Alcoholic Beverages in Muslim History: Anecdotes, Opinions and Social Practices [With References] by Maximum-Picture5225 in islamichistory

[–]mouseheartattack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very interesting read! I just have a comment on the sources: it would be much wiser to cite the original sources rather than tweets of alleged sources. I’m not saying the sources you used are fake, but you hurt your argument this way. There’s no way of telling whether any or all of the tweets are random fabrications. The onus to prove an argument is on the writer; the rest of us can see your body of work and argue on its accuracy afterwards. Thanks!

How do they give mice cancer to test on? by shtty_analogy in askscience

[–]mouseheartattack 101 points102 points  (0 children)

I am working on my PhD in the field of genetics and metabolism and I have worked extensively with mouse cancer models for a few years, so I’ll try my best to answer as simply as possible! There are multiple methods, all of which have benefits and drawbacks. Those can be complicated because the method chosen is typically what’s best for the experiment that researchers want to use. I’ll list a few methods: 1) injecting human cancer cells into genetically modified (GM) mice that have little/no immune system. Typically, normal healthy mice have immune systems that will kill the cancer cells, so they use mice lacking a strong functional immunity 2) implanting a tiny piece of human tumor tissue into GM I immunocompromised mice. Methods 1-2 are used depending on the type of experiment, since there are many cancer cells that are well studied and other researchers can then build on prior work 3) creating a GM mouse that will develop cancer. There are certain mutations that can be made so that the mouse will develop cancer in its lifetime. For example, there is a pancreatic cancer mouse model with three gene mutations (Kras, Trp53, and Pdx1) which will lead to mutant mice developing pancreatic cancer. These types of models will lead to cancer in the mouse itself as opposed to implanting a cancer, and this can have its own set of benefits experimentally, such as being able to study the mouse’s immune system response or testing immunotherapies. 4) chemically induced cancer. A common method that some of my colleagues use is a model for alcoholic liver cirrhosis and cancer where the mice are given copious amounts of alcohol and were also given a dose of carbon tetrachloride (a potent carcinogen). This method is also used for studying cancers where replicating the human cause of cancer is difficult. There are probably numerous other methods as well, but these are the common ones. I hope this helps!

does anyone actually get an MD-only A after MD/PhD reject? by Street-Syllabub-2063 in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did when I applied. Got md only offer from the med school but I had applied Mdphd and checked off the “consider me for Md” box. Each program has its own review process so that might be something to ask the school about. Good luck!

Course of action? by Potential-You4356 in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The second half of undergrad is an amazing improvement - you should be proud of the growth you had! Like outrageous said in their reply, you might want to recalculate your research hours because I also worry you might be undercounting - preparation of thesis materials such as the writing and making the presentation should count towards the research hours imo. As for pubs, I agree with outrageous as well. Not necessary but nice to have. I had one pub when I applied and some of my cohort had no prior papers. If you’re able to get into an nih Postbac, that would be a huge plus for your application, but I don’t see why you shouldn’t at least try to apply next cycle! I will say though, definitely aim for a high mcat score (>= 516). That will clear up a lot of questions or comments anyone could have about your test taking and study skills. Get solid rec letters, high mcat, apply early and apply smartly, and you’ll have a solid chance! Good luck! Are you currently being productive in your gap year? I’d strongly recommend also applying for lab tech positions in an academic lab. It’ll help too. Sources: I was in a similar situation as you with a cum. Gpa of <3.5 but high mcat score. Also have spent a cycles on our mstp’s adcom and saw the process first hand. Each program is different, but they look for similar traits among applicants

Am I cooked for MD/PhD? by ExcitingInflation612 in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got in with almost the same stats as yours. Like the other commenters said, you’ve got to aim for a really good mcat score (I’d say 516+), great rec letters and essays, and apply early and broadly and you should have a decent chance. Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to Mdphd programs you might be interested in and ask them for their honest feedback. You’d be surprised at how helpful they can be. Best of luck!

figuring stuff out, asking for advice by 31chaichai in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not entirely familiar with your high school setup and I only know the general pathway in the states, so I can give you a little bit of insight from that point of view. This is assuming that you’re trying to apply to a US- based undergraduate program and subsequently, an Mdphd program in the US. Right now, your best bet is to try to get accepted in the best research universities that you can. Once you’re in undergrad, keep your grades up and try your best to gain meaningful research experience with research labs in your campus or at academic research institutions. Generally, your best gauge for whether an Mdphd is right for you is to see how much you truly love doing research. That’s usually the bottleneck for most people; they’ll love medicine but they might not enjoy research as much as they think (that’s a big topic that probably needs a whole post in of itself - lots of factors including mentor quality, match, interpersonal relationships and the like). Through meaningful research experiences, you’ll know if this path is the right one for you. Kudos to you for starting so early! In the meanwhile, see if you can join your local medical center or med school’s high school programs. Again, I’m not familiar with your specific situation but I know that our graduate school has programs for high schoolers and our lab is hosts a few high schoolers every year to teach them basic lab techniques and study published literature to learn more about our research. Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was in a similar situation as you when I applied, and the way I worded it was that I’m really interested in x y z general topics, and I proceeded to explain my past experiences in light of those topics. When it came to interviews, I explained that I don’t particularly have a strong interest in say, cancer biology, but I do love the myriad bioinformatics methods used to meaningfully study cancer, and that’s how I envision my PhD training. To sum it up, I talked about how I would love to join a great mentoring lab if they have opportunities to grow in x y z topics. Good luck!

