is masters a "WOW" for residency apps?

[HiddenTruth]

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Hi all,

I am a 3rd year medical student in a 6 year B.A/M.D program (so theoretically a first yr med), and I am interested in perhaps doing a ONE yr masters somewhere after my second yr is over. I was wondering if you all knew of some good one yr masters programs that would primarily help my credentials (residency profile) and secondarily help me grow professionally. I am interested in applying to a strong residency program and that is a main reasons why I would like to have that under my belt....that significant?? Also as I said I am in a 6 year program..so we barely have a bacc...(it's a B.L.A)...would that jus' wipe me out of even considering many of the programs? Pls let me hear some feedback. First of all, I mean is it even that significant to have masters and is it looked upon prestigiously and second of all, would I be a strong candidate comming from this program, and 3rdly, what solid one yr programs are out there..perhaps MPH? I would be very appreicative to hear some solid feedback. Thanks so much for your input.

 

[ny skindoc]

I doubt a masters degree would have much impact on residency matching.First of all what specialty interests you? a masters in physics might help in some radiology programs but unless the degree is closely related to the specialty in question there is no reason for it.an MPH would help getting a residency in public health but they are not competitive.I think a masters is a waste of time for a med student.If you place your energy in doing well in your studies and on the board exams it will do more for your application than anything else.

 

[Stinky Tofu]

I agree with ny skindoc. If you are doing it to improve your CV, I think your time would be better spent studying and getting involved in research projects in your desired field. Also, most residency programs won't care whether you had a B.A., B.S., or B.L.A.

 

[tofurious]

PhD? More like an "interesting" rather than a WOW. Masters? Probably helps but not even too interesting.

 

[chef]

PhD - WOW. automatic interview

masters- meh

 

[16846]

What about a Masters in Psychology & a Masters in Healthcare Administration, if you want to go into a Psychiatry or Internal Medicine/Psychiatrym residency?

 

[tofurious]

I guess you'll just have to find out when you apply. It really doesn't matter what WE say.

 

[Califlower]

I am by no means an expert, but here's my two cents:

Does your school allow you to leave midway through the program and return? Are there grad schools in your are who offer masters programs of your choice and your desired length(1 yr)? Most masters programs are two years -- very few are one year, and most of those are intended to be similar to a post-bacc program. Also, have you taken the MCAT? I know some 6 year programs don't require the MCAT because they take students right out of high school. Very few grad schools would take the MCAT instead of the GRE -- which means you may have to prepare for the GRE. Studying for the GRE can take time away from your studies. I would also worry that spending a year ++ in grad school away from med school can have a negative effect on your third and fourth years. IMHO, a good grade/ a good grasp on the subjects learned looks better than a master's degree for residency.

Many students do pursue a master's degree before heading off to medical school -- hardly any would do this midway. If you are in a 6 year program, did you start right out of high school? If so, you must be young. You have plenty of time to pursue doctorate or masters degrees after you finish med school. Do it because you want to do it, not so it would beef up your applications for jobs.

 

[HiddenTruth]

Originally posted by Califlower
I am by no means an expert, but here's my two cents:

Does your school allow you to leave midway through the program and return? Are there grad schools in your are who offer masters programs of your choice and your desired length(1 yr)? Most masters programs are two years -- very few are one year, and most of those are intended to be similar to a post-bacc program. Also, have you taken the MCAT? I know some 6 year programs don't require the MCAT because they take students right out of high school. Very few grad schools would take the MCAT instead of the GRE -- which means you may have to prepare for the GRE. Studying for the GRE can take time away from your studies. I would also worry that spending a year ++ in grad school away from med school can have a negative effect on your third and fourth years. IMHO, a good grade/ a good grasp on the subjects learned looks better than a master's degree for residency.

Many students do pursue a master's degree before heading off to medical school -- hardly any would do this midway. If you are in a 6 year program, did you start right out of high school? If so, you must be young. You have plenty of time to pursue doctorate or masters degrees after you finish med school. Do it because you want to do it, not so it would beef up your applications for jobs.

Hello, well thanks all for the solid bits and pieces of informations..it really helps to hear some perspective from other ppl.

Well, I am in a 6 yr program, and did not take the MCATS, and am pretty young (20). I honestly do not have a crazy interest in pursuing a masters degree, but do have a crazy interest in matching at a highly competetive residency position for lack of other words. I know boards score and performing well in classes is all a must; however, its kinda' like applying to med school all over again (for msot traditional ppl). I mean everyone has that great MCAt score, those great grades, and on and on. What I mean is that I think people need something different to set them apart from everyone else. I mean everyone applying into derm, ortho, top 10 schools all pretty much have those "vitals". So that is what led me to simply think of pursuing a masters. I am also interested in research. Now I am doing some research at my school and should be getting published ina few months, but again, its nothing big time...just little public school research. It also seems to me from your guys' posts that perhaps doing research in a respective fireld would be far better. Now, I have another question for you guys then. Do residency directors have a negative connotation for someone who took, say a yr off to go to HH-NIH research scholars program or any other respective one yr program, taking a yr off medical school? I went to a clinical congress for ACS and spoke with many surgeons, and thier take was that to them it's more impt for them to see that someone did some research while being focused in school, and not having to take time to go somewhere. I dont really know because I mean sure you can do research while being in school,. but obviously its not like spending a yr at NIH you know, but I dont know what is better. Let me hear some feedback from you guys if you dont mind. Thanks a lot for your help.