Reasonable long-term goals for MDPhD

[MagicBlueSmoke]

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I know I should probably be able to regurgitate long-term goals in my sleep after finishing the application/interview process. However, I'm a bit stuck filling out my individual development plan (IDP) required by the NIH. My interview responses focused on the standard 80-20% academia split. In reality, my goals are closer to 100% research or 90-10% split, in a defense lab setting, assuming that the DoD continues to hire MDPhDs. Otherwise, especially if funding is this hard to come by, my goal will be residency, followed by as much research as funding lets me do. Luckily, my research interests are completely computational!

Is working in a national lab even remotely realistic? Kosher to mention on an IDP?

Since graduate students who want to work in a national lab boost their chances by spending a summer working in one, what's the best time in my training to get some experience? I've purposefully chosen an institution with strong ties to a national lab that does some MD-relevant projects. I've also heard of people doing a postdoc in between finishing their PhD and returning to clinicals, but that sounds awful. Are there PTSPs that let you do post-doc like research at a national lab? Residency+postdoc separately seems kind of painful.

 

[URHere]

I've mentioned similar things in many of my IDPs and no one has really cared one way or another.

In terms of gaining extra experience in a national lab, it's hard for me to comprehend how this would help you until you are actually at the point of looking for research jobs. If you do it now, realize that you have 5-10 years before you are done with your PhD, medical school, residency, and a possible fellowship. IMHO, it would be far more beneficial to do it as part of your fellowship (if possible) or to go back and do a postdoc once your clinical training is done. Although skipping out on residency is an option, most people would agree that it is a very stupid one - it makes your MD less valuable and takes away your chance of an assured career if research doesn't pan out.

But...this is all speculative. For all you know, your research background and MD/PhD may make you attractive enough to a defense lab that you don't need to go around bending over backwards. For all you know, your goals will change completely as you move through your program. If this is the path you end up wanting, talk to your program directors and advisors and see what they think. You'll figure it out.

 

[URHere]

Double post.

I somehow quoted myself because I am bad at the internet. I officially feel old.

 

[dl2dp2]

wtf is this damn IDP paperwork required for all T32 trainees now?

 

[Fencer]

yes