NIH IRTA or go back to the old lab?

[warypremed]

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I'm graduating this year and am planning on a year of work and applications for MD/PhD programs. I recently got an offer to come back to the last lab I worked in following my graduation in the spring, and am deciding whether I should just accept that or not. It'd be nice not to have to worry about employment for the rest of the year... but I was planning on finding a PI at the NIH to do an IRTA or just finding another research assistant position. Do you think it'd be better if I went back to the old lab?

Here's a simple pro/con list...

PROS of working at previous lab:
1. I know how things work in the lab, so there wouldn't be so much of a preliminary/training period with regard to getting used to the lab's system and how things are run. And besides the PI, there is another RA that I know, so there will be a familiar person around when it comes to lab work.
2. It would pay more than the NIH IRTA, though I don't know how much. I unfortunately don't have the right schedule to have a job in my last year of school, so this would be a really large help, especially when it comes to all the application/traveling fees that'll be coming...
3. I was only able to work in the lab for a year, so I feel like coming back would solidify any problems/questions of being able to commit to something long-term when it comes to my application.
4. The PI is generally fun to work for, and for the most part I get how he works and what he'd expect. I already have a solid LOR, but working another year for him would probably just improve the LOR. While the research is something I don't think I would ultimately want to go into, it still interests me. I guess it would depend on what project he puts me on for the next year...
5. The lab group is small, which I find kind of nice. I've never been in a large lab though so who knows what I'd think of that; but having a small lab group allows more direct attention/help from the PI.

CONS of working at previous lab:
1. While I enjoyed the research, I don't know if the field is what I want to go into- the research was a field in cell biology (sorry to be broad, but I'd like some anonymity). I'm still fairly undecided, but I'm leaning more toward something in cellular immunology, or a different field of cell biology. I also want to be able to learn some more and different lab skills, and I don't know whether the PI is going to drill hole me into doing the same thing. Perhaps I should just sit down and discuss what I want/the PI wants in my year of work? Since I know the PI, I probably would feel more comfortable doing this and think I would get a good response and understanding, than say with a new PI.
2. Yes, the PI is generally fun to work for, but I feel like sometimes the PI does not know limits. Maybe I just need more self-control myself when it comes to this, but since it is a year off from school at the very least, I want the chance to be able to enjoy some of it with free time- explore the city I'll be in, catch up about 10 years worth of pleasurable reading, learn to cook better, etc. I think hopefully you know what I mean when I say this. Let's say it this way: I get the feeling that if I go back to this PI, I will have to come in at least every weekend, at least for a couple of hours. I had to do that last year during school almost every other weekend just so the work I was doing could keep flowing, and it wasn't something I enjoyed, nor I think anyone enjoys... I don't mind weekends from time to time, but if it's every weekend it could feel a bit overkill.

PROS of NIH
1. Resources of the NIH, at least in regard to the resources they may provide for post-bacs. Perhaps a previous post-bac can fill me in on this though??
2. Getting another LOR. I should have a solid LOR from a professor, a PI from a summer research program, and my last PI; that's 3. I feel like getting one more may be helpful, though I don't know how useful it would even be considering I want my applications out ASAP and probably wouldn't be starting the IRTA until mid- to late summer...
3. Being able to dive into a different field of research. I haven't started my IRTA application, and was planning on starting to send emails to PIs over Thanksgiving or Christmas break, but I'd hopefully end up in a different field of cell biology or an immunology lab. So getting to do something that interests me slightly more is a plus in my book.
4. So this may sound somewhat immature, but I feel like I have a better chance of getting to make some friends around my age doing the IRTA. I go to a campus with a lot of non-traditional students and live with my parents, and while I have no qualms about non-traditionals and not having to pay rent, it would be nice to be able to hang out with people my own age again who are going through the same motions, if that makes any sense at all... it may sound dumb, but I hope some of you know what I mean!

