Transfer into MSTP from MD program

[neurofan22]

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Does anyone have a handle on which MSTPs accept transfers from their associated MD programs / which accept more transfers? Some of the program websites (e.g. Columbia's) are difficult to navigate, so I'm having trouble gathering this information.

Also, does anyone have a feel for how difficult it is to do such a transfer, assuming that the student has done well in the M1 and M2 classes and had a significant research experience during those years?

Finally, do ppl who do that tend to take longer to get the PhD because they started in the program later?

Thanks!

(PS If anyone has actually done this--transferred from MD to MSTP--I'd really appreciate just hearing about how that experience was and how you made the decision!)

 

[decal]

I "transferred" into our MD/PhD program (not MSTP) as an MS-I this year. During my interviews I got the impression that transfers are generally viewed positively as medical students already know what they're in for. Of course, you also save them a year or two of tuition and stipend 😉.

There are a couple of ways you can maximize your chances imo. First off, find a receptive lab and do research at the school the summer before your first year. A letter from someone the committee knows can go a long way. Second, shoot for good grades. Some programs have grade standards for their students that you may need to be within; others (like mine) don't, but they still consider them. Third, try to meet with as many of the committee members as possible outside of interviews and be prepared to explain why you didn't apply MD/PhD in the first place.

So far I haven't seen any evidence that transfers take longer to get their PhDs at our program. The only way you could be at a disadvantage is if you fail to find a thesis lab by the time you are to start the PhD. Doing research the summer before MS-I should help you avoid this.

Feel free to PM me & good luck!

 

[Brain]

I also just transferred into my school's MD/PhD program (not a MSTP) and I am a second year. I've been told that about 1-2 people do it every year or so and they are generally viewed more favorably. As was previously mentioned, they know what they're getting and you won't turn down the offer. I did research for the past two years at the school and the person I worked for heavily pushed the program director for me. It will help you a lot if you have someone that can do that for you as well. Also, be prepared to explain why you didn't initially apply as MD/PhD. Other than that, the process wasn't too bad.

I don't think that I'm going to take any longer. I was productive enough that I got a paper just working part time over the past couple of years. There are a couple of other people in the program who also transferred in later and I don't get the impression that they will take any longer either. Good luck!

 

[neurofan22]

Thanks for the responses.

I take it, from the fact that you both suggested I be prepared to explain why I didn't apply MD/PhD in the first place, that there may be better/worse ways to answer that question.

But what would be the "bad" answer(s)?

 

[Maxprime]

Thanks for the responses.

I take it, from the fact that you both suggested I be prepared to explain why I didn't apply MD/PhD in the first place, that there may be better/worse ways to answer that question.

But what would be the "bad" answer(s)?

"I hate research" certainly tops the list. 🙂

The only real one I can think of is saying that you only want to do it for a better residency.

 

[decal]

Off the top of my head, other answers possibly poorly received include monetary reasons, dissatisfaction/boredom with medical school, a principal interest in clinical research, etc. If they broach the financial aspects I see no reason not to recognize it as an advantage relative to alternative pathways such as postdoctoral training, but I wouldn't make that a major point.

For me the initial choice of MD over MD-PhD largely came down to a feeling of inexperience going into the application cycle. The labs I worked in during undergrad provided scant direction & left me little to work with. I pursued summer research before MSI out of interest in the lab all the while pondering the avenues available, which lead to where I am today.

 

[mmc48]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but does anyone have a list of schools that allow transfers from the MD program? I'm a current junior who has just became interested in MD/Ph.D programs. By the time I graduate, I will only have 2 summers and 2 semesters of research, so I don't know that I would be competitive. I would like to apply at the end of my senior year, so transferring in from an MD program might be a good option, if I do decide that research is for me.