MD/PhD Interview @ VCU/MCV

[theprizefighter]

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Hi, All

I just got invited for an interview for the MD/PhD program at VCU/MCV. I've gone through their web site and the inerview feedback website. I just wondered if anyone out there in the program could give me some personal feedback about how their experience has gone and what their MD/PhD interview was like (the interview feedback website unfortunately doesn't have too much on this for MD/PhD programs).


Thanks for the help,

The Prize Fighter


"Here is a James Bond picture of Sean Connery, signed by Roger Moore." - The Simpsons

 

[pbp4]

what exactly do you want to know- i am somewhat familiar with mcv- i was sentenced there for my crimes against science- really though- fire way-

general interview advice- know your research, know what makes it important, know why the MD/PhD, and -although stupid know what you want to do with your life- post muddphudd- let me know what else i can help with.
-p

 

[theprizefighter]

Hi, pbp4

1. First off, if you interviewed for MD/PhD at VCU/MCV, how did your interview go with the faculty members whose labs your were interested in?

2. What financial compensation does VCU/MCV offer its MD/PhD students? There is nothing on any of this on the MD/PhD web site.

3. What are the medical students like at VCU/MCV? Are they nice, cranky, overly competitive, etc.

4. What do you like most about VCU/MCV? What do you like the least?


Thanks for your help.

The Prize Fighter

"Everything that has a begnining has an end." - The Oracle, The Matrix Revolutions

 

[pbp4]

Originally posted by theprizefighter


1. First off, if you interviewed for MD/PhD at VCU/MCV, how did your interview go with the faculty members whose labs your were interested in?

2. What financial compensation does VCU/MCV offer its MD/PhD students? There is nothing on any of this on the MD/PhD web site.

3. What are the medical students like at VCU/MCV? Are they nice, cranky, overly competitive, etc.

4. What do you like most about VCU/MCV? What do you like the least?

1.- my interviews were a while back but they went very well. i knew what lab i wanted to go to so things were pretty clear cut for me.

2. not sure on finances these days- we used to be fully funded by the school of medicine but due to state budget issues they are now offering some sort of discount- that is why you will not see it on the web site- i do not think anyone is proud of this- that also go to q#4- i hate the fact that mcv is no longer able to offer full medical school tuition and stipend- i have it and i know i would not have joined if it was not offered. it is just to long to be in school and have tons of debt. the new director is applying for mstp funding. this would change everything but if you get into a funded school you would be off your rocker to pay at mcv and hope mstp comes through- sorry if any mcv people read this- just being honest.

3. students at mcv are a good bunch but i must say there really is a lot of variability from class to class. with over 170 per class you will have great friends and some not so great friends. nice and not so nice. i never felt like it was that competitive but there are always some no matter where you go.

4. a loved my research area which was antibiotic resistance- mcv may not be a powerhouse med school but it's micro and id department have some really great labs (also pharm, rad onc/onc and neuro-trauma). in addition, the clinical training is excellent. mcv is a large hospital and med students play a big role in patient care- sometimes to our dismay- but overall great for your learning. mcguire va, another mcv training site is one of the largest in the country and in the va world- vets think and treat you like you are their doc. you also can see a for profit hospital on major rotations if you want- INOVA Fairfax is a new teaching center for mcv and everyone i know that has been there has loved it.

so if you want good research with great clinical training give it a hard look but as i said funding is a major issue- i will not kid you.

good luck-p