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Hi Everyone!
I'm incredibly fortunate to have received acceptances from both UCSF and the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship for a PhD in Computer Science at Cambridge University (waitlisted UCSF MSTP). If I went to UCSF I would send a strong LOI and likely convert to MSTP later if not accepted initially.
Logistics wise, UCSF only allows one year deferrals so I may have to reapply and retake the MCAT in 3 years after my PhD if I pursue the Gates. I am trying to get UCSF to allow a three year deferral, or the Gates to allow me to switch degree programs, but both seem unlikely. I also received funding from the NIH OxCam scholars program, which would supplement my UCSF MD with 50k a year (basically half of what MSTP funding normally is).
I'm trying to get things to work out between the organizations, but in the good chance that it doesn't I have to choose between these two great programs.
My main goal is to become a physician scientist working on converting bleeding edge computer science breakthroughs into healthcare and biology. Of course, this may change over time as new opportunities arise.
Personally, I think it would be really nice to just go to UCSF and stay near my friends, and work with Atul Butte. But I am afraid it will be closing a really great opportunity for me to grow and become a better physician-scientist. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you for reading!
Gates Scholarship/NIH OxCam Scholars
Pros
Cons
UCSF MSTP
Pros
Cons
Advice from mentors:
I'm incredibly fortunate to have received acceptances from both UCSF and the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship for a PhD in Computer Science at Cambridge University (waitlisted UCSF MSTP). If I went to UCSF I would send a strong LOI and likely convert to MSTP later if not accepted initially.
Logistics wise, UCSF only allows one year deferrals so I may have to reapply and retake the MCAT in 3 years after my PhD if I pursue the Gates. I am trying to get UCSF to allow a three year deferral, or the Gates to allow me to switch degree programs, but both seem unlikely. I also received funding from the NIH OxCam scholars program, which would supplement my UCSF MD with 50k a year (basically half of what MSTP funding normally is).
I'm trying to get things to work out between the organizations, but in the good chance that it doesn't I have to choose between these two great programs.
My main goal is to become a physician scientist working on converting bleeding edge computer science breakthroughs into healthcare and biology. Of course, this may change over time as new opportunities arise.
Personally, I think it would be really nice to just go to UCSF and stay near my friends, and work with Atul Butte. But I am afraid it will be closing a really great opportunity for me to grow and become a better physician-scientist. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you for reading!
Gates Scholarship/NIH OxCam Scholars
Pros
- I can do the PhD first, then decide whether I want to do the MD afterwards still (more flexibility)
- Dual mentorship between both NIH and Cambridge
- Opportunities to intern at Tech companies due to flexible nature of program
- Travel and explore new countries
- A new perspective on health-tech outside the US, exposure to a different health system
Cons
- Not as rigorous training as in UCSF
- Haven't really found mentors that are as good here as in UCSF
- Not much tech buzz compared to SF
- Would need to reapply to medical school AND retake the MCAT 🙁.
- If I go to medical school, overall money is only half of what MSTP programs cover during the MD years (basically the same price as converting to MSTP your 2nd year).
UCSF MSTP
Pros
- I went to Stanford undergrad, so a lot of my friends and potential collaborators are working in the area, would be challenging to maintain relationships while abroad.
- Can work with Atul Butte who pretty much the best in the world for what my research interests are
- Tech buzz so lots of money going into my research field
- Opportunities to build relationships in the tech industry/academics in the area which will be valuable for future career options
Cons
- Slightly longer degree (probably ~1 year)
- PhD is in bioinformatics, which isn't as unique/impressive as something in computer science
- Gates name might open lots of doors/?? Hard to really "gauge" or quantify how much this is though.
Advice from mentors:
- Both my mentors push me toward the Gates, namely because they say its so unique and the name will help open lots of doors.