how do i know when im ready to apply for md phd programs?

[elmo700]

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i currently am in my 3rd year of college & have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.68 sGPA and will be taking the mcat in may. If i apply this coming cycle, I will have 1500+ research hours, one summer program end presentation, 250+ clinical hours, 200+ volunteering hrs at time of application. Should i take a gap year or give applying a chance?

 

[ophthoaspirant]

If your MCAT score is 520+, you can give applying a chance. If not, take a gap year and get at least 1-2 mid-author publications.

 

[dimplesage]

While publications aren't necessary for most programs, I believe that presenting at conferences (regional, national, or international) can be a major plus to show research productivity. I would also base your decision off of whether you feel confident in your letter writers giving you strong LORs that attest to your research experience and desire to be a physician scientist.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I'll take a less metrics-oriented perspective (though the previous points are fine). Many experts here can talk more about the MCAT and the publication count for a strong candidacy.

I would encourage you to consider why you want the extended path of MD/PhD education compared to a straight-up MD track or a PhD track (pending grant funding). There are some programs that offer extra time for student scholarship, so you shouldn't go "MSTP or bust" IMO.

Think about what your future would look like and how both degrees allows you to open doors to that career picture. Most MSTPs love the academic medicine life with the triple-threat of being a solid researcher, teacher, and administrator. You could be creative enough to be part of industry, but it seems like a long road. I ask about how candidates see themselves conducting "translational research" and why the deferred gratitude of the extra years (and salary differences) is worth that effort. Not everyone loves the grind of grant-writing or academic "service" that you will be expected to have if you stayed in academia.

Here are a couple of articles with slightly different perspectives about pursuing health professional+PhD tracks. Reflect on the similarities and the focus should you wind up deciding to do MD/PhD. But always consider your options in MD-only as well.

Pursuing a Combined DVM/PhD Program: A Path to Research in Veterinary Medicine | SDN

Access free resources, expert advice, and tools to advance your medical career.

www.studentdoctor.net

Bridging the Gap Between the Bench and Chairside: The DDS/PhD Pathway | SDN

Access free resources, expert advice, and tools to advance your medical career.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[ophthoaspirant]

I'll take a less metrics-oriented perspective (though the previous points are fine). Many experts here can talk more about the MCAT and the publication count for a strong candidacy.

I would encourage you to consider why you want the extended path of MD/PhD education compared to a straight-up MD track or a PhD track (pending grant funding). There are some programs that offer extra time for student scholarship, so you shouldn't go "MSTP or bust" IMO.

Think about what your future would look like and how both degrees allows you to open doors to that career picture. Most MSTPs love the academic medicine life with the triple-threat of being a solid researcher, teacher, and administrator. You could be creative enough to be part of industry, but it seems like a long road. I ask about how candidates see themselves conducting "translational research" and why the deferred gratitude of the extra years (and salary differences) is worth that effort. Not everyone loves the grind of grant-writing or academic "service" that you will be expected to have if you stayed in academia.

Here are a couple of articles with slightly different perspectives about pursuing health professional+PhD tracks. Reflect on the similarities and the focus should you wind up deciding to do MD/PhD. But always consider your options in MD-only as well.

Pursuing a Combined DVM/PhD Program: A Path to Research in Veterinary Medicine | SDN

Access free resources, expert advice, and tools to advance your medical career.

www.studentdoctor.net

Bridging the Gap Between the Bench and Chairside: The DDS/PhD Pathway | SDN

Access free resources, expert advice, and tools to advance your medical career.

www.studentdoctor.net

You also have to take into account the increasing prevalance of research gap years in the MD-only path.