CONS of NIH
1. It pays less than working at my previous lab. See above... this is kind of a big deal for me, FYI. I have some money saved up, but I have student loans I need to pay and I do NOT want to be asking my parents for any of their income during my year of applications. I would work this year, but my class schedule (i.e. scattered) just doesn't fit with the work schedules of a lot of places, and no one is really hiring in the first place given the economy. All campus employment takes work-study only.
2. I'm always open to new things, but looking through previous threads and hearing other stories, I've heard it's hit or miss when it comes to finding a lab at the NIH, and I do not want to end up just cleaning mice cages 5 days a week. I know I probably wouldn't be doing this if I went back to my old lab.
3. With regard to the city I'll be living in, I prefer the old lab's city over DC. When it comes to distance from home, either/or works for me as they're both pretty much the same distance away.

So. What would y'all do?

 

[levodopa]

I'm graduating this year and am planning on a year of work and applications for MD/PhD programs. I recently got an offer to come back to the last lab I worked in following my graduation in the spring, and am deciding whether I should just accept that or not. It'd be nice not to have to worry about employment for the rest of the year... but I was planning on finding a PI at the NIH to do an IRTA or just finding another research assistant position. Do you think it'd be better if I went back to the old lab?

Here's a simple pro/con list...

PROS of working at previous lab:
1. I know how things work in the lab, so there wouldn't be so much of a preliminary/training period with regard to getting used to the lab's system and how things are run. And besides the PI, there is another RA that I know, so there will be a familiar person around when it comes to lab work.
2. It would pay more than the NIH IRTA, though I don't know how much. I unfortunately don't have the right schedule to have a job in my last year of school, so this would be a really large help, especially when it comes to all the application/traveling fees that'll be coming...
3. I was only able to work in the lab for a year, so I feel like coming back would solidify any problems/questions of being able to commit to something long-term when it comes to my application.
4. The PI is generally fun to work for, and for the most part I get how he works and what he'd expect. I already have a solid LOR, but working another year for him would probably just improve the LOR. While the research is something I don't think I would ultimately want to go into, it still interests me. I guess it would depend on what project he puts me on for the next year...
5. The lab group is small, which I find kind of nice. I've never been in a large lab though so who knows what I'd think of that; but having a small lab group allows more direct attention/help from the PI.

CONS of working at previous lab:
1. While I enjoyed the research, I don't know if the field is what I want to go into- the research was a field in cell biology (sorry to be broad, but I'd like some anonymity). I'm still fairly undecided, but I'm leaning more toward something in cellular immunology, or a different field of cell biology. I also want to be able to learn some more and different lab skills, and I don't know whether the PI is going to drill hole me into doing the same thing. Perhaps I should just sit down and discuss what I want/the PI wants in my year of work? Since I know the PI, I probably would feel more comfortable doing this and think I would get a good response and understanding, than say with a new PI.
2. Yes, the PI is generally fun to work for, but I feel like sometimes the PI does not know limits. Maybe I just need more self-control myself when it comes to this, but since it is a year off from school at the very least, I want the chance to be able to enjoy some of it with free time- explore the city I'll be in, catch up about 10 years worth of pleasurable reading, learn to cook better, etc. I think hopefully you know what I mean when I say this. Let's say it this way: I get the feeling that if I go back to this PI, I will have to come in at least every weekend, at least for a couple of hours. I had to do that last year during school almost every other weekend just so the work I was doing could keep flowing, and it wasn't something I enjoyed, nor I think anyone enjoys... I don't mind weekends from time to time, but if it's every weekend it could feel a bit overkill.

