My Research

[tdjn]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I will probably end up applying at the end of this year (08), and I was wondering if I have to do research in straight up Bio in order to apply MD/PhD. I've been looking at profiles on here, and all of you seem to be doing something in Genetics, immunology, molecular biology, etc...

The reason why I am asking is because I've been working at a lab for 7 months... and I should have about a summer and a year's worth of research by the time I apply (2 summers and 2 years by the time I graduate), but it's not biology related at all. The research I deal with is pure Organic/Inorganic Chemistry, and I am currently working on gold/silver ligands that acts as catalysts. I am sure there are some biological implications that could be learned from this kind of chemistry.. but as of now, it just sounds really farfected.

I have a relatively competitive GPA of 3.8 at a top-ten university, and I should do alright on the MCATS, which I am taking in April... along with decent EC's... but it's the research that's bothering me: One, because it's not relevant to biology whatsoever; Two, because I will have had only one year of experience by the time I apply.

I work at this lab for at least 20-25 hours a week, and I should get 1-3 publications in by the time I apply... and maybe a fellowship, if I am fortunate enough... but I still have my worries.

My lab also has a Bio section, where they do deal with genetics, protein trapping, etc... which would be so cool to do, but I feel really committed to this Chemistry research as of now (which I also enjoy). I feel like the best thing to do right now is to stick with the chemistry research, get some publications in, and the fellowship for chemistry... build my credentials in research with that and apply to MD/PhD programs. Afterwards, while I have some free time during my fourth year, gradually get involved in bio research in preparation for med/grad school

Well, that pretty sums up my situation. I am really torn apart right now in terms of what to do in order to apply to MD/PhD programs...Your input would be greatly appreciated, and good luck with your interviews🙂

 

[kamio]

I would say it isn't necessary to have your research in pure biology, but having at least a biomedical perspective or application in your project will strengthen your files by demonstrating some commitment to the field.

A friend of mine who is currently at a top MD/PhD program got in with only extensive research experience in computer science, but the project had a medical spin because it was relevent to medical imaging.

Hope this helps!

 

[solitude]

Yeah I wouldn't worry about it. I know a few people applying MD/PhD who are doing research that is not biomedically related by any stretch of the imagination; they are doing very well in the process thus far. Like kamio said, it would be nice if you could somehow relate the research to biomedicine, but if not, you should be fine.

So I will probably end up applying at the end of this year (08), and I was wondering if I have to do research in straight up Bio in order to apply MD/PhD. I've been looking at profiles on here, and all of you seem to be doing something in Genetics, immunology, molecular biology, etc...

The reason why I am asking is because I've been working at a lab for 7 months... and I should have about a summer and a year's worth of research by the time I apply (2 summers and 2 years by the time I graduate), but it's not biology related at all. The research I deal with is pure Organic/Inorganic Chemistry, and I am currently working on gold/silver ligands that acts as catalysts. I am sure there are some biological implications that could be learned from this kind of chemistry.. but as of now, it just sounds really farfected.

I have a relatively competitive GPA of 3.8 at a top-ten university, and I should do alright on the MCATS, which I am taking in April... along with decent EC's... but it's the research that's bothering me: One, because it's not relevant to biology whatsoever; Two, because I will have had only one year of experience by the time I apply.

I work at this lab for at least 20-25 hours a week, and I should get 1-3 publications in by the time I apply... and maybe a fellowship, if I am fortunate enough... but I still have my worries.

My lab also has a Bio section, where they do deal with genetics, protein trapping, etc... which would be so cool to do, but I feel really committed to this Chemistry research as of now (which I also enjoy). I feel like the best thing to do right now is to stick with the chemistry research, get some publications in, and the fellowship for chemistry... build my credentials in research with that and apply to MD/PhD programs. Afterwards, while I have some free time during my fourth year, gradually get involved in bio research in preparation for med/grad school

Well, that pretty sums up my situation. I am really torn apart right now in terms of what to do in order to apply to MD/PhD programs...Your input would be greatly appreciated, and good luck with your interviews🙂

 

[meowkat444]

my research was in perception (cognitive science) and i have 11 interviews...

granted, no acceptances yet.

