UAB MSTP MD/PhD Program. Thoughts, Opinions, Concerns

[InfinitiPSI]

The first I've heard of this is today when I, as well as a bunch of others applying this cycle got an email from UAB.

I have only considered MD programs. The email states they would cover tuition books and 25k/year stipend. That sounds to good to be true, from a top 30(US News) medical school. What are the pros and cons?

Thanks for all the input.


- John.

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[fishbait63]

MSTP are all extremely competitive programs you have to be truly interested in research to do such a program. Look at the MD/PHD trend but basically if you get in you will get a phd between ms2 and ms3 so it takes more time than just a MD. You will probably need a good history of research before considering applying and still need higher MCAT and GPA.

Pros: In-state OOS doesn't matter, no debt, PHD, less clinical experience needed

The biggest con i can think of: If you are rejected then your app will get reviewed much later.

 

[loveoforganic]

You will probably need a good history of research before considering applying

That's a bit of an understatement.

 

[NickNaylor]

MSTP is for people who want to be primarily scientists, not clinicians. If you want to primarily practice, MSTP isn't for you and you likely won't make it far in the application process.

You must also have a strong research background. We're talking multiple years and summers with demonstrated success (eg, pubs). In short, it's not the kind of thing you can just apply to on a whim.

 

[Ponger]

The first I've heard of this is today when I, as well as a bunch of others applying this cycle got an email from UAB.

I have only considered MD programs. The email states they would cover tuition books and 25k/year stipend. That sounds to good to be true, from a top 30(US News) medical school. What are the pros and cons?

Thanks for all the input.


- John.

Covering tuition sounds great until you realize you'd lose 3-5 full income earning years in the amount of time it takes to get your phd. Free tuition doesn't look so nice with the prospect of losing upwards of $1 million in gross salary later on. And by the time you're done with med school and residency you'll probably be in your 30's.

 

[schrizto]

UAB seems to have a habit every year of sending emails for MD only applicants to consider their MSTP program. UAB's MSTP program is really good (note: MSTP not just MD/PhD) but it probably suffers from less name recognition than other MSTP-funded schools with Ivy League brand names... hence why they indiscriminately send emails to everyone.

IMO don't apply to one of these programs from such a letter unless you were already seriously considering MD/PhD and a career in research.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Unless you LOVE research, ignore extra years of research. In the long-run, you will make MUCH more money by not doing MSTP, PhD, MPH, etc.

 

[InfinitiPSI]

Thanks for all the tips. I'll probably pass.

 

[drizzt3117]

I made a post on this before with all of the cash flows run. Depending on what school you attend and what specialty you go into, MSTP can actually be a better deal financially even with the extra years of earning. People forget the time value of money. That said, you still shouldn't do MSTP unless you are really interested in research.