non-US MD/PhD programmes after M. Sc.

[ICK]

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Hello all,

I am an M. Sc. student of Molecular Biology and Genetics. I would like to pursue an MD/PhD career. I know how the system works in the States in terms of exams and eligibility for applications. I have been looking for the programmes in other countries rather than USA, and so far couldn't find an MD/PhD programme that I can apply directly with my B. Sc. and/or M. Sc. degrees. This is really a type of a programme that I need, since I know that it is pretty competetive in the States in terms of MCAT scores and being an international student. All of the EU MD/PhD programmes that I came across with demand the applicant holding an MD degree or being an on-going MD student. Could you please help me with finding such programmes, if any. Thanks very much for your time.

 

[dmblue]

I'm a little confused. You typically apply with either a bachelor's or masters degree in the United States. You don't apply directly to the school, but rather through AMCAS first. Does that answer your question?

 

[ICK]

Hey dmblue. Thanks for the quick reply. So I guess other schools outside of US does not have a system like AMCAS. So I am looking for a school that offers an MD/PhD programme that I can apply with my current background, which is M. Sc. I hope that clarifies a bit more.

edit: so to be more precise, I am not looking for MD/PhD programmes in USA that one would apply through AMCAS by taking MCAT.

 

[dmblue]

MCAT is required at all md phd programs in the US.

 

[ValentinNarcisse]

They do not exist.

 

[ICK]

So I guess this forum is only for the medical schools within USA, forgive me then. and thanks for the replies.

 

[dmblue]

So I guess this forum is only for the medical schools within USA, forgive me then. and thanks for the replies.

I would say that is accurate, but perhaps someone else who knows something may respond within a few days.

 

[Elixir6]

You can get into MD/PhD programs in the US as a non-permanent resident/citizen. I am one of those people. Most large programs (>6-8 students per year) have what is called an "MSTP" designation, which means they are funded at least in part by the NIH under their Medical Scientist Training Program. The spots directly funded by the grant cannot go to foreigners, BUT the school may fund some spots with NIH money and some spots with non-NIH. That is the case at my school.

Moreover, the MCAT scores of many MD/PhD students are quite is high, but certainly not all. Don't let that discourage you. At least at our program, if the student has good solid MCAT and a good transcript/GPA then the focus switches to their research. We get many students with 4.00 GPA and 39MCAT that we don't accept because of a lack of research experience and understanding. We have many students with a low 30s MCAT and a GPA of 3.5 that we accept because they have a strong research track record.

The fact that you have an MSc is good - in this case what is most important is do you have a strong research track record? Publications? What does the letter of reference from your PI say? Posters? Tell us about your project and what you have done etc....

Most importantly of all, find a mentor (i.e. a faculty at an MD/PhD program or an MD/PhD friend) to give you guidance and if they think you have a shot don't give up!

 

[Neuronix]

So I guess this forum is only for the medical schools within USA, forgive me then. and thanks for the replies.

The vast majority of worldwide combined MD/PhD program positions are in the USA. There are other MD/PhD programs in the world, but they are not as numerous and generally not as well organized or funded (with exceptions). Programs everywhere are very biased towards applicants from their home country, very expensive, or both.

There are a minority of US programs that will consider outstanding "international" applicants. These applicants have typically spent a long time in the USA and/or are applying from countries with very similar cultural and educational backgrounds such as Canada or England.

Ggenerally this is a discussion for US programs. We welcome international opinions, and we used to have a program director from Switzerland. But, as the international community for MD/PhD is much smaller than the US, the expertise on SDN outside of the US is much smaller, and we may not be able to be helpful.