PI is moving. Do I move?

[Peritus_Medicus]

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MSTP student here, entering G2. My PI is moving to another institution near me, and I really want to keep my thesis going. It's a very prestigious university (can't be more specific due to ongoing confidentiality agreements).

I'm confused what my options are right now. I don't want to restart my PhD in another lab (I've made great progress in my 1st year and am ahead of schedule). Was ready to submit my F30 in 9 days.

Can I get my PhD part at another institution? What options are on the table for me? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dl2dp2]

Yes you can. Generally, if your PI moves you move with, esp if the new institution is more prestigious. They can put you into their MSTP. Win-win-win.

 

[wondervisions]

The only people who can realistically answer this question are your home program and your PIs new program. Random people on the internet won't be able to give you meaningful advice.

 

[Maebea]

The only people who can realistically answer this question are your home program and your PIs new program. Random people on the internet won't be able to give you meaningful advice.

QFT. Transfers between programs are not terribly common. In my 30 years with an MD-PhD program, (at a top 10 med school-whatever that means), we accepted 10 transfers (out of ~20 who applied), and had 6 students tranfer out. This is probably less possible now, as medical school curricula have changed and the logistics of plugging someone into a different curriculum is very complicated. It is much more likely that you will be able to go with your PI to the new institution as a research associate (or some such title), but remain an MD-PhD student at your current institution. Once you finish the PhD, you would return to your current institution to complete the MD requirements. In this situation, both degrees would be awarded by your current instiution. You should talk with your PI about this. You can request that they cover your moving expenses and any difference in the cost of living between the two cities. They should be willing to do this because you are already trained and can be invaluable in launching the lab at the new institution. I will caution you that a move such as this will probably add a year to your time to degree - the disruption to your work and getting things up to speed at the new place will make you less productive. Definitely talk with your current program as soon as you are able. They should be understanding and supportive. MD-PhD programs are the most collegial in higher education, and your program wi thel probably be willing to reach out to the MD-PhD program at the new institution to request that you be allowed to associate with that program. This may allow you to participate in program activities (seminars, retreats, grnd rounds, socials, etc.), which will allow you to maintain MD-PhD trainee midset and provide you with networking opportunities. Having a PI move is challenging, but you can derive some benefits by taking charge of the situation and making the most of it. Good luck.