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Just wondering if there are folks here who applied... and know of past scholars. What are they (NIH) looking for?
HHMI-NIH Research Scholars Program
- Thread starter Stanford Fencer
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I applied for the NIH clinical research program (CRTP). No idea what my chances are, though.
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Greetings-
As far as I know there is no one thing that the HHMI folks will be looking for. I was a scholar last year and the people accepted to the program ranged from those with significant research experience to those without any. Mostly they want to find people who will benefit from the experience - the mission of the program is to create more physician scientists. As with all applications, I believe strong letters of rec are key.
As far as I know there is no one thing that the HHMI folks will be looking for. I was a scholar last year and the people accepted to the program ranged from those with significant research experience to those without any. Mostly they want to find people who will benefit from the experience - the mission of the program is to create more physician scientists. As with all applications, I believe strong letters of rec are key.
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I agree with the above. Of course strong grades, LORs, test scores, etc. won't hurt...but there is no one thing that will get you in or keep you out. A long list of publications is not a prereq, but some research experience is useful because it helps to solidify your case for wanting to participate in the program. If that part of your application is lacking, they may wonder why you are willing to take a year off of school in order to pursue something you may end up hating. If you don't have any experience, you need to do some convincing as to why you think this is an important part of your training. Most of all, they want to see your committment and ability to think on your own.
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I'm currently doing an HHMI pre-doc fellowship at my institution. I can't speak for the NIH-HHMI cloister program, but I can pretty much tell you what the OTHER program is looking for.
1) How experienced is your PI? You basically want to hunt for a PI that is well-established -- has an awesome publication track record; is willing to give you proper guidence throughout the year (i.e. what other plans does he/she have for you besides engaging in a research project -- this is a good intro to seeing what physician-scientists do on a daily basis); etc. I would say that this part counts for about 40% of your total application.
2) HHMI is looking to fund future physician-scientists.. so it wouldn't hurt to mention this in your personal statement when you apply (next year I suppose since the app deadline passed on Jan 6). What are your motivations for taking a year off?
3) Your research proposal should be well thought-out and have a major impact in society. I'm not saying that ALL research projects need to abide by this rule, but it really helps your cause when you're looking to get funding. This probably accounts for 40% of your application 🙂 It helps to pick some hot topics in biomedical science. Have a post-doc and PI look over your proposal/abstract so that you've left no stone unturned.
Finally, as long as you're passing your classes without much trouble, your grades/MCAT/etc shouldn't factor that much into the overall evaluation of your application.
I highly suggest that you look to the different dept. chairs of your graduate school/medical school and ask them about some of the research going on. Ask them which PIs are doing notable research. I would meet with a few different PIs and hang around the lab to see how the students/post-docs/techs interact with each other.
As for the cloister program, you don't need to come up with a proposal as the PIs are picked out for you.. you just need to decide where you would like to work. I hear this is a great program and Bethesda/DC isn't a bad place to be for a year.
1) How experienced is your PI? You basically want to hunt for a PI that is well-established -- has an awesome publication track record; is willing to give you proper guidence throughout the year (i.e. what other plans does he/she have for you besides engaging in a research project -- this is a good intro to seeing what physician-scientists do on a daily basis); etc. I would say that this part counts for about 40% of your total application.
2) HHMI is looking to fund future physician-scientists.. so it wouldn't hurt to mention this in your personal statement when you apply (next year I suppose since the app deadline passed on Jan 6). What are your motivations for taking a year off?
3) Your research proposal should be well thought-out and have a major impact in society. I'm not saying that ALL research projects need to abide by this rule, but it really helps your cause when you're looking to get funding. This probably accounts for 40% of your application 🙂 It helps to pick some hot topics in biomedical science. Have a post-doc and PI look over your proposal/abstract so that you've left no stone unturned.
Finally, as long as you're passing your classes without much trouble, your grades/MCAT/etc shouldn't factor that much into the overall evaluation of your application.
I highly suggest that you look to the different dept. chairs of your graduate school/medical school and ask them about some of the research going on. Ask them which PIs are doing notable research. I would meet with a few different PIs and hang around the lab to see how the students/post-docs/techs interact with each other.
As for the cloister program, you don't need to come up with a proposal as the PIs are picked out for you.. you just need to decide where you would like to work. I hear this is a great program and Bethesda/DC isn't a bad place to be for a year.
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I think anyone who applies has a good chance at getting funding. The acceptance rate is probably around 50% or so. I am really enjoying the time off. It's good to have a change of pace.
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anyone heard about interviews? 🙂
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I did receive an invitation to interview just a few days ago (the Cloister program).
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I haven't heard a thing about the Cloister program, arrgh. Was it by email or snail mail or both? It shouldn't take that long from Bethesda to Philly! Did they give you a specific date or some choices? I'm flying home for spring break second week of March, hopefully that won't be a problem.
I wonder if they send out the acceptances first, since the interviews need to be planned ASAP...so maybe no news is bad news. 🙁 Geez, this sounds like it should be in the pre-allo forum.
I wonder if they send out the acceptances first, since the interviews need to be planned ASAP...so maybe no news is bad news. 🙁 Geez, this sounds like it should be in the pre-allo forum.
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lara and stanford fencer, are both M2's? i'm contemplating about this winter as an M3...still not sure yet. anyways, best of luck to both of you.
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i meant i'm contemplating <applying> this winter.
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NEXT winter. HAAHAHAHAH whats wrong with me?
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Yes, I'm an M2. And I finally got word today - looks like I'll be headed to Pitt for third year clinical rotations instead. 🙁 Oh well, I'd rather this than going through the trouble of interviewing and not making the cut anyway! And I don't have to change my sig. 🙂 Best of luck to everyone else!
