interesting, so I did ZERO research in so called "hard science." In addition to the lack of interest, most of the research that goes around in my physics department is in quantum field theory, and that is just a bit too hardcore. Quantum mechanics is just barely almost understandable, but quantum fields? Ouch. Anyways, what are everyone?s take on how to approach the essay questions concerning my research "experience that has led me to the mudphud etc. . . ."

I would like to go into biomedical engineering PhD programs, but I know that these are a bit difficult to get into. I will express an interest in several other areas of medical research, such as pharmacology and biochemistry, but my first choice would be engineering. I am just afraid that I will be too skewed in this direction, and eliminate myself in the other areas that I would be interested in. Again, any directions or assistance would be appreciated. Thanks ~

Jeter

 

[whattodowithmys]

hi jeter
i dont really have any advice because i am new to this whole thing, but i totally see what you are saying. i am a bioengineer and i wonder how much i should stress that. (like you i guess i feel proud of the engineering backgorund) do med schools value this versus the more classic biologists? also are engineering mstps harder to attain than more tradionals?

 

[JETER]

What? No advice?

I was just hoping for some do/don't type of response from anyone.

Thanks

 

[SaltySqueegee]

... I guess my question is . . . How taboo is it to keep referring to engineering in these essays?

It is not taboo at all, just don't forget to relate how you will use your engineering background, combined with an MD to direct and focus your research. How you view both of them being necessary for medical research, and how intertwined they are. i.e. Everytime you mention something about engineering relate it to helping medicine and vice versa.

... so I did ZERO research in so called "hard science."

Warning, this answer is nine-parts opinion, and one-part fact. Research is research. What is important is that you can convey that you have honed and practice a critical thinking and analytical mindset, which will prepare you for any type of research in the future. So, no my opinion is that you don't need to worry about the 'hard-science' related research aspect. It's kind of irrelevant.

... Anyways, what are everyone?s take on how to approach the essay questions concerning my research "experience that has led me to the mudphud etc. . . ."

Unfortunately, I can't help you with this. This is something that must come from your own personal opinion on how a PhD is necessary for the MD, and an MD is necessary for the PhD. Make sure to interelate the two in your essay. Check out a book called 101 Essays that will get you into medical school. One section contains examples for students with heavy research backgrounds. It might give you a few ideas.

... I will express an interest in several other areas of medical research, such as pharmacology and biochemistry, but my first choice would be engineering. I am just afraid that I will be too skewed in this direction, and eliminate myself in the other areas that I would be interested in.

If you do convey an interest in these areas, approach it from the angle that you have much to bring to the world of biochemistry and pharmacology from your engineering perspective. If you do it that way, you shouldn't have any problems.

Best of luck,

-Salty 👍