FDA or NIH postbac better for MD/PHD applicants?

[WaxEarplugsFTW]

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My goal is to get into a MD/PHD program.
My main question isn't a how are my chances, but it would be nice if someone could check that for me:
-My GPA is: 3.91, degree is BS Biochemistry at GMU
-President/founder of a club
-1 Publication
-Been in 3 research groups at GMU (1 year each). A publication came from one of those
-On my own time, I invented DIY devices. One popular one is a diy transcranial direct current stimulation device My videos are on youtube (search tdcs), and I've been cited in many articles, and published an article in a few magazines about it
-I haven't take the MCAT yet so I will have to take the new one when it comes out but my goal is a 33.
- Now I am doing a postbac at NIH or FDA, and I have having trouble deciding which is better......or does it not matter?

So my applications to a position at NIH IRTA and FDA ORISE.

My goal is to research Age-related diseases (cancer, alzheimer's, parkinsons, etc).
You'd think it's a no brainer which I would choose, but after comparing the social setting, I am not quite sure any more. Also, I will stay 1 year.

At the NIH, I would help research Immune System reconstriction, Cancer, Allogenic Transplantation of Immune cells (modifying it with rapamycin), and they are currently doing clinical trials with Dr. Fowler
https://ccr.cancer.gov/daniel-h-fowler

At the FDA, I would help research Hepatitis A, Ebola, HIV with Dr. Kaplan
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/ScienceResearch/BiologicsResearchAreas/ucm127098.htm

Here are my thoughts on each. First the social setting. It feels awkward at the NIH. It was a pain getting in through security. During the interview, I'm not sure but it just doesn't feel like the Dr. seemed to like me? Idk. I was so unsure! But then, the counter argument is that if he didn't like me, he wouldn't go through with the process of giving me. The workers there EXCEPT 1 all just didn't bother talking to me when I tried to ask them about their part of the research. The facility had a LOT of complex materials, and equipment, but it was very cluttered, and overall I just felt cold.
The FDA setting however was entirely different. The doctor was very nice, and willing to work with me on stipend, and he showed me all the bus routes, and everything. He was a very nice guy. The people working there are my age (up to 3 years older) also applying for med school. The FDA took an hour longer than the NIH interview because everyone there was show me everything they're doing and they were confortable with talking to me

What is clear to me is that the NIH position is has more serious research. The techniques, and everything in general appear more advanced and organised. The workers there are also older (even the postbacs there appear older). BUT also, is that even though they are doing more advanced stuff, I'm going to mainly be working on the flow cytometry so it's not like I can studdenly learn everything they know (and they don't seem very talkative). The FDA seems easier and people are more willing to show me what they're doing.

The FDA research has a lot of start up projects whereas the NIH were more concrete and long term. The FDA did not have any clinical trials (well since it's the FDA), and the NIH has 3 clinical trials going on in addition to their research projects. On the way to the lab, you see the whole clinical setting.

It is obvious that judging from what they're doing alone that the NIH is CLEARLY more hospital/medical oriented.
At the same time, I just didn't feel right there.

If you compare the FDA and NIH, now It's a matter of HOW much better is the NIH to the FDA (or is it better? idk).
Will going to the NIH vs. the FDA SIGNIFICANTLY help my chances at getting into a MD/PHD program or not?
Finally, is the NIH worth the PERHAPS less enjoyable setting, implying (is it so much better that I should go anyways)?

Thanks for your help in my decision.
I'm currently learning towards the Ebola right now but it's almost entirely due to the social setting. I am therefore deciding using my emotions, and I know emotions aren't very good at decision making. I need other perspectives.

 

[ftp902]

It will come down to what you are looking for. Is it the friendly environment or that you want to learn deeper into the field and hopefully publish? If FDA gives you both, you should go to FDA, but if NIH gives you a better opportunity, which I would assume, you should go to NIH. (I checked both websites, and NIH PI seems to publish more often, just to give you an idea). Regarding your chance to medical schools, it won't depend on the name value of these two institutions, but what you get out of it and how you can speak about it in interviews. My take is that research is more of getting down to business. Yeah it's nice to have great people around, but that's not the reason you are there for. Lastly, there are a ton of post-bacs also applying to medical schools at the NIH.

 

[JackieChanFan]

A lot of people I know who had very successful research experiences (publication, posters, quality training) at the NIH stayed for two years. If you make it clear to the PI that you are only staying for 1 year, he/she may be unwilling to invest too much into you. Just something to be aware of. Sounds like the FDA thing might be more worthwhile.

 

[cactus8910]

Here are my thoughts on each. First the social setting. It feels awkward at the NIH. It was a pain getting in through security. During the interview, I'm not sure but it just doesn't feel like the Dr. seemed to like me? Idk. I was so unsure! But then, the counter argument is that if he didn't like me, he wouldn't go through with the process of giving me. The workers there EXCEPT 1 all just didn't bother talking to me when I tried to ask them about their part of the research. The facility had a LOT of complex materials, and equipment, but it was very cluttered, and overall I just felt cold.

Don't consider the hassle of security in your decision. NIH employees have ID badges and just have to scan to get in (no lines or metal detectors).
I'd say go with your gut. With your GPA and research background, I think you'll be able to get into an MD/PhD program after doing research at either the NIH or FDA. Where you'll be happier, feel more engaged, and be more supported is important. That being said, it's hard to judge an environment just from an interview, so don't put too much stock in those interactions. If you've been accepted to both positions, maybe you could go back and talk with more people in each lab?

 

[WaxEarplugsFTW]

Thanks.
Anyone else would like to suggest their pick?

 

[research5]

Do you know where we could find a good place to live at the NIH near Bethesda since the rent is so expensive. Additionally, what is the best way of finding a roommate to share an apartment with at the NIH? I greatly appreciate any input.

 

[cactus8910]

Do you know where we could find a good place to live at the NIH near Bethesda since the rent is so expensive. Additionally, what is the best way of finding a roommate to share an apartment with at the NIH? I greatly appreciate any input.

I'm not sure about the best way to find a roommate through the NIH, but as far as where to live, I'd suggest looking beyond Bethesda. As long as you're near a Red line metro stop on the west side of the line, you should have no trouble getting to work with a. Relatively short commute. Places like rockville and twinbrook tend to be less expensive than bethesda.

 

[SPionic]

I know people in both programs and think that with the right PI, either could be great. It is important to look at how happy the people currently in the lab seem with the PI, what working dynamics are like, how productive the lab has been in terms of publications - especially publications in which students are at least second author. The NIH has more resources for postbacs, including support for graduate school applications, MCAT study groups, etc. It is also more transit accessible.

 

[SPionic]

Also, to find NIH housing, join the ClubPCR yahoo group. I think it is listed as being for 'bethesda area young professionals.' It's a little bit of a hassle to find, but very useful once you're in -- it forwards messages to your personal email, so you see postings automatically.

 

[DrowningInWork]

Uhhhh. As someone who works on tACS and tDCS, you definitely didn't invent a tDCS machine. It's entirely possible that you made one, though.