Podcast Summary
Integrated MD and PhD Programs: MSTP at Washington University: MSTP programs offer students a unique 8-10 year journey to earn an MD and PhD, preparing them for careers in biomedical research. Washington University's MSTP, established in 1969, is a leading example, providing 14 PhD options and fostering collaboration and community.
MSTP programs, like the one at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, offer students an integrated experience combining MD and PhD curricula. These programs last up to 9 years and provide students with a unique learning experience tailored to their backgrounds and goals in medicine and science. MSTP students participate in both medical and graduate school activities. Washington University's MSTP, established in 1969, is one of the largest and most successful in the country, with a mission to prepare physician scientists for careers in biomedical research. The program offers 14 different PhD programs and emphasizes collaboration and community. Brian Sullivan, a native of St. Louis and long-time Washington University employee, now serves as the executive director of the MSTP. He is an expert in this field and has a deep connection to the university. This conversation provides valuable insights for those considering MSTP programs or just learning about them.
From Spanish Degree to MSTP Executive Director: Brian Sullivan's diverse educational background led him to an unexpected career path in academia, where he stayed for over 27 years, inspiring his daughter to follow in his footsteps.
Brian Sullivan's diverse educational background and love for learning led him to an unexpected career path as the Executive Director of Washington University's Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Despite initially intending to use his Spanish degree to work in Latin America, he found himself in a lab job, which he eventually grew tired of. After being laid off, he took a job in MSTP out of a desire to work with students. Although the program was complex, he stayed for over 27 years and even saw his daughter follow in his footsteps by becoming the director of admissions. St. Louis, where WashU is located, offers a rich cultural scene, particularly in music and food, making it an attractive place for students and visitors alike.
MD PhD programs train physician scientists for research and patient care: MD PhD programs create physician scientists capable of thriving in research and patient care, with graduates pursuing diverse careers in academia, industry, pharma, biotech, and entrepreneurship
MD PhD training programs, such as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Washington University, are designed to produce physician scientists who can excel in both research and patient care. These programs were established in the 1960s to address the need for more physicians with research backgrounds as the biomedical research workforce expanded. While the primary goal is to prepare individuals for academic careers, the definition of success has broadened over time to include various careers in industry, pharma, biotech, and even entrepreneurship. The majority of MD PhD graduates still complete residencies, but some choose to enter industry directly after graduation. It is important to note that there is no fundamental difference between MD PhD and MSTP programs; the latter is simply a grant-funded version of the former. Prospective applicants should not feel limited to research careers, as there are numerous viable options available.
Integrated MD PhD training programs allow for flexible scheduling of clinical and research experiences: MD PhD programs now offer flexible scheduling, enabling students to intermingle clinical and research phases throughout their training for a well-rounded education
The MD PhD training program, also known as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), used to have a strict sequential structure where students completed preclinical studies, then their PhD focusing solely on research, and finally returned to complete clinical training. However, this model has evolved into a more integrated and flexible approach, allowing students to intermingle clinical and research experiences throughout their training. This change aims to prevent students from forgetting previously learned material and to keep them engaged in both clinical and research aspects of their education. Currently, there is variability between programs regarding the length and timing of clinical and research phases. Some students may complete a full year of clinical work before starting their PhD, while others may have the option to do as little as two months. The ultimate goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for successful careers in academia, research, or clinical practice.
Ideal candidates for MD-PhD programs are curious and driven individuals: MD-PhD programs seek individuals with strong clinical practice and research potential, emphasizing curiosity and a strong drive to learn and contribute to their fields.
Individuals with insatiable curiosity and a strong drive for both clinical practice and research are ideal candidates for MD-PhD programs. The white sock test analogy suggests that those who are intensely curious, asking why and what can we learn, are the best fits for these programs. The balance between clinical work and research has evolved over time, with various models available, from heavy research focus to a majority of clinical work. It's essential to recognize that physician scientists who spend most of their time in clinics can still contribute significantly to research in their respective fields. The NIH and academic institutions value the contributions of physician scientists, and MD-PhD admissions committees look for strong MD candidates, emphasizing the importance of both academic and research potential.
MD-PhD programs require a strong foundation in both medicine and research: To succeed in MD-PhD programs, applicants need a solid background in medicine and research, with a focus on quality and impact over quantity of hours.