 

[tdjn]

First of all, thank you guys for all the responses🙂 They've been really encouraging. I am still curious though... if I were to get inerviews, and they told me to talk about my research, I could do that. But then, if they were to ask me what experiences do I have that shows I want to pursue an MD/PhD degree... I wouldn't have much to say besides the fact that knowing fundamental organic/inorganic chemistry and synthesizing molecules is important in dealing with protein trapping... I mean, basically at this point, I could talk about what I "could" do, and what I am interested in, but I wouldn't really have the evidence to back it up..

my research was in perception (cognitive science) and i have 11 interviews...

granted, no acceptances yet.

Also, congrats on your interviews🙂 But I feel like that is a lot more "medicine" related than what I am doing... because all I am doing is synthesizing chemical compounds.

Overall, I think I would be at somewhat of a disadvantage (if not significant) in applying to MD/Phd programs... like if another person had the same stats, EC's and everything (maybe even a little worse)... they would choose that person, if he/she had a biomedically more relevant research.

I don't know. I guess I am still not sure as to what to do. I am going to try and post this on the mentor forum. Meanwhile, all comments and inputs will be greatly appreciated 🙂

 

[solitude]

There's certainly a possibility that your research experience could hinder your applications, but as I already said, I don't think it will significantly impinge your chances. I should have been more specific in my last post: I actually know a few people who have spent their undergrad doing chemistry research (about as pure chemistry, i.e. not biomedical, as you have described), and they are doing very well thus far in the process.

The best thing you can do to shore up this "weakness" is to have a coherent plan for why MD/PhD, and express it well through your applications. How are you going to integrate chemical research and medicine? If not, just say that you've really enjoyed your chemistry research but you're going to transition to biochem or some other more biomedically-related field. Or, you can talk about how there is a paucity of chemists that are MD/PhDs and are able to bring that unique perspective to their chemistry research and thereby direct it towards biomedical solutions.

Along with having a good plan for MD/PhD, another thing you can do is make sure that you have plenty of clinical experiences.

Relax, you seem to have a great application. You'll do just fine.

First of all, thank you guys for all the responses🙂 They've been really encouraging. I am still curious though... if I were to get inerviews, and they told me to talk about my research, I could do that. But then, if they were to ask me what experiences do I have that shows I want to pursue an MD/PhD degree... I wouldn't have much to say besides the fact that knowing fundamental organic/inorganic chemistry and synthesizing molecules is important in dealing with protein trapping... I mean, basically at this point, I could talk about what I "could" do, and what I am interested in, but I wouldn't really have the evidence to back it up..



Also, congrats on your interviews🙂 But I feel like that is a lot more "medicine" related than what I am doing... because all I am doing is synthesizing chemical compounds.

Overall, I think I would be at somewhat of a disadvantage (if not significant) in applying to MD/Phd programs... like if another person had the same stats, EC's and everything (maybe even a little worse)... they would choose that person, if he/she had a biomedically more relevant research.

I don't know. I guess I am still not sure as to what to do. I am going to try and post this on the mentor forum. Meanwhile, all comments and inputs will be greatly appreciated 🙂

 

[BoSoxMack]

Overall, I think I would be at somewhat of a disadvantage (if not significant) in applying to MD/Phd programs... like if another person had the same stats, EC's and everything (maybe even a little worse)... they would choose that person, if he/she had a biomedically more relevant research.

There is a lot of research going on involving molecular pharmacology (drug discovery etc) and small molecular inhibition of certain interactions. Having someone in the lab capable of synthesizing desired compounds would be seen as an asset. In my opinion most applicants can culture cells, express proteins, run gels, etc, but having this orgo background is unique. Plus remember it is graduate school, so you will be learning techniques and topics, not simply applying your current research methods. In short not everyone deals with mice and living systems, and I dont think it would detract from your application at all.

 

[kamio]

Like Solitude said, I think your "weakness" can actually be a strength because it makes you unique, given that you can convincingly explain why synthetic chemistry is relevant to medicine. Besides small molecule drugs, organic chemists are now making headway into synthesizing novel "drugs" (if you can still call them that) that not only deliver therapy, but also tell the physicians where they are inside the body, report their own efficacy, and allow combination with radiation therapy. Granted, these advances are still far from the clinics, but they are unique perspectives that a chemist can bring to the table about what the future of medicine can look like.

 

[tdjn]

Thanks guys for all the responses.... after much thought, I think I am going to stick with MD/PhD for most schools. I just need to do more research on how my chemistry research can tie in with biological implications. Really, you guys have been really helpful, and I wish you the best of luck with all your interviews 🙂