PhD then transfer to MD/PhD for foreign graduates?

[crackerj]

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I have heard that if a student, who completed a Bachelor's degree in an institution outside the US/Canada, wants to study MD in the US, he/she would need to complete at least one year study from an accredited institution in the US/Canada.

But I have also heard that it is not the case if you want to study PhD in the US (i.e. It doesn't matter whether you graduated from an institution outside the US/Canada). First of all, I would like to verify what I have heard is correct.

If what I have heard is correct, would it be possible, then, to study in a PhD program of a certain institution in the US for one year (then you will have one year study experience in the US and also, will get a 'Masters' degree, depending on an institution) and apply for MD to the same institution, hence eventually study MD/PhD, if I make it? My goal is to get into MD/PhD but since I completed my undergraduate degree outside the US/Canada, I realised that I'm not even considered for MD from the majority of the US institutions.

Your advice would be very appreciated.

 

[Stroganoff]

This is hearsay, but I hear it's very hard (if not impossible) to transfer from a PhD program into a MD/Phd combined program (e.g. MSTP). It would also look really bad to start a PhD program then drop it to attend another school.

* Perhaps complete the PhD, then apply MD? Long, expensive route, but it's an option. (I'm considering it.)
* Perhaps get a Masters degree? 1-2 years and then apply to MD/PhD.
* Do a 1-year Post-bacc and take upper level science classes, then apply to MD/PhD?

Again I'm no expert on this process. Just putting in my .02 since the MSTP studs are studying or in the lab right now! 😉

Edit: Try contacting the schools you are interested in for a definitive answer. Then post back here so everyone knows.

 

[Alexs42]

Foreigners who start a PhD can definitwely get into an MSTP program. I am one, and there have been others at the Vanderbilt MSTP. Note, however, that this is not a piece of cake, and you have to have good scores, etc at a minimum. Most often these things are intra-institutional, and applying to other scohools might not work out well. So, if this is what you want, pick your school carefully. Once you're in, show them good class scores, but much more importantly, a blind and unwavering enthusiasm for science and research. Go work for a gunner-type PI and keep resident's hours (>60h/week). If you build up your reputation, it will help you tremendously (as in >90% of their decision will be based on your rep. in the lab). One has to realise that a lot of the decision-making in an MSTP admission is not MD-related, it is whether they feel that after you're done and get a full ride, you'll just abandon science (which is obviously NOT what they want at all).
my 2c. Good Luck
Alex
Vanderbilt MSTP (PhD., 3rd Med Yr)

 

[Neuronix]

Foreigners who start a PhD can definitwely get into an MSTP program. I am one, and there have been others at the Vanderbilt MSTP.

Awesome. It wouldn't happen here. There are a few schools that the op's plan would be a possibilty at, but I don't know which. If anyone else has ideas please chime in...