Stanford info please

[Newquagmire]

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Hey all,

I'm interested in genetics and oncology. Stanford has a top-ranked MD and PhD separately, but all sorts of people tell me that their MD/PhD isn't so great. For the life of me, I can't figure out why this is. Can anybody help out?

Thanks much.

 

[jmed]

well, having interviewed at Stanford for MD-PhD, I definitely get the impression that the administration is not particularly well-organized. They are apparently on probation for prematurely bouncing MSTP students out of the thesis research years, but I suppose that will change some now. At least that is what I have gathered from other posts on SDN.

 

[bailey39]

Their administration (or should I say one particular administrator)is insufficient. My application "got put in the wrong pile" at one point, and I still have not heard a WORD since my interview in January. Obviously I'm planning on matriculating there in the fall🙂

I sent numerous emails and called many times about some issues, only to be ignored continuously by their administrator. The infrequent instances I was able to make contact, I was always promised a return call the next day--not once did it come.

I eventually emailed the MSTP director, Dr. Barsh, who was very helpful. He is the only reason I was able to obtain/schedule my interview, and my advice is to contact him directly with any important questions.

I went into this process with Stanford as my top choice--they have some fantastic labs and an ideal academic/environmental setting in my mind. But it wasn't even near the top five by April. It IS a fantastic place overall, but I would be cautious nonetheless.

 

[jmed]

Another thing about Stanford- I got the impression their MSTP is very flexible with the curriculum, so some people do the traditional 2 med/3-5 PhD/ 2 med mix to complete both degrees, while some people do 1/3-5/3 or even all of med school first or all of PhD first. It seems to follow in my mind that the program is not very well integrated if you can completely reverse the order of study. But that is just my opinion. And I like that flexibility, myself.

 

[Newquagmire]

Thanks very much ladies and gentlemen (?). I'll be applying this cycle, and I think I have way too many schools on my "list" so I'm trying to narrow them down. I'll keep your advice in mind. Please don't hesitate to PM me if you remember anything else.

PS: I'm looking for similar advice on Columbia, Baylor, UCSD *wink wink*.

 

[MacGyver]

Stanford MSTP is having serious problems staying within the good graces of the NIH. They are in danger of having their MSTP status pulled, although it looks like it will remain intact.

 

[bakaFOB]

Originally posted by MacGyver
Stanford MSTP is having serious problems staying within the good graces of the NIH. They are in danger of having their MSTP status pulled, although it looks like it will remain intact.

On what basis are u saying this?

 

[schaunard]

Originally posted by MacGyver
Stanford MSTP is having serious problems staying within the good graces of the NIH. They are in danger of having their MSTP status pulled, although it looks like it will remain intact.

if you're curious about the validity of this statement, get it straight from the horse's mouth. contact bert shapiro at [email protected]. it's a pretty serious allegation, and i think he would be able to shed some light on it.

disclaimer: i am a stanford mstp, and i won't deny that the program has some problems (like any other). but as far as i'm aware, the problems are not nearly serious enough to negatively impact your training here, nor to warrant revoking stanford's MSTP status. my last inquiry to dr. shapiro about this issue a while ago backs this up.