Should I apply MD/PhD?

[WashMe]

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I considered applying MD/PhD this cycle, but I didn't know if I was qualified enough so I ended up applying MD only (see mdapps at left). I didn't get in anywhere, but I also didn't pick my schools wisely.

My credentials made me seem more research-oriented than clinical-oriented, which I think was one cause of my failure this cycle. I'm on a few waitlists with poor prospects of getting off any of them, so I'm getting ready for a re-application.

Basically, my app is 3.95 GPA / 39 MCAT with research in various labs, an independent thesis project, a few pubs (none 1st author), some poster presentations (including nat'l meeting), emergency dept. volunteering, and some shadowing.

I've been in a neuromuscular phys. lab for the past 2 years, and I've been tossing around the idea of MD w/ PhD in neuroscience or physiology. I'd go on to do a neurology residency in such a case.

Is MD/PhD worth a try next year, even though I couldn't even pull an MD acceptance this year? Also, if so, should I try all MD/PhD apps (hoping for at least an MD interview) or should I do some MD-only apps?

Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[StIGMA]

Did you call the schools and ask what was weak about your application? Letters, interviews, lack of clinical experience? It appears you are well qualified for MD/PhD admissions, but it would help to know what held you back this cycle.

Do not apply MD/PhD just because you think you will receive an MD/PhD position easier than an MD position because of your background. You will not.

Fix your application and apply based on your careers goals, which scream MD only.

 

[itsallthesame]

Do you want to pursue a research oriented career?
If yes, apply MD/PhD. If no, apply to a few more schools, get a little more clinical experience under your belt, work on your interviewing skills for serious, apply earlier in the cycle and of the schools that you apply to be sure that a few are a little less selective than you applied to this time around. also, checking in on the ease of getting in from out of state for your school choices would be smart, too.

You've got the mcat and gpa. Do you really want to spent four + years in grad school if you ain't gonna use the phd?

 

[mercaptovizadeh]

I considered applying MD/PhD this cycle, but I didn't know if I was qualified enough so I ended up applying MD only (see mdapps at left). I didn't get in anywhere, but I also didn't pick my schools wisely.

My credentials made me seem more research-oriented than clinical-oriented, which I think was one cause of my failure this cycle. I'm on a few waitlists with poor prospects of getting off any of them, so I'm getting ready for a re-application.

Basically, my app is 3.95 GPA / 39 MCAT with research in various labs, an independent thesis project, a few pubs (none 1st author), some poster presentations (including nat'l meeting), emergency dept. volunteering, and some shadowing.

I've been in a neuromuscular phys. lab for the past 2 years, and I've been tossing around the idea of MD w/ PhD in neuroscience or physiology. I'd go on to do a neurology residency in such a case.

Is MD/PhD worth a try next year, even though I couldn't even pull an MD acceptance this year? Also, if so, should I try all MD/PhD apps (hoping for at least an MD interview) or should I do some MD-only apps?

Thanks for your help everyone!

I recommend against going down this route. It sounds like your weakness for medical schools is insufficient clinical experience and perhaps leadership/extracurriculars. Everything else sounds outstanding. Don't get suckered into a PhD just because up till now your work has mostly been in research. You need to really be motivated and passionate about research to do this. Furthermore, neurology is not a competitive residency, so, while the PhD would boost your application into the very top residencies most likely, you can still get into top residencies by being an excellent medical student without the PhD.

 

[tiedyeddog]

Your profile scares me... It sounds like we are very similar and I will be applying MD/PhD.... OH resident here, also... Eh.