MD/PhD future applicants doing post bac?

[2105]

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Hi!

I was wondering if anyone of you applying to post-bac programs are looking into applying MD/PhD or MSTP programs after finishing your post-bac? I've only found a few programs that are geared toward researchers, but only some programs (Mt. Sinai, JHU and Mayo) mention MD/PhD alumni.

Although I believe my research experience is competitive, I feel that I may need to do some GPA repair to be more competitive. I'm just looking into different gap-year options.

Thanks

 

[Pirates1992]

Hi 2105,

I recently finished an SMP and received an MD/PhD acceptance. It's definitely possible. Don't let your undergraduate GPA discourage you

 

[neuro85]

Pirates 1992 Congrats!! If you don't mind, could you please share where you completed the SMP?

 

[Pirates1992]

Sure thing. I completed my Masters at the University of Michigan, but I'll stress that the SMP only really made me a competitive candidate from a GPA standpoint. Every other part of my application required substantial time away from my SMP classes to complete, including volunteering, shadowing, etc. Luckily Michigan offers a Research-oriented 1-year Masters where I was able to have a meaningful research experience which is absolutely important to MSTP programs.

In my opinion, I would only do an SMP if grades are the ONLY thing stopping you from getting in. I had applied a previous round and received multiple interviews and wait-list offers, so I knew I was fairly competitive. I was able to 4-point my Masters program, and when considered with my upward trend/ECs/Research Experience I was apparently competitive enough for acceptances.

Best of luck

 

[neuro85]

Thank you pirates 1992 ad gonnif for the advice, I greatly appreciate it! Yes, research is certainly a significant component of the MD/PhD application process that is why I am looking at SMPs programs that allow for transitioning into a Masters ( ie VCU) or programs like UMDNJ that allow for completing spreading the courses out two years, which would then allow time for research and volunteering.

Are there other programs that focus on both improving grades and gaining research experience you all would recommend looking at?

Pirates 1992, is the program you competed at Michigan the new Physiology SMP?

 

[Pirates1992]

Yes, the UM Physiology program. I have to defend my thesis then I'll be done. UM's Masters in Phys is obviously in its nascent stages, which has its disadvantages, but as far as I know its the only program that incorporates a meaningful research experience into the curriculum.