Just trying to figure things out

[MFrig31]

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Having looked over the idea of a MD/PhD program I continually get excited about the possibility. However, I still a have many questions concerning the program. Many of which involve the entire application process in general and what kinds of things they look for in an applicant outside of research experience and grades.

I have read in some places that if you apply MD/PhD there is the possibility that your application would be deferred to the MD pool. Would having it deferred hurt your chances of getting in an MD alone? If I were not to get into a MD/PhD program my goal would be to get into the very best MD program at a school that is ranked highly for research.

Also, how hard is it as an MD to actually do research. I am more interested in finding out what opportunities are open to MDs and how they would go about entering into research. I know you can take a research residency year, and/or do a fellowship involving research, but what steps are could be taken after finishing that would get you into a lab?

What is the difference between MSTP and non-MSTP programs, I know about funding and what not, but is prestige the only other difference?

This is all a little scary to me; I don’t want to do anything that might hurt my chances of actually getting in SOMEWHERE following graduation. I am a junior Biology/Biochemistry/Premed, Division I athlete (not sure if that helps) with a 3.7, looking at least a 34 on the MCATs, 1 full year of volunteer research (approx. 12-15 hrs a week) in a molecular biology lab. I am beginning work in a new biochemistry research lab for credit and as a summer job starting this semester and into next year. Do I stand a chance? Will not having a permanent lab hurt my chances? I am asking a bit much here I know, but I just need to get some answers.

Good luck to all you current applicants!

 

[gaganheim]

Having looked over the idea of a MD/PhD program I continually get excited about the possibility. However, I still a have many questions concerning the program. Many of which involve the entire application process in general and what kinds of things they look for in an applicant outside of research experience and grades.

I have read in some places that if you apply MD/PhD there is the possibility that your application would be deferred to the MD pool. Would having it deferred hurt your chances of getting in an MD alone? If I were not to get into a MD/PhD program my goal would be to get into the very best MD program at a school that is ranked highly for research.

Also, how hard is it as an MD to actually do research. I am more interested in finding out what opportunities are open to MDs and how they would go about entering into research. I know you can take a research residency year, and/or do a fellowship involving research, but what steps are could be taken after finishing that would get you into a lab?

What is the difference between MSTP and non-MSTP programs, I know about funding and what not, but is prestige the only other difference?

This is all a little scary to me; I don’t want to do anything that might hurt my chances of actually getting in SOMEWHERE following graduation. I am a junior Biology/Biochemistry/Premed, Division I athlete (not sure if that helps) with a 3.7, looking at least a 34 on the MCATs, 1 full year of volunteer research (approx. 12-15 hrs a week) in a molecular biology lab. I am beginning work in a new biochemistry research lab for credit and as a summer job starting this semester and into next year. Do I stand a chance? Will not having a permanent lab hurt my chances? I am asking a bit much here I know, but I just need to get some answers.

Good luck to all you current applicants!

Ok, I'll try to take these on in as few words as possible:

Applicants need: Research experience, good grades, good MCATs, good LOR from research advisors, skill at talking about research on interviews

Deferred to MD only: It will happen, and it won't hurt your chances, but you don't get a chance to revize your application to look more like an MD only-ish.

MD research: You face an uphill battle, and may have to do a research only postdoc. In order to get funded you need publications, and be able to prove you are competent to perform the research you propose. MDs face a tougher road in this aspect. You will also face pressure from your hospital to see patients, and you probably will come out with some heavy debt, which research jobs will not pay enough to tackle.

MSTP: Don't underestimate the amount of trouble 100k worth of debt (paying for first two years) will cause you. Funding is more important than you seem to be treating it.

Stats: competitive, for mid-level MSTPs. Make sure you get a good letter from your new (and previous) mentor.

http://www.med.upenn.edu/mstp/applicantfaq.pdf
http://www.intransit.us

 

[stherling]

On the deferred-to-MD-only possibility... I've been told that sometimes schools don't forward your file to the MD-only folks until very late in the application cycle, which can be a big problem.

Also, a lot of schools allow internal transfers into the MD-PhD programs after the first or second year of medical school. Just another thing to consider if you don't get into an MD/PhD program straight off.

 

[solitude]

I didn't read all of the posts, but I think your stats are pretty competitive for not just mid-level, but all MSTP's. Granted you aren't guarenteed admission to any of the best, but I would definitely give them a shot. Your athlete status could be a decent plus, showing that you are incredibly well-rounded. How much research do you have (I might have missed this by skimming)?

 

[solitude]

I didn't read all of the posts, but I think your stats are pretty competitive for not just mid-level, but all MSTP's. Granted you aren't guarenteed admission to any of the best, but I would definitely give them a shot. Your athlete status could be a decent plus, showing that you are incredibly well-rounded. How much research do you have (I might have missed this by skimming)?

Nevermind, I read the original post. You'll be fine with regards to research. Your GPA and MCATs will be competitive for almost all MSTP's, although it's hard to predict where you will get interviews. I would recommend applying to a wide range of schools.

 

[mac921]

I didn't quite understand how much research experience you will have. 2 or more years of quality research experience would be best. You want to be sure that you know what you are getting into and that you are cut out for it. Extensive research experience will also give you the opportunity for your own in-depth research project that you have moved forward and a recommendation of an investigator who really knows you. Also, I found that admissions committees were drawn to interesting people. Div. I athlete science-whiz would sound like an interesting person to me.