MSTP in SECOND year???

[HouseHead]

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Anyone consider applying to do the MSTP starting the 2nd year of med school? If so, what made you decide to do it? Do you think you have a shot? What sort of experience do you have? How would your PhD work be timed?

I'm curious because I saw something about it when I was prepping for a recent interview...

 

[Slinkie]

I am definately thinking of it. I am very interested in research, but I didn't apply to MD/PhD programs straight away for a number of reasons. First of all, I didn't feel confident enough that I would get in. I started applying really early in June and didn't even get my MCAT score then, so I thought I would probably be applying with 5 points less than what I actually got. I was also scared to commit to 7 years at once. With my undergrad, for example, I had to get out after 3 years. I just couldn't stand it much longer. So 7 years' commitment would be insane for me if I found that I didn't fit in well at the school. My family also has been trying to convince me not to take the loooong path. As my mom puts it: "My god! I want to have grandchildren before I die!"
I've been asking at every interview how easy it is to enter the MD/PhD program once in the MD program. At most schools they made it sound like it was possible as long as you showed yourself to be a good student the first year. I am still not sure I will take that road, or that I will be able to even, but I am definately considering it.

 

[mrpeters714]

I was an "in house" candidate, ie I entered the MSTP officially in the winter quarter of my second year. I was initially dissuaded from applying for the MSTP straight out by my undergrad research mentor who told me if i wasn't "absolutely, 100% convinced that the only thing I ever wanted to do with my life was research," i should just do a straight MD. In the summer between my 1st and second year med school, I did a summer research project which worked out really well. I made inquiries, and found out that the program at my school typically (at that time at least--it was a long time ago) kept a spot or two open for in house candidates. It was a sweet backdoor--I only had to compete with other in house candidates, not all of the MSTP candidates.

And now, 8 years later, i'm about to graduate. It's worked out great! Highly recommended if you like research.

The thing to do is get friendly with the MSTP director and the program coordinator.

-mrp

 

[e-spin]

I too was thinking about MSTP but didnt apply cuz I didnt think my numbers were good enough. But I have talked to people at various schools about the possibilities of entering after the first year of med school. It seemed to me that it really wouldnt be a problem, PI's always want cheap labor, right 😉 The only caveat was funding. The straight up MSTP are usually FULLY funded spots, hence the ultra competitve nature of getting into these programs. I think that if you demonstrate that you really want it most departments can find you funding for the years that you are actually in the lab...3 to 4 looks like the norm. Good luck 🙂 🙂
-Spin

 

[e-spin]

Oh yeah, almost forgot...a good idea if you are condsidering it is to do some part time research if you can during the summer before you matric, during the first year (dont know how possible that is) and in the summer following. If you can do it in the same lab all the time, with a PI that has space for students and you prove your worth it may make it easier for you on many levels...Spin

 

[HouseHead]

I've been volunteering 2 days/week in a lab since the fall, which is actually my first bench research experience. I won't be going to that school though, so I doubt continuity is an option...

Thanks for the replies people. Anyone else out there actually take this "back door" option??? How'd the funding work out?

 

[mdphd2im2gi]

I was an "in house" candidate, ie I entered the MSTP officially in the winter quarter of my second year. I was initially dissuaded from applying for the MSTP straight out by my undergrad research mentor who told me if i wasn't "absolutely, 100% convinced that the only thing I ever wanted to do with my life was research," i should just do a straight MD. In the summer between my 1st and second year med school, I did a summer research project which worked out really well. I made inquiries, and found out that the program at my school typically (at that time at least--it was a long time ago) kept a spot or two open for in house candidates. It was a sweet backdoor--I only had to compete with other in house candidates, not all of the MSTP candidates.

And now, 8 years later, i'm about to graduate. It's worked out great! Highly recommended if you like research.

The thing to do is get friendly with the MSTP director and the program coordinator.

-mrp

Did the program retroactively pay for your year 1 loans?

 

[xffan624]

Did the program retroactively pay for your year 1 loans?

Wow. 19+ year necrobump. That's impressive.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Wow. 19+ year necrobump. That's impressive.

Indeed.

Since the person who was quoted has not been seen since 2004, I think it's safe to say they aren't coming back to answer that question. Thread closed.