PROS of NIH
1. Resources of the NIH, at least in regard to the resources they may provide for post-bacs. Perhaps a previous post-bac can fill me in on this though??
2. Getting another LOR. I should have a solid LOR from a professor, a PI from a summer research program, and my last PI; that's 3. I feel like getting one more may be helpful, though I don't know how useful it would even be considering I want my applications out ASAP and probably wouldn't be starting the IRTA until mid- to late summer...
3. Being able to dive into a different field of research. I haven't started my IRTA application, and was planning on starting to send emails to PIs over Thanksgiving or Christmas break, but I'd hopefully end up in a different field of cell biology or an immunology lab. So getting to do something that interests me slightly more is a plus in my book.
4. So this may sound somewhat immature, but I feel like I have a better chance of getting to make some friends around my age doing the IRTA. I go to a campus with a lot of non-traditional students and live with my parents, and while I have no qualms about non-traditionals and not having to pay rent, it would be nice to be able to hang out with people my own age again who are going through the same motions, if that makes any sense at all... it may sound dumb, but I hope some of you know what I mean!

CONS of NIH
1. It pays less than working at my previous lab. See above... this is kind of a big deal for me, FYI. I have some money saved up, but I have student loans I need to pay and I do NOT want to be asking my parents for any of their income during my year of applications. I would work this year, but my class schedule (i.e. scattered) just doesn't fit with the work schedules of a lot of places, and no one is really hiring in the first place given the economy. All campus employment takes work-study only.
2. I'm always open to new things, but looking through previous threads and hearing other stories, I've heard it's hit or miss when it comes to finding a lab at the NIH, and I do not want to end up just cleaning mice cages 5 days a week. I know I probably wouldn't be doing this if I went back to my old lab.
3. With regard to the city I'll be living in, I prefer the old lab's city over DC. When it comes to distance from home, either/or works for me as they're both pretty much the same distance away.

So. What would y'all do?

I was in the same situation as you. I chose the IRTA fellowship. First of all, it's considered a "graduate program" so you can get your loans deferred which is amazing. You also get top-tier insurance for free (it's about $400 per month covered by the government). The NIH has a graduate school, so you can take classes (it's called FAES, look it up). You're right that the DC metro area is expensive, but I found a 2 br apartment for 1100 (sharing with my bf) and it's right next to the NIH. Bethesda is awesome, and so is DC. I love my lab and my PI and I am getting at least 1 LOR here.

Also, most importantly, we have a giant clinical center and you have the best opportunities to shadow doctors here. I am shadowing a pediatric endocrinologist who sees some really interesting cases. I would not have this opportunity otherwise.

There are tons of social events here. For an idea, join ClubPCR on Yahoo groups and you'll see.

I would write more but I'm supposed to be working. 😀 I'll get back to you and let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Gnomes]

I'm an NIH IRTA postbac, and I recommend it. However, don't do it to have friends your age: the situation may be better in Bethesda, but at NIEHS, we have like eight postbac IRTAs and over a hundred postdoc IRTAs. And most of the influx of summer students are locals, many of them high school students.

That said, if you can get an IRTA fellowship with a good PI who has a project for you (other than cleaning mouse cages), take it.

 

[chiapet874]

How long have you been working in the lab that invited you back? Do you see possible growth in your involvement i.e. poster, publication, ect?

 

[Brachyury]

Back in the day when I was considering whether I wanted to work at university or the NIH after college, I ultimately chose to work for a university because the pay and benefits were better. I had friends who I graduated from college with who did the IRTA, and in the end, we had similar experiences . . . except I made 10K more a year than they did.

Also, I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy about this "but I feel like sometimes the PI does not know limits. Maybe I just need more self-control myself when it comes to this, but since it is a year off from school at the very least, I want the chance to be able to enjoy some of it with free time- explore the city I'll be in, catch up about 10 years worth of pleasurable reading, learn to cook better, etc. I think hopefully you know what I mean when I say this. Let's say it this way: I get the feeling that if I go back to this PI, I will have to come in at least every weekend, at least for a couple of hours. I had to do that last year during school almost every other weekend just so the work I was doing could keep flowing, and it wasn't something I enjoyed, nor I think anyone enjoys... I don't mind weekends from time to time, but if it's every weekend it could feel a bit overkill." There is no guarentee that your new lab at the NIH would not be a similar experience. Besides, as someone who did hESC research for a few years, I was in lab 7 days a week; the only time I was not in lab was when I was out-of-town, and even then, I was thinking about my cells.