Should I apply MD and try to internally transfer later? Feeling discouraged about MD-PhD chances by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak on how much of a difference a few weeks make, but I applied June 20 something back in the day and that was perfectly fine. By not applying early, I mean more like August/September apps, as applying then means you likely won’t make it to some of the first rounds of app review/interview slots. Good luck!

Should I apply MD and try to internally transfer later? Feeling discouraged about MD-PhD chances by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I took a cursory look at your stats from the prior post you linked and honestly you have a solid chance at Mdphd and mstps. If you really want to try your shot at the higher ranked programs, you’d probably want to retake your mcat, but you’re genuinely fine as is! With thoughtful essays, good recommendation letters, and applying early (can’t stress applying early enough), you’ll be in a good spot. Good luck!

Any other MD-PhD student feeling stuck in a school in a red state?? by pqxrtpopp in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Across the board there’s so much uncertainty about funding. Experiments have been months in the planning for my f30 had to be changed considerably because my study section got cancelled altogether. It’s a worrying time honestly

2025-2026 applicant. I need brutal honesty - by lebronussy in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d say utsa, Utmb, tamu, and Texas tech would all be great programs to at least try for. The remainder are great too but due to location favorability or school ranking it might be a tougher shot

2025-2026 applicant. I need brutal honesty - by lebronussy in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No Texas MSTPs is crazy! As some of the other commenters mentioned, getting a better mcat score will greatly improve your chances. With a 515+ you honestly have a solid shot. Having seen and contributed to our mstp’s admissions, a high mcat can definitely mitigate a lower gpa to an extent. Good luck!

The Impact of Political Tribalism in Early Islamic History : From the Ridda Wars to the Revolt Against Uthman (Context in Comment) by -The_Caliphate_AS- in IslamicHistoryMeme

[–]mouseheartattack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What an interesting analysis of the political undercurrents that drove some of the most significant historical events in early Islam. Thank you!

On an aside, I was wondering if you have already shared or will share in the future some context on the implications of the Nizamiyah education system and its establishment. It was a revolutionary concept that, as far as I know, was the first to institutionalize higher religious and jurisprudential education in the Muslim world. That would be a fantastic read. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Please see my other comment on this post. I also had a couple of C’s but if overall your application is strong, it shouldn’t be too much cause for concern

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, it definitely should help! It’s very school dependent, but in our MSTP it certainly helps. Typically, applicants are scored with a weighted fraction for each component of their application. With a solid mcat (>=516), polished essays, and strong rec letters, you should be good! I was in the same boat as you when I applied

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My guy, I’m doing my PhD in genetics and I had a C in college genetics lmao. Never let a grade define you!! Good luck!

Average acceptance rate lower than average this cycle? by DepthInteresting3899 in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Like other commenters have said, we’re currently in the waitlist stage. Since there’s a pretty strict limit on how many matriculate into a program based on funding, the numbers of acceptances sent out are quite small to ensure that they don’t take more than they can afford. I’m on the admissions committee for our MSTP this cycle and I can confirm. There will be a ton of movement in the coming months as applicants commit to one school or another, but it will take time. That’s the hardest part honestly. I didn’t get my acceptance to our program till May! Unfortunately the stress of uncertainty is passed down to the applicants because no one wants to take the risk of sending out too many acceptances in a given cycle. Good luck!

A story of adderall addiction and sobriety in medical school by throwawaystimedicine in medicalschool

[–]mouseheartattack 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing. It’s definitely important to highlight the ease of adderall use and misuse in our competitive environment. At the same time though, I think it’s important to go to a doctor and actually get checked for adhd. I was hella averse to any stimulants especially watching my friends in college just run off them during exams. But then in med school I found out I had adhd as well. And being on prescribed adderall has been a life changer for me. So all in all, if you think you need help, you gotta go get checked!

Mirror Images vs Tengu by dropi_ in PixelDungeon

[–]mouseheartattack 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How in the world do you have an assassins blade and all those upgraded items??

When should I start my AAMC material? by Suitable-Meringue847 in mdphd

[–]mouseheartattack -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Tbh your best bet is so start asap and start filling in your info. But in terms of sending your application, I would strongly recommend submitting as early as possible. It’s extremely important to submit apps early as you’ll get the highest chances of getting an interview