NIH's Year-Off Program for Medical Students

[Kris1]

Has anybody participated in this or known anyone who has?

 

[dizzle69]

Has anybody participated in this or known anyone who has?

Sounds interesting -- is it strictly limited to basic science research or is clinical also allowed? Is this done in between MS-2 and MS-3 and do you have the link to the program?

 

[Papillon11]

I know someone who has done this before. It was a basic science research project for her. You don't need to have a link to the program. The person did it between 3rd and 4th year.

 

[Darjeeling]

And by link... perhaps you meant this?

http://www.training.nih.gov/student/Pre-IRTA/previewinterim.asp

 

[8o8o8o8]

I did a semester there during undergrad & there were 2 med students doing a year out in my lab (one did howard hughes). they both really enjoyed the year & the increased free time as compared to med school. If you have any interest in lab research i'd recommend it. the resources are unmatched...for example after isolating a clone post pcr i could just call the sequencing lab down the hall and have my clone sequenced the same day ... if only i liked lab work ...

 

[Kris1]

I ask because I was considering doing it. For those who are unfamiliar with it, I believe it is a one year hiatus to do research for the NIH in many (basic science/clinical) fields. It's a healthy stipend depending on cost-of-living and they have many locations from which one could work. They fund moving expenses and provide health insurance as well. Would seem like a golden ticket for residency. Though I wonder if it is worth bringing med school momentum to a halt for this experience. It means graduating a year later of course and is probably more designed for those with a greater interest in research than what I have.