Where are all the MD/PhD applicants at???

[goodkarma]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey SDNers, this is my first post, so go easy on me! =)

Of all the information out there on medical school, I've found relatively little on MD/PhD programs. What I have found is on the individual program's websites, the AAMC site, this site, and this ghetto MSAR.

That being said, I know it would be helpful for me to have a resource here if not just a place to commiserate. If anyone could comment on any of my questions or post more resources for MD/PhD applicants, I'd really appreciate it!

1) This probably varies from school to school, but are interviews any different for MD/PhDs? Obviously, they will probably focus on research more, but should interviewees be prepared to give a presentation (like for grad. school) or at least a chalk talk? Is it appropriate to request an interview or meeting with a potential preceptor that you are interested in?

2) Are there any resources out there similar to the MSAR for MD/PhDs?

3) I have two interviews so far coming up in December and January. I called the admissions offices for each to inquire about admissions statistics. During both calls, the admissions person told me off the record that, if denied to the MD/PhD program, I would almost certainly be getting an acceptance to the MD program. At first, it sounded too good to be true, but after being told the same thing a second time, I coundn't ignore it. Is this common? Can anyone verify that some admissions work this way?

4) How big is the difference between MSTP and non-MSTP programs? I have interviews at both and both institutions have research I could potentially see myself becoming involved in.

5) Finally, can any current MD/PhDs comment on their experiences? The positives and negatives, the differing time commitment from your MD or PhD classmates, how to stay immersed in research while in your clinical years and vice versa?

Thanks everyone!

EDIT: One more question: Most programs with MD consideration say that your application to the MD/PhD program, if denied, will not hurt your application to the MD program. However, I'm on hold for the MD/PhD program at a few places. If they wait to deny me, I won't be thrown into the MD applicant pool until way late in the game. Won't this hurt me and others in a similar situation?

 

[latebutterflu]

See here

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=32

 

[goodkarma]

See here

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=32

Thank you!

 

[URHere]

As the previous poster mentioned, there is a dedicated forum for physician scientists and aspiring MD/PhDs.

Most of the questions you are asking have been answered there already, but I'll reply to what I can:

1) This probably varies from school to school, but are interviews any different for MD/PhDs? Obviously, they will probably focus on research more, but should interviewees be prepared to give a presentation (like for grad. school) or at least a chalk talk? Is it appropriate to request an interview or meeting with a potential preceptor that you are interested in?

At any given school, you will have more interviews than an MD-only applicant. In most cases, you'll have interviews with numerous PhD faculty, some MD-program faculty, and faculty specifically associated with the MD/PhD program. When I interviewed, I had between 4-12 total interviews, depending on the school - most settled somewhere around 8. Also note that at many schools, MD/PhD interviews are a two day process.

Aside from that, the amount of research chat will vary from one interview to another. You don't need to have anything formally prepared, but you should know your own research well. Many schools will ask you ahead of time if there are any specific faculty members you would like to meet with during your interview.

2) Are there any resources out there similar to the MSAR for MD/PhDs?

If this exists, I've never heard of it.

3) I have two interviews so far coming up in December and January. I called the admissions offices for each to inquire about admissions statistics. During both calls, the admissions person told me off the record that, if denied to the MD/PhD program, I would almost certainly be getting an acceptance to the MD program. At first, it sounded too good to be true, but after being told the same thing a second time, I coundn't ignore it. Is this common? Can anyone verify that some admissions work this way?

This varies tremendously from school to school. At some schools, both programs have completely separate processes and MD/PhD rejection leaves you with no chance at MD-only acceptance. At other schools, you drop into the MD-only applicant pool if you are rejected from the combined program. If you would be a competitive MD applicant, your chances are pretty good at that point (although at rolling schools, you may be at a disadvantage if your application is reviewed later.)

4) How big is the difference between MSTP and non-MSTP programs? I have interviews at both and both institutions have research I could potentially see myself becoming involved in.

Again this varies tremendously. In general, if a school has MSTP status, you can be fairly confident that the program is well structured, funded, and integrated (when MSTP status is up for renewal, the committee looks for those things). However, many non-MSTP programs may also be excellent in those areas. Your best bet is to chat with current students and ask what they like/dislike about their programs.

5) Finally, can any current MD/PhDs comment on their experiences? The positives and negatives, the differing time commitment from your MD or PhD classmates, how to stay immersed in research while in your clinical years and vice versa?

My experience has been mostly positive thus far. During MS1/2, I was involved with research and medical school concurrently, but my school only has classes from 8-noon most days, so this wasn't what I would consider a huge challenge.

It was more challenging to keep in touch with clinical knowledge once I started my PhD, but my school recently adopted a longitudinal clerkship (2 half days/month in clinic during the PhD years) and that has forced me to remember many of the long-forgotten clinical gems.

Overall, I've been very busy (probably busier than most of my MD-only or PhD-only classmates), but it has been very manageable. I can't speak for anything that will happen in MS3/4.

EDIT: One more question: Most programs with MD consideration say that your application to the MD/PhD program, if denied, will not hurt your application to the MD program. However, I'm on hold for the MD/PhD program at a few places. If they wait to deny me, I won't be thrown into the MD applicant pool until way late in the game. Won't this hurt me and others in a similar situation?

See above.

 

[goodkarma]

Thanks so much for all your help!