Gap year- Master’s degree worth it?

[JIMMYJOHNivy]

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Given the wide use of statistics in clinical research, would you say a 1 year masters in applied statistics would be worth the money and investment before heading to med school?

FYI: I’ve already decided to take a gap year. Wondering if this would be a good use of my time.


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[JIMMYJOHNivy]

Why do you need masters in statistics if you want to be a doctor?

So I can independently carry out clinical research projects from start to finish in med school and beyond.

Having done a significant amount of clinical research, I’m finding my lack of statistical knowledge to impede my ability to be self-reliant when doing clinical research.


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[JowellHollyBuddy33]

Why not dual degree an MPH instead?

 

[JIMMYJOHNivy]

Why not dual degree an MPH instead?

Because I need something to do during my gap year anyways.

It’s either continue doing clinical research for a year or do this 1- year masters program and acquire a skillset that’ll be useful in the future.



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[eteshoe]

It may be more useful to carry out clinical research in your gap year and see where the need and your interests align if you choose to pursue an MPH or Masters in clinical science later in your training


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[thetheatrecat]

Personally, I did almost exactly what you are thinking about, and I'm very glad I did it-and it got a lot of positive attention this year as I applied (I will note that I applied as someone who clearly is aiming towards a research career). I was frustrated that my knowledge wasn't enough to fully run my own analyses for my research. You might consider something specifically geared towards clinical research like biostatistics or a stats-heavy epidemiology course. Don't do an MPH. You won't get enough of the stats. At this point, I have designed studies, written grants, and can run the statistics for many of the studies I may want to do in the future-I can be immediately productive in med school. Which program are you looking at for the masters?

 

[JIMMYJOHNivy]

Personally, I did almost exactly what you are thinking about, and I'm very glad I did it-and it got a lot of positive attention this year as I applied (I will note that I applied as someone who clearly is aiming towards a research career). I was frustrated that my knowledge wasn't enough to fully run my own analyses for my research. You might consider something specifically geared towards clinical research like biostatistics or a stats-heavy epidemiology course. Don't do an MPH. You won't get enough of the stats. At this point, I have designed studies, written grants, and can run the statistics for many of the studies I may want to do in the future-I can be immediately productive in med school. Which program are you looking at for the masters?

MPS | Cornell University Department of Statistical Science

1 year MPS in applied statistics.

I’m thinking a solid background in statistics might make me a more attractive candidate during med school interviews and down the line when I apply for residency.



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[Reverb]

How are your stats? (No pun intended). Are you intending on applying to research-heavy programs? MD-PhD?

Maybe consider working on EC's if you're currently lacking in that area. Personally, I think a masters program would be a waist of money and wont have a substantial impact with most Adcoms, even at research-heavy schools. I was in a bit of a similar situation as you in regards to your frustrations, but fortunately I was able to take two graduate level biostats courses as electives which really helped to better shape my understanding. That being said, if thats not an option for you, I'd highly consider sticking with clinical research throughout your gap year. Don't be afraid to talk with your PI or some of the post-docs. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from them and how willing they are to teach you about the nitty-gritty details. Best of luck to you!

 

[JIMMYJOHNivy]

How are your stats? (No pun intended). Are you intending on applying to research-heavy programs? MD-PhD?

Maybe consider working on EC's if you're currently lacking in that area. Personally, I think a masters program would be a waist of money and wont have a substantial impact with most Adcoms, even at research-heavy schools. I was in a bit of a similar situation as you in regards to your frustrations, but fortunately I was able to take two graduate level biostats courses as electives which really helped to better shape my understanding. That being said, if thats not an option for you, I'd highly consider sticking with clinical research throughout your gap year. Don't be afraid to talk with your PI or some of the post-docs. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from them and how willing they are to teach you about the nitty-gritty details. Best of luck to you!

3.97 GPA from a T15 undergrad
517 MCAT
2 clinical research pubs

I’m aiming for T20 research schools but feel like my MCAT is a bit low so I’m trying to find some way to let med schools know I’m serious about being a productive clinical researcher as a med student.


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[thetheatrecat]

To counter what Reverb said, I think the reason that I got a interviews at research-heavy schools (CCLCM as an example) is because I did my Msc. However, I would suggest doing something more directly applied to medicine where your project will actually be in clinical research. Also, that program is stupid expensive. Totally biased because this was my school, but you might consider LSHTM's med stats program (MSc Medical Statistics | LSHTM).

 

[Justabronco]

Statistics is absolutely helpful and if you are already taking a gap year and has those application numbers, I recommend you going for it. Not just helpful for med school application, but for everything down the road, including as an attending. Looking back now, after being involved with multiple research projects and publishing, I wish I had taken the time to get a solid understanding in statistics before I started med school because there will NOT be time for you to do so anymore.

 

[JIMMYJOHNivy]

@LizzyM

Would you say a 1 year masters in medical statistics would make me more competitive at your school? Given it demonstrates serious interest in research?

 

[LizzyM]

@LizzyM

Would you say a 1 year masters in medical statistics would make me more competitive at your school? Given it demonstrates serious interest in research?

It would not hurt. It might help. Just be sure that the coursework and projects are related to medical research (biostatistics) and not something else (finance, agriculture, marketing).