 

[warypremed]

I was in the same situation as you. I chose the IRTA fellowship. First of all, it's considered a "graduate program" so you can get your loans deferred which is amazing. You also get top-tier insurance for free (it's about $400 per month covered by the government). The NIH has a graduate school, so you can take classes (it's called FAES, look it up). You're right that the DC metro area is expensive, but I found a 2 br apartment for 1100 (sharing with my bf) and it's right next to the NIH. Bethesda is awesome, and so is DC. I love my lab and my PI and I am getting at least 1 LOR here.

Also, most importantly, we have a giant clinical center and you have the best opportunities to shadow doctors here. I am shadowing a pediatric endocrinologist who sees some really interesting cases. I would not have this opportunity otherwise.

There are tons of social events here. For an idea, join ClubPCR on Yahoo groups and you'll see.

I would write more but I'm supposed to be working. 😀 I'll get back to you and let me know if you have any other questions.

Good to know, thanks! I may be PMing you in the next couple of days if that's alright. I hadn't heard about the loan deferment, so thanks for letting me know about this.

 

[warypremed]

How long have you been working in the lab that invited you back? Do you see possible growth in your involvement i.e. poster, publication, ect?

I worked in the previous lab for a full year (full-time for a semester, part-time for a semester, full-time for a summer) and am already receiving authorship for a publication we're working on. As far as growth, I think it's possible; my PI understands what the year of work is for, and I don't expect him to give me solely menial labor. Whether or not there will be a poster or publication, I'm not sure.

 

[warypremed]

Back in the day when I was considering whether I wanted to work at university or the NIH after college, I ultimately chose to work for a university because the pay and benefits were better. I had friends who I graduated from college with who did the IRTA, and in the end, we had similar experiences . . . except I made 10K more a year than they did.

Good to know!

Also, I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy about this...There is no guarentee that your new lab at the NIH would not be a similar experience. Besides, as someone who did hESC research for a few years, I was in lab 7 days a week; the only time I was not in lab was when I was out-of-town, and even then, I was thinking about my cells.

Point taken, and I know there's no guarantee with the NIH lab. I don't mind coming in if I have to but given that it's not hESC research, it'd be nice to be able to work and also enjoy life before MD/PhD.

 

[levodopa]

Good to know, thanks! I may be PMing you in the next couple of days if that's alright. I hadn't heard about the loan deferment, so thanks for letting me know about this.

No problem! And if you're considering Md/PhD I think the post-bac program is perfect. They have a graduate and professional school fair every summer exclusively for post-bacs and undergrads at the NIH and it's mostly people representing MD/PhD programs. A lot of them have told me that they love the NIH program and how it prepares you for grad school. Of course that is PI-specific, but I can tell you that I am so happy in my lab and I really feel like I'm contributing to the field. I've been assigned my own project and I am expected to write a paper on it before I leave. I work weekends sometimes, but only when I absolutely need to. My PI is also okay with me studying for the MCAT while my tissue is incubating or when I have down time.

 

[levodopa]

You made $40K as a lab tech? That's crazy. At NIH I make 30K but I get free health care and loan deferrals.

Back in the day when I was considering whether I wanted to work at university or the NIH after college, I ultimately chose to work for a university because the pay and benefits were better. I had friends who I graduated from college with who did the IRTA, and in the end, we had similar experiences . . . except I made 10K more a year than they did.

Also, I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy about this "but I feel like sometimes the PI does not know limits. Maybe I just need more self-control myself when it comes to this, but since it is a year off from school at the very least, I want the chance to be able to enjoy some of it with free time- explore the city I'll be in, catch up about 10 years worth of pleasurable reading, learn to cook better, etc. I think hopefully you know what I mean when I say this. Let's say it this way: I get the feeling that if I go back to this PI, I will have to come in at least every weekend, at least for a couple of hours. I had to do that last year during school almost every other weekend just so the work I was doing could keep flowing, and it wasn't something I enjoyed, nor I think anyone enjoys... I don't mind weekends from time to time, but if it's every weekend it could feel a bit overkill." There is no guarentee that your new lab at the NIH would not be a similar experience. Besides, as someone who did hESC research for a few years, I was in lab 7 days a week; the only time I was not in lab was when I was out-of-town, and even then, I was thinking about my cells.

 

[Brachyury]

You made $40K as a lab tech? That's crazy. At NIH I make 30K but I get free health care and loan deferrals.

Actually, 37k: my friends at NIH were making 27-ish. The university also provided me with free dental and optic insruance, and my health insurace premium was about $10 a month

To play devil's advocate, working at a university that has an M.D., Ph.D. program might be to the OP's benefit because he/she will be able to make connections with adcom members. At the very least, the adcom members are likely to know the PI and the PI's research

Seriously, OP, the NIH is great, but it's a scam to get recent grads to work for super-low wages. If you need to defer your loans, work for a university that provides free or reduced tuition at extension school classes (you only need 8 credits to be a half-time student, which will allows you to defer all your loans, learn new things, and strengthen your application)

 

[warypremed]

Actually, 37k: my friends at NIH were making 27-ish. The university also provided me with free dental and optic insruance, and my health insurace premium was about $10 a month

To play devil's advocate, working at a university that has an M.D., Ph.D. program might be to the OP's benefit because he/she will be able to make connections with adcom members. At the very least, the adcom members are likely to know the PI and the PI's research

Seriously, OP, the NIH is great, but it's a scam to get recent grads to work for super-low wages. If you need to defer your loans, work for a university that provides free or reduced tuition at extension school classes (you only need 8 credits to be a half-time student, which will allows you to defer all your loans, learn new things, and strengthen your application)

Good to know, and that's what I was actually planning on doing- taking a class if I had the time and my PI was okay with it. Alright, thanks for the feedback everyone! I was leaning toward going with the old lab, so we'll see. I may still want to at least email a few NIH PIs over Thanksgiving break and see if I get any immediate responses.

Thanks again!

 

[chiapet874]

Actually, 37k: my friends at NIH were making 27-ish. The university also provided me with free dental and optic insruance, and my health insurace premium was about $10 a month

To play devil's advocate, working at a university that has an M.D., Ph.D. program might be to the OP's benefit because he/she will be able to make connections with adcom members. At the very least, the adcom members are likely to know the PI and the PI's research

Seriously, OP, the NIH is great, but it's a scam to get recent grads to work for super-low wages. If you need to defer your loans, work for a university that provides free or reduced tuition at extension school classes (you only need 8 credits to be a half-time student, which will allows you to defer all your loans, learn new things, and strengthen your application)

It's highly unlikely adcom members will know the PI and the PI's research beyond slight name recognition. Unless you know who the adcoms will be and choose PIs specifically in their department

 

[superman3]

interesting article that addresses this issue:
http://www.funjournal.org/downloads/HerbertE4.pdf

 

[Knocked Up]

Seriously, OP, the NIH is great, but it's a scam to get recent grads to work for super-low wages.

👍

Love it here, but gotta agree with Brachyury on this one. DEFINITELY 110% RIGHT on this one.

 

[Gnomes]

👍

Love it here, but gotta agree with Brachyury on this one. DEFINITELY 110% RIGHT on this one.

Yeah, the pay isn't great, but I've got a (single-occupancy) office with a door and a gigantic whiteboard. My PI pointed out that he could get an office for me when he made the offer, so I sort of count it as part of the compensation package. 🙂

 

[warypremed]

I'll take these things into thought. Thanks!

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

Not in the same position as you OP, but I'm considering the IRTA program as well. It's either that or a lab tech job...I'd rather take the pay cut b/c my parents will still support me and I can do solid research for a year.

