D
deleted1099068
Hello! I am applying to these schools and have received IIs. Although I have surfed these forums and read their respective websites, I would like to know which of these programs are best suited for someone who wants to pursue a research-oriented career around academic medicine? Understandably, I would have to be accepted first before actually deciding which school to lean toward when choosing. Still, I would like an informed opinion, so my understanding of each school's respective research initiative increases. Something to keep in mind is that while I love research, I do not quite have the stats or the publications/posters to apply to combined MD/Ph.D. programs.
UMMSM
Pros
- Highest NIH funding out of all Florida schools according to USNWR (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/most-research-money-rankings)
- NextGen MD program has scholarly concentrations which give ample opportunities to perform quality research
- Went here for undergrad, so I have an idea of most of the facilities and labs
Cons (I am only listing cons for UMMSM, as I am more familiar with the school)
- Granted, my interests have shifted significantly since my undergrad years; I was not a massive fan of the labs here. Working for nearly 40 hours a week and not publishing or even getting a poster out of the lab I put my heart and soul into since high school did not leave the best impression. I did submit an Honors Thesis, however.
- A few students I know who attend here are not huge fans of the labs here. Also, certain members of their current M2 class seem a bit uppity from previous experience...
UF COM
Pros
- Ranked the highest out of all Florida schools in research according to USNWR
- Students have dedicated time in the summer to perform quality research via the Discovery Pathways Program (Discovery Pathways Program » College of Medicine » University of Florida)
USF Morsani
Pros
- Considered the research powerhouse of Florida (according to multiple SDN threads I have come across)
- Scholarly Concentration in Biomedical Research guarantees an independent research project which can culminate with poster presentations at conferences and even the possibility of a publication in a journal with a moderately high eigenfactor
UCF COM
Pros
- According to @REL, the Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE) Program is a required part of the curriculum for all students during the first two years. Students get a chance to define their goal(s), and UCF receives a mentor to assist and step through the research process and, by the completion of the M2 year, students will likely have the chance to deliver a poster/presentation
- This has proven to be a strong ace in your pocket come time for residency interviews.
FIU HWCOM
Pros
- According to @Welshman, a combined MD/Ph.D. program was just started by Dr. Sackstein.
- The resources and opportunities specific to my research interests.
- Have to reach out and find a mentor whose lab I want to join.
- This gives the potential opportunity to pursue both degrees rather than applying to a more competitive combined program. Research is quite solid, though not as much as UMMSM, from what I know. I want to learn more about HWCOM as my understanding is quite limited at the moment.
- Research mentors seem more down-to-earth than what I am used to working with, which would be beneficial for me.
I do not trust USNWR rankings because a couple of metrics seem somewhat arbitrary to me. Any guidance would be appreciated! Perhaps a definitive ranking as well, although I am sure they are all great in their own right.
UMMSM
Pros
- Highest NIH funding out of all Florida schools according to USNWR (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/most-research-money-rankings)
- NextGen MD program has scholarly concentrations which give ample opportunities to perform quality research
- Went here for undergrad, so I have an idea of most of the facilities and labs
Cons (I am only listing cons for UMMSM, as I am more familiar with the school)
- Granted, my interests have shifted significantly since my undergrad years; I was not a massive fan of the labs here. Working for nearly 40 hours a week and not publishing or even getting a poster out of the lab I put my heart and soul into since high school did not leave the best impression. I did submit an Honors Thesis, however.
- A few students I know who attend here are not huge fans of the labs here. Also, certain members of their current M2 class seem a bit uppity from previous experience...
UF COM
Pros
- Ranked the highest out of all Florida schools in research according to USNWR
- Students have dedicated time in the summer to perform quality research via the Discovery Pathways Program (Discovery Pathways Program » College of Medicine » University of Florida)
USF Morsani
Pros
- Considered the research powerhouse of Florida (according to multiple SDN threads I have come across)
- Scholarly Concentration in Biomedical Research guarantees an independent research project which can culminate with poster presentations at conferences and even the possibility of a publication in a journal with a moderately high eigenfactor
UCF COM
Pros
- According to @REL, the Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE) Program is a required part of the curriculum for all students during the first two years. Students get a chance to define their goal(s), and UCF receives a mentor to assist and step through the research process and, by the completion of the M2 year, students will likely have the chance to deliver a poster/presentation
- This has proven to be a strong ace in your pocket come time for residency interviews.
FIU HWCOM
Pros
- According to @Welshman, a combined MD/Ph.D. program was just started by Dr. Sackstein.
- The resources and opportunities specific to my research interests.
- Have to reach out and find a mentor whose lab I want to join.
- This gives the potential opportunity to pursue both degrees rather than applying to a more competitive combined program. Research is quite solid, though not as much as UMMSM, from what I know. I want to learn more about HWCOM as my understanding is quite limited at the moment.
- Research mentors seem more down-to-earth than what I am used to working with, which would be beneficial for me.
I do not trust USNWR rankings because a couple of metrics seem somewhat arbitrary to me. Any guidance would be appreciated! Perhaps a definitive ranking as well, although I am sure they are all great in their own right.
Last edited by a moderator:
