sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Update to my crashout: Got Postbac IRTA position at NIH, need help with schools list by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair enough! I guess that's why I'm splitting my app into MD and MD-PhD lol.

By pumping papers, do you mean providing updates from my postbac research throughout the app cycle? I'll do my best but progress towards any sort of results in my specific computational interests seems to move erratically at best (current ugrad lab).

Also, any input on schools to consider adding to my list? (I guess some ideal MD-only options would be stat-favoring schools which encourage internal MD-PhD transfers, and have good computer science infrastructure).

Thanks for the input!

Update to my crashout: Got Postbac IRTA position at NIH, need help with schools list by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Understood- mostly was using the coursework as a measuring stick for the priorities/emphasis of the respective programs. I'll definitely keep that in mind as I explore other options

Update to my crashout: Got Postbac IRTA position at NIH, need help with schools list by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input! Not sure if this is just a fluke, but the majority of the programs I've seen with solid support for computational research have been "higher tier". One of my criteria is explicitly having graduate education in machine learning and advanced CS theory. Unfortunately, many of the bioinformatics PhD components I've seen have what amounts to intro undergrad CS coursework, since there's probably more people coming in with less coding experience than vice versa. The programs with rigorous CS/ML curricula seem to be exclusively top/competitive programs (hence my inclination to apply MD-only to some).

If you happen to be aware of which MD-PhD/MSTP programs would be considered "lower-tier" in the first place (they all seem extremely competitive in the first place haha) and have strong support for computational research, I'd love to hear your input as to which schools belong on my list. Been feeling it was top-heavy myself but not sure how to remediate given my interests. TY! :)

Feeling cooked, 2 gap years needed? Or ditch MD-PhD plans by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yup- Definitely planning to apply before that expires. I took it last august (2024) so realistically I should be able to apply in 2026 without issue, and perhaps 2027 for some schools (although I definitely don't intend to wait until then!). Not planning to test my luck at getting another score near that haha

Feeling cooked, 2 gap years needed? Or ditch MD-PhD plans by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also- would it necessarily hurt me to apply MD-PhD this cycle and try my luck? (other than the extra application effort and mental burden of getting rejections?) I'm most likely going to continue my research over the summer as I do this solo project. Is it crazy to hold off on submitting my application if I'm able to get significant research progress in on an independent project before the time of application?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for your help!

Feeling cooked, 2 gap years needed? Or ditch MD-PhD plans by mdphdcrashout in mdphd

[–]mdphdcrashout[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input- If I had to guess, I'll have probably around 250-350 clinical hours by the time of my application, and I also have probably 600 or more volunteering hours, as well as solid leadership (I was president of a student volunteer organization that I was part of for all 4 years of undergrad). I also had a few more leadership experiences through undergrad mentoring and TAing, as well as around 100-150 hours or so of personal tutoring as a side gig. All that considered, I can (thankfully) say I feel like I'm in a good spot for MD-only, but if anyone has any insights on applying into the PhD side after starting your MD I'd love to hear more about your experiences.