 

[thesauce]

I highly recommend NIH! The pay isn't great, but it's adequate, and there's a ton to do in the Bethesda/DC area.

 

[Knocked Up]

I highly recommend NIH! The pay isn't great, but it's adequate, and there's a ton to do in the Bethesda/DC area.

Yeah, but there are no hot chicks here (well maybe one). Personally, OP, if it were me and I could go back in time, I would get a lab at USC or Umiami or UCLA. Nice weather (not freaking cold as hell) and TONS of BABES!!! 😀

Better yet, go be a lifeguard at South Beach or Santa Monica.

 

[warypremed]

Yeah, but there are no hot chicks here (well maybe one). Personally, OP, if it were me and I could go back in time, I would get a lab at USC or Umiami or UCLA. Nice weather (not freaking cold as hell) and TONS of BABES!!! 😀

Better yet, go be a lifeguard at South Beach or Santa Monica.

Well, if you bring that up then: what about the males? 😀 And unfortunately the old lab job is toward the east, with 4 very distinct seasons... I used to go to school in southern CA though, and I really start to miss it this time of year...

Do I write like a male or something on here? In another post, people started assuming I was male. Odd.

Again, thanks for the tip y'all! We'll see what I decide!

 

[miz]

Holy cow, I had this exact same issue. PM me if you want details but I picked the IRTA and it was the best decision ever, in my case. But mine was a very serious case of shifting fields.
You need to find a good lab before this even becomes an issue. Stay in your current lab, start looking and emailing potential NIH PIs. Personally going over your list I'd stick with your current lab ($$ AND you only did a year there so far) but your list of NIH pros was spot on for me.

I'm graduating this year and am planning on a year of work and applications for MD/PhD programs. I recently got an offer to come back to the last lab I worked in following my graduation in the spring, and am deciding whether I should just accept that or not. It'd be nice not to have to worry about employment for the rest of the year... but I was planning on finding a PI at the NIH to do an IRTA or just finding another research assistant position. Do you think it'd be better if I went back to the old lab?

Here's a simple pro/con list...

PROS of working at previous lab:
1. I know how things work in the lab, so there wouldn't be so much of a preliminary/training period with regard to getting used to the lab's system and how things are run. And besides the PI, there is another RA that I know, so there will be a familiar person around when it comes to lab work.
2. It would pay more than the NIH IRTA, though I don't know how much. I unfortunately don't have the right schedule to have a job in my last year of school, so this would be a really large help, especially when it comes to all the application/traveling fees that'll be coming...
3. I was only able to work in the lab for a year, so I feel like coming back would solidify any problems/questions of being able to commit to something long-term when it comes to my application.
4. The PI is generally fun to work for, and for the most part I get how he works and what he'd expect. I already have a solid LOR, but working another year for him would probably just improve the LOR. While the research is something I don't think I would ultimately want to go into, it still interests me. I guess it would depend on what project he puts me on for the next year...
5. The lab group is small, which I find kind of nice. I've never been in a large lab though so who knows what I'd think of that; but having a small lab group allows more direct attention/help from the PI.

CONS of working at previous lab:
1. While I enjoyed the research, I don't know if the field is what I want to go into- the research was a field in cell biology (sorry to be broad, but I'd like some anonymity). I'm still fairly undecided, but I'm leaning more toward something in cellular immunology, or a different field of cell biology. I also want to be able to learn some more and different lab skills, and I don't know whether the PI is going to drill hole me into doing the same thing. Perhaps I should just sit down and discuss what I want/the PI wants in my year of work? Since I know the PI, I probably would feel more comfortable doing this and think I would get a good response and understanding, than say with a new PI.
2. Yes, the PI is generally fun to work for, but I feel like sometimes the PI does not know limits. Maybe I just need more self-control myself when it comes to this, but since it is a year off from school at the very least, I want the chance to be able to enjoy some of it with free time- explore the city I'll be in, catch up about 10 years worth of pleasurable reading, learn to cook better, etc. I think hopefully you know what I mean when I say this. Let's say it this way: I get the feeling that if I go back to this PI, I will have to come in at least every weekend, at least for a couple of hours. I had to do that last year during school almost every other weekend just so the work I was doing could keep flowing, and it wasn't something I enjoyed, nor I think anyone enjoys... I don't mind weekends from time to time, but if it's every weekend it could feel a bit overkill.

