MD/PhD programs accepting int'l students

[surge]

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My apologies to fellow int'l applicants - I keep mentioning all my experience in the application process but have never provided actual practical advice.
I am traveling (which accounts for my exodus from SDN), so I apologize for being really slow with the responses.

Here is the list of schools that I have: I called each and every school on this list in the summer of 2002 to check their official policies on int'l students, and these are the ones I got a positive answer from. Please keep in mind that things might have changed. Check for yourself, and use this only as a starting point.
Also, with the exception of a few, most schools have only one spot for int'l students.

Good luck, and please feel free to add to or correct the list.

1. Harvard University (no funding)
2. Johns Hopkins University (one spot: Merck fellowship)
3. Washington University in St. Louis (very open to foreign applicants)
4. Duke University (I was unaware, but others have told me they take int'l applicants)
5. University of Pennsylvania
6. Columbia U. College of Physicians and Surgeons
7. Yale University (usually one spot)
8. Baylor College of Medicine
9. Cornell University (Tri-Institutional program)
10. University of California?Los Angeles (Geffen)
11. U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center?Dallas (very open to foreign applicants)
12. Emory University
13. University of Chicago
14. Mount Sinai School of Medicine
15. Yeshiva University (Albert Einstein)
16. Dartmouth Medical School
17. University of Southern California
18. University of Minnesota?Twin Cities
19. Indiana University?Indianapolis
20. Tufts University
21. University of Connecticut

 

[bahraini]

Surge,

I think its a good idea that you made this list. I wanted to ask you about this rule of only one spot for international students ..
is this a hard and fast rule that directors used? or was it an unmentioned criterion...

Either way, do you think this is because of a general funding issue, whereby there doesn't exist enough private funding? or do you know of any agenda set by the NIH for int'l students.

For int'l students out there, I was accepted to Tufts and Southwestern, but to no other school on that list. I am still on an F1 visa ..

Bahraini

 

[adesua]

Thanks for the list Surge,
I have a question about the Johns Hopkins Merck spot. I was trying to look for information on the Merck scholarship and I can't find it anywhere on the Johns Hopkins website. I also tried checking the Merck website at http://www.uncf.org/merck/default.htm and the only scholarships I saw are for African-Americans with a requirement that one has to be a US citizen or permanent resident (meaning green card holder) to apply. Moreover there was no reference to Johns Hopkins (at least on the website).

The other information I got from the Johns Hopkins website is that funding for non-MSTP MD/PhD spots only applies to the PhD part of the program (you still have to pay tuition for the MD part etc.). See http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/mdphd/new_page_7.htm

Is there some website which has information on this Johns Hopkins Merck spot or is it some kind of a secret scholarship?

Thanks a lot for your help

 

[bailey39]

Harvard does (at least this cycle and for the future) have fully-funded slots for international students. Harvard's president started the "Presidential Scholars" award/fellowship for international students in all disciplines, including MD/PhD. There are two starting this fall, although they both went to undergrad in the US. And they are treated the same (eg: same revisit, interviews, stipend, courses, etc) as the rest of the MSTP bunch.
good luck all!

 

[crackerj]

Add vanderbuilt to the list.... they even have accepted people who have studied the degree outside North America...

 

[surge]

OK, let's update the list:
- fixing Harvard (funding now available, thanks bailey 😉 )
- adding Vanderbilt (thanks crackerj)
- adding SUNY Upstate (mentioned by Napthali in another thread, thanks!)

Also, as far as the one spot 'rule' is concerned - it's not really a hard rule, but it turns out that most schools only have enough private funding to fund one international applicant a year. Schools cannot use any NIH money to fund int'l students (even if they are MSTP schools), because of NIH regulations. What they do with their private funding is up to them, but also keep in mind that most schools use some of that funding to subsidize even US MSTP students (NIH MSTP grant provides less money for student stipends than most schools end up giving us - the difference comes from their private funding).

I'm affraid I don't know much about the Merck scholarship at Hopkins. Personally I didn't apply, largely since I didn't know it even existed. But I know several people on this board have gotten it, and they said it can also fund international students. Do a search on SDN and perhaps contact them.


1. Harvard University (Presidential Scholars)
2. Johns Hopkins University (one spot: Merck fellowship)
3. Washington University in St. Louis (very open to foreign applicants)
4. Duke University (I was unaware, but others have told me they take int'l applicants)
5. University of Pennsylvania
6. Columbia U. College of Physicians and Surgeons
7. Yale University (usually one spot)
8. Baylor College of Medicine
9. Cornell University (Tri-Institutional program)
10. University of California?Los Angeles (Geffen)
11. U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center?Dallas (very open to foreign applicants)
12. Emory University
13. University of Chicago
14. Mount Sinai School of Medicine
15. Yeshiva University (Albert Einstein)
16. Dartmouth Medical School
17. University of Southern California
18. University of Minnesota?Twin Cities
19. Indiana University?Indianapolis
20. Tufts University
21. University of Connecticut
22. Vanderbilt
23. SUNY Upstate

 

[KBK]

have a question about the Johns Hopkins Merck spot. I was trying to look for information on the Merck scholarship and I can't find it anywhere on the Johns Hopkins website. I also tried checking the Merck website at http://www.uncf.org/merck/default.htm and the only scholarships I saw are for African-Americans with a requirement that one has to be a US citizen or permanent resident (meaning green card holder) to apply. Moreover there was no reference to Johns Hopkins (at least on the website).


