MSTP programs.

[mjs419]

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I am a college junior considering the M.D./Ph.D. path for graduate school. If any of you are enrolled in one of these programs, I'd appreciate any advice you have to offer about specific M.D./Ph.D. programs or the application process in general.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gower]

Have you spoken with Dr. Robert Mitchell? 213 Whitmore Lab. 865 7620 He should be able to tell you everything you want to know, and more.

 

[mjs419]

While the pre-med office has been very helpful, I was looking for some advice from someone who has gone through the admissions process in recent years.

 

[turtleboard]

There was a guy around these parts named "DOPhDStudent." Haven't seen him around here in a while, but he's probably busy saving the world.


Tim of New York City.

 

[ned]

Hi!

I just went through the whole process and am now a happy M1/MSTP. It's hard to offer "general advice." If you have more specific questions, let me know -- I'd be happy to respond by E-mail if you post it to the board.

One thing: Others on this site have actively discouraged people from pursuing an MD/PhD, saying that it is difficult to complete a residency or support yourself. These fears are complete nonsense. Decide based on your own passions for medicine and/or science, not on others' fears.

 

[mjs419]

hey ned,
thanks for the help. 🙂
you can email me at [email protected].
Basically I was wondering about your impressions of the application/interview process (i.e. does it differ from the standard M.D. path in terms of cost, availability of interview days, number of schools to which you should apply) and also which schools' philosophies, facilities, and students impressed you (or didn't) and why.

 

[ned]

Hmmm... Those are some good questions! The process of interviewing for MSTPs is quite different from that of med-school-only. Some schools will make you go through both the standard medical school interview AND a couple of MSTP interviews. Some schools have a different set of interviews for MSTPs altogether. ALL schools require you to meet with lab-oriented faculty and talk to them about your/their research. The intensity of the of process is also somewhat variable: many schools will pay for your flight and hotel, "wine and dine" you, and compete for YOUR acceptance. Others will put you through the third degree (One time I had 11 interviews in one day!). Most places fall somewhere in-between.

One thing you should realize -- it takes QUITE A BIT OF TIME to interview -- many interviews require you to stay at a site for 3 days or more. I was lucky because I had a flexible boss who let me take time off, but I had friends in college whose grades suffered during their senior year because of the busy interviewing season.

I found most MSTP programs to be more accomodating than med school admissions offices, since they have fewer applicants to contend with. I'm not sure how much more difficult it is to be admitted into an MSTP program, but it's probably a good idea to fill out several more applications than your med school-only counterparts with similar stats and research records.

Selecting schools at which to apply is difficult. My decisions were based on location, research compatibility, and strength of MSTP program. While it may not seem too important now, LOCATION is paramount . If you're doing an MD/PhD, you'll be geographically fixed for 7-8 years (or maybe more!), and you need to be happy with your environment. Obviously, your research interests should be represented at the school at which you matriculate (you need somewhere to work!). The "feel" of the program itself is also a consideration. Some questions to ask: Do the students seem happy? Does the program sponsor weekly/monthly scientific and social events? Does the program have a committed director and FULL-TIME staff? Can I live on the stipend?

[This message has been edited by ned (edited 11-18-2000).]