PROS of NIH
1. Resources of the NIH, at least in regard to the resources they may provide for post-bacs. Perhaps a previous post-bac can fill me in on this though??
2. Getting another LOR. I should have a solid LOR from a professor, a PI from a summer research program, and my last PI; that's 3. I feel like getting one more may be helpful, though I don't know how useful it would even be considering I want my applications out ASAP and probably wouldn't be starting the IRTA until mid- to late summer...
3. Being able to dive into a different field of research. I haven't started my IRTA application, and was planning on starting to send emails to PIs over Thanksgiving or Christmas break, but I'd hopefully end up in a different field of cell biology or an immunology lab. So getting to do something that interests me slightly more is a plus in my book.
4. So this may sound somewhat immature, but I feel like I have a better chance of getting to make some friends around my age doing the IRTA. I go to a campus with a lot of non-traditional students and live with my parents, and while I have no qualms about non-traditionals and not having to pay rent, it would be nice to be able to hang out with people my own age again who are going through the same motions, if that makes any sense at all... it may sound dumb, but I hope some of you know what I mean!

CONS of NIH
1. It pays less than working at my previous lab. See above... this is kind of a big deal for me, FYI. I have some money saved up, but I have student loans I need to pay and I do NOT want to be asking my parents for any of their income during my year of applications. I would work this year, but my class schedule (i.e. scattered) just doesn't fit with the work schedules of a lot of places, and no one is really hiring in the first place given the economy. All campus employment takes work-study only.
2. I'm always open to new things, but looking through previous threads and hearing other stories, I've heard it's hit or miss when it comes to finding a lab at the NIH, and I do not want to end up just cleaning mice cages 5 days a week. I know I probably wouldn't be doing this if I went back to my old lab.
3. With regard to the city I'll be living in, I prefer the old lab's city over DC. When it comes to distance from home, either/or works for me as they're both pretty much the same distance away.

So. What would y'all do?

 

[miz]

Sorry, went back and reread the thread. OP, you only have one year and you're applying MD-PhD? Stay with your old lab!! it already got you one publication, suggesting there's a chance of more. A lot of profs you'll do interviews with won't take you seriously even with the pub if you do fewer than 2 years in one group, especially if you're not the 1st author. AND it pays more AND your boss is reasonably nice AND you're doing real work.

Only advantage the NIH IRTA might have is another letter of rec and usually they have to write it early on, within the first months of your joining the group (so you have to make a really strong positive impression to get a good, nongeneric rec)

 

[K31]

It's highly unlikely adcom members will know the PI and the PI's research beyond slight name recognition. Unless you know who the adcoms will be and choose PIs specifically in their department

This is wrong in my expreience. MD/PhD admissions are very different from MD admissions--much smaller world. Research faculty (and all those involved in MD/PhD admissions will be running a lab) all tend to know each other. It is hugely helpful to have someone the adcom members know write a letter for the candidate.

I worked in a lab in a university medical center after college, and the PI knew the director of the MD/PhD program and placed a call on my behalf to him. I also interviewed with faculty at other schools who knew my PI.

 

[chiapet874]

This is wrong in my expreience. MD/PhD admissions are very different from MD admissions--much smaller world. Research faculty (and all those involved in MD/PhD admissions will be running a lab) all tend to know each other. It is hugely helpful to have someone the adcom members know write a letter for the candidate.

I worked in a lab in a university medical center after college, and the PI knew the director of the MD/PhD program and placed a call on my behalf to him. I also interviewed with faculty at other schools who knew my PI.

You're right, I made a mistake and forgot that the OP was looking for MD/PhD.