Finding a basic science mentor as an MD-only at a R25-type PSTP

[someqsaboutstuff]

I am looking at PSTP/R25 residency programs and came to the realization that even if I matched at a program with strong research support for trainees and had many prominent basic scientists, I would still need to be somewhat useful to any of the large/highly productive labs that I'd have the opportunity to join.

I have a good amount of prior research experience via several gap years but I am probably at the level of an early PhD student rather than a postdoc.

I am wondering how trainees in these programs without a PhD are able to bridge the gap so that they are ultimately useful in these labs.

It is possible to lobby to somehow get a PhD during/after residency with support of the PSTP/R25 (I know this would be a pretty rare circumstance)?

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[SurfingDoctor]

I am looking at PSTP/R25 residency programs and came to the realization that even if I matched at a program with strong research support for trainees and had many prominent basic scientists, I would still need to be somewhat useful to any of the large/highly productive labs that I'd have the opportunity to join.

I have a good amount of prior research experience via several gap years but I am probably at the level of an early PhD student rather than a postdoc.

I am wondering how trainees in these programs without a PhD are able to bridge the gap so that they are ultimately useful in these labs.

It is possible to lobby to somehow get a PhD during/after residency with support of the PSTP/R25 (I know this would be a pretty rare circumstance)?

I'm not sure I understand your question. You're concerned that a basic science lab wouldn't want you because you are an MD? That seems unlikely. Being on an institutions R25 means you have protected research time. You are free labor. You are also, assumingly, at least somewhat motivated being a physician. Our institution has a joint R25 program through medicine and pediatrics. I sat on a resident's R25 committee and they went to a big basic science lab (very big). That project however foundered because 1) it was clear that the basic scientist had no oversight/interest of the project 2) the trainee either wasn't eager or didn't seem engaged enough. But my experience is you get out of it what you put into it and for this person, it was clearly not meant to be (they went into general private practice). No one is going to expect you to be savvy on the latest and greatest genomic techniques, but you should be willing to learn and ask questions if that is your longterm pursuit.

Your second question is somewhat unrelated. Can you get a PhD after residency? Of course, it is possible. Some institutions have pathways for that. Baylor and Hopkins come to mind. But you need to figure out if you are going to specialize. Usually as part of that specialization, there are research requirements. Those can often be extended through either F32 or T32 awards for MD only. Certainly, going the PhD offers more time to just do research, at the expense of years lost of medical practice and revenue generation. The R25 however is not a pathway to that specifically, at least not from my experience.

 

[dl2dp2]

You can use your soft skills to beg for a postdoc to mentor you.

I'm not even joking. This is literally how you can get anywhere now. Be a free slave for many years.

That being said, if you are in a med school, how useful is this for your future career?