Internal MD/PhD

[tomjr]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all... just wanted to throw my situation out there for discussion...

When I applied to med school last summer, I had little significant research experience... during this past year, though, I had an awesome experience with an extended senior thesis research project in the college of engineering here at BU (I'm a biomedical engineering major). I am set to start at Penn next fall 🙂clap: ) for MD, but, given my new interest in research, I am seriously considering applying for MD/PhD internally during first year. ALl of Penns documentation seems to indicate that students can apply to dual degree programs at any point in the first two years or so.

So, my question becomes... does anyone have experience with internal MD/PhD applications? Difficulties? Successes?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Tom

 

[Primate]

Penn took three internal candidates this last cycle. There were more than that many applications from within, but it is clearly possible. You'll be evaluated with the other applicants, but the up-side is that you'll be a known quantity. The opportunity is to ensure that this won't bite you in the backside - ie, make what is known about you all positive during the first year (or two).

Keep the "year out" option in mind also. It's very well supported at Penn. Depends on what you might want to do eventually.

btw, a big oooorah! about Penn You're gonna love it! Though leaving Boston is never easy (he said, pining for home). 😉

P\

 

[tomjr]

Thanks for the advice... yeah, I def. want to do some basic science research, whether its in a PhD program or year out or whatever... I think I'm going to e-mail the program director at Penn and start up some dialogue.

cheers,

Tom

 

[Primate]

PM me if you need addresses, etc.

Best,
P

 

[pathdr2b]

Penn is on my list of schools to apply to this year and IF I'm not accepted to the MD/PhD program and IF I get into the MD only program, I'm certainily going to apply the following year as an internal candidate.


Good Luck!