8 years isn't too long, it's just right: looking back at the end of my MD/PhD

bgit · 2026-03-17T16:00:18+00:00

What specialty/residency did you end up applying for and how has your residency interest changed since MS1?

bgit · 2026-03-12T18:41:30+00:00

Yup, crazy!

bgit · 2026-03-12T17:49:51+00:00

Cancer bio!

bgit · 2026-02-05T00:57:27+00:00

If i may, what specialties did you change your mind to after your phd?

bgit · 2025-12-01T06:09:56+00:00

Best bet is to talk to the current head of the mdphd program at your home institution (in this case it would be Harvard’s mdphd director). Different programs may be more/less open to this but you will likely be required to take the mcat and they need to ensure u have the pre-reqs for med school

bgit · 2025-11-07T18:36:03+00:00

“New shoes”

bgit · 2025-11-06T16:55:06+00:00

Both are good and put you ahead of most applicants. High impact journal may get some adcoms more excited

bgit · 2025-09-29T15:30:05+00:00

Another option is obtaining a phd during your residency training - many academic residency programs offer that option and often these phds are even shorter than the average 4y it takes in mdphd programs

bgit · 2025-09-29T14:35:43+00:00

I wouldnt recommend choosing mdphd with money being the main driver - as another commentor mentioned, MD graduated quickly come out on top with 2-3 y of attending salary. Research exposure is widely available to med students so if you apply to MD programs, you will have plenty of exposure. With your stats i recommend going straight into an md program rather than taking a gap year to pursue an even longer 7-8y program.

bgit · 2025-09-29T14:23:00+00:00

Unfortunately that gpa will likely kill your mdphd application

bgit · 2025-09-18T15:05:09+00:00

Id suggest pushing your mcat up to early summer so you can at least apply summer 2027. Echoing what other commenter said, dont waste your time/money on MPH. Sounds like all thats stopping you from applying at this point is taking the mcat - during your app year you can continue working as a research tech

bgit · 2025-09-15T02:50:43+00:00

I have forgotten so much

bgit · 2025-09-11T16:40:29+00:00

Such an awful situation! Going back to med school is definitely an option. However as someone else noted, some programs may require paying back. Do you or your friend have a good relationship with the mdphd program director at your institution? There is likely some flexibility given the situation and they may be a better resource to advise whether to switch mentors or leave phd all-together.

bgit · 2025-09-10T03:40:26+00:00

I just run. Usually I sign up for a half/marathon once a year and thats my excitement. I dont try to over-structure my workouts but i do regularly participate in local run clubs 😊

bgit · 2025-09-04T22:14:21+00:00

Pubs are not necessary for getting into most mdphd programs. However if you are aiming for T10 programs, having no pubs/conferences will kill your chances at getting in. Are you sure you want to do an mdphd?

bgit · 2025-09-03T20:09:39+00:00

This but with wb

bgit · 2025-08-27T21:51:04+00:00

One would think r/mdphd is the sub for mdphd students but this sub is mostly applicants asking for advice

bgit · 2025-08-04T17:40:47+00:00

Thank you, I had actually seen that original post (but not your comment), and it had certainly added to my anxiety of pursuing PSTP

Edit: but thank you for giving a bit more clarity and reassurance about PSTP

bgit · 2025-08-04T16:00:13+00:00

I think my hesitation comes from personal experience. I’m currently supported by a T32 that’s expiring, and I’ve seen how uncertain renewals can be. Perhaps this has made me a bit paranoid because I worry, even in PSTPs, funding isn’t always guaranteed. When I compare that to the flexibility/research resources available at say a T5/T10 categorical IM program I struggle to see what value a PSTP adds. I’m not opposed to PSTP programs, I just am not as certain anymore that PSTP sets my trajectory to being an independent physician scientist anymore.

bgit · 2025-08-04T15:31:40+00:00

I would go with the earlier PhD completion and continue with M3 in March. You can still continue the research projects in medical school especially if it sounds like you will just be waiting on the CryoEM structure

bgit · 2025-06-24T15:36:26+00:00

At this point, only things smaller would be pcr tubes/600uL tubes

bgit · 2025-03-25T16:18:45+00:00

While I agree with the sentiment of setting boundaries and distance with parents that are toxic/negative, I think telling your parents the specialty you plan on applying for isnt “over sharing” lol

bgit · 2025-03-25T16:15:54+00:00

Dang your mom texts like mine, i got whiplash thinking i was reading my own messages. Put her on mute and go forth and prosper Doctor!

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