PSTP vs. CSTP Programs?

[flowerchimmy]

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Hi all,

I don't have enough research experience to get into a formal MD-PhD program, but I wanted to get some input on what exactly the differences are between CSTP and PSTP programs, they seem so similar?

This was specifically coming up as I looked at UPitt, but these may be options at other schools as well.

As some background - 1 semester RA in one lab, 1yr RA in another lab, + 1 year complete as a CRC (which will continue until matriculation)

I'm also interested in doing the pre-medical school research time as well, i.e. PREP

Thanks in advance!

 

[VaultArmitage]

CSTP and PSTP are just names for school specific programs that emphasis research, there's no standardization to what a PSTP or CSTP is. Most schools will have some sort of research track available to MD students.

Fill out a WAMC in the MD/PhD forum before ruling it out entirely.

 

[flowerchimmy]

CSTP and PSTP are just names for school specific programs that emphasis research, there's no standardization to what a PSTP or CSTP is. Most schools will have some sort of research track available to MD students.

Fill out a WAMC in the MD/PhD forum before ruling it out entirely.

Thanks! I haven't taken the MCAT yet, so I'm met with a lot of push back on any WAMC threads. But I will still take a look once I get my score back!

 

[deleted1065184]

Dude you have 2.5 years of research, who's telling you that you that you don't have enough? Lol.

Regarding CSTPs, my understanding is that's the name some medical schools give to their individual programs geared towards medical students who want to do a lot of research (often clinical), but no PhD. Like post above said, no standardization.

In contrast, PSTP typically refers to a joint residency/fellowship/postdoc program in which folks who want to have their own lab have truncated residency and often, but not always guaranteed (also truncated) fellowship in their specialty of choice at the same hospital. PSTPs tend to be in large and/or research-heavy specialties like IM, peds, and pathology. Most PSTPs have an MD and PhD, but some are MD-only.

There's not national PSTP standardization either, but they are usually quite structured and help streamline the pathway of residency/fellowship/postdoc to faculty.