possibilities/options for MS2

[HiddenTruth]

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Hi all,

I am just a lowly MS2 at a combined B.S/M.D program. I was wondering what options are there for someone like myself after medical school or even during med school (if any) to pursue a PhD. My school does not have a formal MSTP program. The only thing I can do is apply to a PhD program after med school? Sorry for the ignorance, but I have no idea what the options are that would be available to me with a M.D. Or is there such thing as transferring to a combined M.D/PhD program, considering that I am in my 2nd year.

I have also heard some programs (Star at UCLA) that allow you to do a PhD and residency together?? Now, that would cut some time, eh?

Please let me know what are all the different possibilities I have as a second year MD student (also, I haven't given the MCAT as I am in a combined program---I don't know if this effects me in any way--probably rules me out for transferring, if even possible). Thanks for any input.

HT

 

[Habari]

tranferring wouldn't be an option without an mcat, and without some other compelling reason. but there are many possiblities for someone interested in a research career:

the STAR program you mentioned at ucla (other schools have similar progrmas) would, as you said, allow you to work towards a phd, which definately isn't requisite for a research career.

other possibilities include taking time between your 3rd and 4th year for a HHMI fellowship year, or other research program that would hopfeully pay for you.

in addition, the nih has a few programs for medical students who would like to pursue a clinical or basic science research career after they complete school. this maybe the best option.

i'm sure there are other routes - others can add.