From what I understand, there is only one merck scholarship at hopkins. If a person receives it, it will only be available for another person after the recipient's graduation. The only reason I could get the merck scholarship this year was because an international student who received the scholarship last year jsut became a permanent resident (therefore becoming eligible for an nih funding). If you are really serious about applying to hopkins, I would contact Dr. Siliciano and ask him if a second merck spot will become available in the future.

Good luck!

 

[Gradient Echo]

I'm not a Merck recipient, but I know the person who got it for my entering class (2002-2003 cycle was the first year it was offered)

I'm pretty sure he is covered for both phases of training (MD and PhD) and gets the same financial package for all years of the program that the NIH MSTP grant students get.

I've heard rumors that Merck may expand this funding to more than one slot in the future, but that hasnt happened yet. Thats also why they dont advertise it on the Merck website. I think the Hopkins MSTP adcom decides who gets the Merck spot, so therefore Merck is probably not going to put it on their website because it would give the impression that Merck decides who gets it.

The Hopkins MSTP website is being substantially revised in the near future (I dont think it has been updated in at least 2 or 3 years). I know that student profiles/biographies are being added (they have been asking us to submit info for it) and I assume that all financial stuff on the website will be updated along with it, and that it will include info on the Merck deal.

 

[adesua]

thanks for the info on the Merck thing!

 

[adesua]

Just modifying the list.

I phoned UCLA yesterday and they do not have funding for international students (for MD/PhD).

 

[surge]

Harvard University (Presidential Scholars)
Johns Hopkins University (one spot: Merck fellowship)
Washington University in St. Louis (very open to foreign applicants)
Duke University (I was unaware, but others have told me they take int'l applicants)
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia U. College of Physicians and Surgeons
Yale University (usually one spot)
Baylor College of Medicine
Cornell University (Tri-Institutional program)
U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center?Dallas (very open to foreign applicants)
Emory University
University of Chicago
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Yeshiva University (Albert Einstein)
Dartmouth Medical School
University of Southern California
University of Minnesota?Twin Cities
Indiana University?Indianapolis
Tufts University
University of Connecticut
Vanderbilt
SUNY Upstate

 

[aimg1]

Hi,

I would appreciate some advice. I'm am a Canadian (i.e international student). I was wondering how much research experience one needs in order to be competitive for the MD/PhD program in the US schools.

I have a computer science background and worked about 2.5 years in the hi-tech industry as a software designer and programmer analyst. My work required a lot of analytical problem solving and investigating issues and proposing/implementing solutions. Would this kind of experience count or do I need for formal research in a lab? Also in my 4th year I did an honours project which involved experimenting with imaging algorithms.

Since I'm not sure if the above experience is adequate, I was thinking of switching my major in to biomedical science and doing formal research in a university lab in medical science. But this will mean I have to wait 1 year before I can apply.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
aimg1

 

[adesua]

Hello aimg1
Sorry I can't help you too much because I'm applying this cycle. However check out this thread which has some stuff on your area of research and its relevance to the biomedical field.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70334

There was also an earlier thread which was much longer.

Also since there are other things you'll like addressed other than schools that accept international students, I'll suggest starting a new thread to make your message more visible.

All the best

 

[surge]

aimg1,

I have to be honest with you, although I don't mean to discourage you.

From what you've described, and from my experience, I'm affraid your chances of getting into an MD/PhD program in the US are not looking optimistic.

The work you describe, while a great experience, is not the kind of research MD/PhD programs are looking for. It is true that one doesn't have to be pouring gels and injecting mice in order to do research, but most successful applicants have 2+ years of actual biomedical research in a lab (wet or dry). You have to understand that the question will come up as to how do you know that you want to do an MD/PhD and devote your life to research, if you've never done it.

I would highly suggest to take a year or two and really get yourself immersed into science (classes and labwork). I think it will not just improve your chances, but really give you an opportunity to evaluate whether this is what you really want to be doing for the rest of your life.

And finally, and forgive me for speculating, if there is a part of you that is just interested in being a doctor, you should just go for an MD. In the long run, it's both cheaper (you'll be making more money later) and it saves you time. There are many, many international students, especially Canadian, at US medical schools who have found a way to pay for it, without too much trouble.

Either way, good luck.

 

[canadian]

Hi,

I'm also an F-1 student. I think you all can guess where I'm from. I got accepted into 2 programs with full funding.