For MD-PhD programs, being a strong medical candidate is essential, and demonstrating a solid foundation and productivity in research is crucial. Admissions committees look for individuals who are willing to take calculated risks and learn from failures. A minimum of 1000 hours of research experience is recommended, but the focus is more on the quality and impact of the research rather than just the number of hours. MD-PhD programs are highly collaborative, and committees work together to ensure that applicants meet the requirements for both the medical and research aspects of the program. Publications and conference abstracts are not necessarily expected, but a strong research background and potential for independent research are essential.
Presentations are more valuable than publications for graduate applications: Presentations demonstrate ability to explain complex research to diverse audiences and show potential to become independent investigators, making them more valuable for graduate applications than multiple short, unconnected research projects.
While having research publications can be beneficial, they are not a requirement for applying to graduate programs. Presentations, particularly poster presentations, may be more valuable as they require the ability to explain complex research to a diverse audience. Long-term, focused research projects demonstrate a candidate's potential to become an independent investigator, making it more valuable to graduate programs than multiple short, unconnected projects. By the junior year of undergraduate studies, it is recommended to find a lab and commit to staying for the remainder of the degree program.
Balancing research and clinical experience in MSTP applications: Gain in-depth research experience and clinical exposure, aim for 40 hours of clinical hours, and demonstrate a genuine passion for both fields to strengthen MSTP applications.
Gaining in-depth experience and understanding in a particular research project is more valuable than participating in short-term opportunities, even if they involve working with renowned experts. For prospective MSTP applicants, it's essential to balance research experience with clinical or patient care exposures. Aim for a minimum of 40 hours for the latter to satisfy most schools' expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, but the MSTP community remains optimistic about the number of applicants. While the application process may be more challenging for those without significant research experience, schools are making allowances for reasonable applicants. Remember, it's not just about meeting minimum requirements; it's about demonstrating a genuine understanding and passion for both research and medicine.
Increase in gap years before applying to MD-PhD programs: Taking a gap year before applying to MD-PhD programs can lead to more informed decisions, valuable research experience, and lower attrition rates.
The trend of taking gap years before applying to MD-PhD programs has significantly increased over the past quarter century, with up to 75% of applicants now having taken a gap year. This shift has led to a decrease in attrition rates from 15% to 5%, suggesting that students are making more informed decisions about their career paths. While taking a gap year requires an additional investment of time and resources, it allows students to gain valuable research experience and make a more positive commitment to a physician-scientist career. The MD-PhD community is a small and collaborative one, with fewer than 100 programs in the country receiving NIH funding. Therefore, applicants should aim to apply to a reasonable number of programs, with an average of 15.7 applications being made in the previous year. Overall, taking a gap year can be a beneficial decision for those considering a career in MD-PhD research.
Expanding your horizons in MD-PhD applications: Consider a variety of institutions beyond top 10 schools for MD-PhD programs. Look for research fits and potential opportunities for collaboration or employment.
When applying to MD-PhD programs, it's important to consider a wide range of institutions beyond just the top 10 schools. While it may be tempting to focus on a few schools, doing so could limit opportunities for finding the best research fit. Instead, applicants should look for institutions where their research interests align with ongoing projects and where they could see themselves pursuing a PhD. This approach increases the chances of finding a program that sets the applicant up for success and potentially leads to future opportunities for collaboration or employment. Additionally, letters of recommendation should reflect significant research experiences, with at least one letter coming from a principal investigator if applicable. Overall, the MD-PhD application process requires careful consideration and research to ensure a good fit for both the applicant and the program.
Deciding Between MD and MD-PhD Programs: Consider individual circumstances, institutional preferences, financial commitments, and debt before deciding between MD and MD-PhD programs. MD-PhD programs are funded by institutions to reduce financial burden.
The decision to apply for an MD or an MD-PhD program depends on individual circumstances and preferences. While some institutions encourage applying to both, others may view it as a hedging strategy or a lack of commitment. MD-PhD programs involve significant financial investment from the institution, and students should aim to graduate debt-free. The cost of living varies greatly among different locations, and ideally, students should not incur any debt during their studies. The NIH started funding these programs to ensure that financial burden does not prevent individuals from pursuing academic careers.
Reducing Financial Barriers for MD-PhD Students: The NIH-funded MD-PhD program covers tuition, fees, and provides a stipend to help with living expenses, reducing financial barriers for students pursuing research or academic careers.
