Starting rotations before June

[applyingthiscycle]

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Has anyone ever started lab rotations for md-phd before the typical June start dates?

I am out of school/my postbacc and don’t have anything going from January till June. I already got accepted to my top choice program, so I was thinking about seeing if I can start my rotations early and get a jump on my dissertation work.

Anyone ever done this/know someone who has? Thanks in advance!

 

[Fencer]

I did that once for a student who still in grad school. It seems to supercharge his project as he got a published manuscript by M2 prior to transitioning to G1. He will be ready for submitting a strong F30. Talk to your Program Director, find and reach out mentors, perhaps one of them has money waiting to hire someone....

 

[applyingthiscycle]

Appreciate it Fencer! How did it work with the MSTP funding?

Did the student just work unfunded (I.e. did the mstp award not kick in until official June start date) or did they get it rolling earlier? I understand that may be a question only my PD can answer for my situation…

 

[Fencer]

The lab paid for the student as a Student Associate. On June 1, the student jumped into the MD/PhD budget, and then on July 1 into the MSTP T32. Every one of these decisions depends upon local conditions, which is why you need to start with a frank and candid conversation with your MD/PhD director. MSTP T32 appointments are July to June, and while I appoint every student eventually in the T32, the NIH award only covers about 20% of cost. We need to supplement that. All students are considered MSTP whether or not they are supported directly by the T32. That is in my program and every other MSTP T32 program.