Penn State - MSTP
Finch - non-MSTP

 

[surge]

Harvard University (Presidential Scholars)
Johns Hopkins University (one spot: Merck fellowship)
Washington University in St. Louis (very open to foreign applicants)
Duke University (I was unaware, but others have told me they take int'l applicants)
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia U. College of Physicians and Surgeons
Yale University (usually one spot)
Baylor College of Medicine
Cornell University (Tri-Institutional program)
U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center?Dallas (very open to foreign applicants)
Emory University
University of Chicago
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Yeshiva University (Albert Einstein)
Dartmouth Medical School
University of Southern California
University of Minnesota?Twin Cities
Indiana University?Indianapolis
Tufts University
University of Connecticut
Vanderbilt
SUNY Upstate
Penn State
Finch

 

[gringotuno]

Add Brown University. They take int'l people.

 

[surge]

Do they provide full funding?

 

[selvambio]

Hey hi everyone ... I am having some queries about the MSTP- international studnts

I am an indian currently in F1 visa and doing my (MS) Biomedical Engineering in Univ of Connecticut and i am planning to apply for 2010 MSTP program...
The problem is that my premed advisor said that an international studnt gettin in MSTP is like a miracle.

Is it true.. ? Wat is the MCAT and CGPA for the international stud to get in. My doubt is does getting a graduate degree from US univ will help me in any case ..

 

[Neuronix]

My doubt is does getting a graduate degree from US univ will help me in any case ..

You will need an undergrad degree from a US university or sometimes they also accept degrees from prestigious Canadian universities.

You are correct that a graduate degree will likely not help your case if all your previous training had been in India.

 

[4Me0]

Hi everyone,
I'll be applying as an international student this cycle. Here are some others schools that I e-mailed to confirm that they accept intl students with full funding:

Medical University of South Carolina
Jefferson
Wake Forest
Mayo
Northwestern
University of Virginia
Boston University (funding is through a graduate department and not through the program...I'm not sure if there's funding for the MD part of the program)

 

[happysoul]

I just wanted to share my experience. I almost didnt apply after looking at all the statistics on international student (F1) acceptance to MD/PhD programs. On my counselors advice I applied to three programs, interviewed at two and was accepted to one for 2009. Although i don't view my experience as typical, i think being accepted to an MD/PhD as an international student is more tangible than people make it to be.

FYI I am not a "super" student. 34 MCAT, 2 summer research programs (went to small liberal arts college so no semester research), no clinical experience.

My point is its far from impossible just be careful where to apply. Goodluck!

 

[Duon89]

I just wanted to share my experience. I almost didnt apply after looking at all the statistics on international student (F1) acceptance to MD/PhD programs. On my counselors advice I applied to three programs, interviewed at two and was accepted to one for 2009. Although i don't view my experience as typical, i think being accepted to an MD/PhD as an international student is more tangible than people make it to be.

FYI I am not a "super" student. 34 MCAT, 2 summer research programs (went to small liberal arts college so no semester research), no clinical experience.

My point is its far from impossible just be careful where to apply. Goodluck!

Do you mind if i ask where you applied and ?
And What sort of research you did, highly clinical based? or non clinical?

Thanks

 

[happysoul]

I applied to Mayo, U of MN and SUNY Upstate. Interviewed at Mayo and U of MN. My research was non-clinical (two summers of research through graduate biochemistry programs).

Honestly I think my strongest point was my recommendation letters. GPA didn't hurt (3.94) but the overall stats were not encouraging. Most people said it was a waste of time to apply with only two summers (total of 4 months) of research.

Hope that helps!

 

[dmblue]

I applied to Mayo, U of MN and SUNY Upstate. Interviewed at Mayo and U of MN. My research was non-clinical (two summers of research through graduate biochemistry programs).

Honestly I think my strongest point was my recommendation letters. GPA didn't hurt (3.94) but the overall stats were not encouraging. Most people said it was a waste of time to apply with only two summers (total of 4 months) of research.

Hope that helps!

See that was my problem. I basically had two summers of research plus a little extra. What schools didn't understand was that my summers at U of Michigan were 4 months long. I probably should have emphasized that on my app.

 

[Duon89]

I applied to Mayo, U of MN and SUNY Upstate. Interviewed at Mayo and U of MN. My research was non-clinical (two summers of research through graduate biochemistry programs).

Honestly I think my strongest point was my recommendation letters. GPA didn't hurt (3.94) but the overall stats were not encouraging. Most people said it was a waste of time to apply with only two summers (total of 4 months) of research.

Hope that helps!

Thanks..

 

[anavistas]

Thanks for the great info you all provided. I have a question about the foreign degrees. I know your foreign GPA is not shown on AMCAS, but I don't understand how do schools deal with it. Do they simply add your GPA which is shown on AMCAS to your foreign GPA? I've taken most pre_reqs here (simultaneously with my MS) but I'm not sure what will be my final undergrad GPA. Since there is no consensus on such issues it's very helpful to hear it from the people who have had the real experience.