The MD-PhD program, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to reduce financial barriers for individuals pursuing research or academic careers. The program covers tuition and fees, and provides a monthly stipend to help with living expenses. However, some students may still incur debt depending on their specific program and personal spending. Regarding MCAT scores, programs typically consider the highest score, and multiple attempts may raise concerns if there's no significant improvement. WashU's MD-PhD program stands out for its strong research focus, broad research portfolio, and the success of its students in various fields such as immunology, microbiology, genetics, neuroscience, and computational biology.
A Comprehensive and Engaging Educational Experience at WashU's MSTP: The MSTP at WashU offers over 600 labs, weekly dinner seminars, valuable guidance, diverse student body, and community initiatives for a rich learning experience.
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at WashU offers a unique and engaging experience for students interested in immunology, neuroscience, or other research fields. With over 600 labs to choose from and a large student body, the program ensures a high level of interaction between students and faculty. Weekly dinner seminars provide opportunities for students to discuss their experiences and challenges with their peers, fostering a strong sense of community. The experienced staff and long-tenured faculty offer valuable guidance and support. MSTP students also contribute to the institution and community through various initiatives, such as the Young Scientist Program and the Public Health Plunge. These students, who are committed and passionate about their research, bring diverse backgrounds and experiences, making for a rich and dynamic learning environment. Overall, the MSTP at WashU offers a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that goes beyond the confines of the lab or classroom.
MSTP threads: Specialized seminars for MSTP students: MSTP threads offer students a chance to engage with faculty, learn about research, and hone presentation skills, fostering a strong sense of community and support.
The MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program) at Case Western Reserve University offers a unique blend of medical education and research experience. During the first phase of the program, MSTP students balance their medical coursework with specialized seminars called "MSTP threads." These seminars provide opportunities for students to engage with faculty members, learn about groundbreaking research, and develop presentation skills. Additionally, the program fosters a strong sense of community and support among students and faculty. The interview process for MSTP candidates is tailored to the program and focuses on assessing a candidate's potential for success in both medical and research fields. The program's emphasis on vertical integration, community building, and personal relationships sets it apart and contributes to the growth and success of its students over a long period of time.
Discussing research with a dozen faculty members during committee interview: The MSTP interview process includes a unique committee interview where applicants discuss their research with a dozen faculty members, providing a fairer and more comprehensive evaluation of applicants.
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at this university offers a unique interview process, which includes a committee interview, in addition to regular medical school interviews and individual faculty interviews. During the committee interview, applicants have 20 minutes to discuss their research with a dozen faculty members, who then ask questions and make the decision on their application. This process is seen as fairer than traditional interviews, as all committee members have the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed decision. The committee interviews are also beneficial for the university, as they get to meet some of the brightest students in the country and learn from their research. Applicants should be well-prepared for the interview day, knowing their research inside and out and being able to explain it in layman's terms to non-experts. The individual faculty interviews, while not weighing heavily in the admissions decision, provide an opportunity for applicants to discuss their research interests with potential advisors. Overall, the committee interview process adds a human element to the application process and allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of applicants.
Preparing for Graduate Committee Interviews: Explaining Your Research Without Slides: Be well-prepared to discuss your research background, hypothesis, testing methods, and results without slides during graduate committee interviews. Encourage questions to provide more impressive answers.
During graduate committee interviews, it's essential to be well-prepared and able to clearly explain your research without relying on slides or external aids. Focus on sharing your research background, hypothesis, testing methods, and results. If possible, leave some information out to encourage questions, allowing you to provide a more impressive answer. While no slides are allowed during the committee interview at this specific institution, individual interviews may have different rules. Always ask first if you can use aids, but be prepared to discuss your research in depth without them. Additionally, updates on research progress, such as poster presentations or new data, can be beneficial during the application process.
Communicating with admissions committees: Proactively update admissions committees and express continued interest in graduate programs, consider community and personal fit, and give serious thought to the application process.
Applicants to graduate programs, particularly MD-PhD programs, should be proactive in communicating with admissions committees. Sending updates and expressing continued interest can make a difference in the application process. Additionally, it's essential to consider the community and personal fit when choosing a program. The applicant pool is becoming more diverse, with an increasing number of female and underrepresented minority applicants and students. Programs are making efforts to reach out to these groups and provide opportunities for exposure and decision-making. However, the application process can be lengthy and challenging, so it's crucial to give it serious thought and consideration before making a decision.
Some MSTPs Accept and Fund International Students: Washington University, Hopkins, Cornell, and Penn are among MSTPs that accept and fund international students. Prospective students and advisors should check AAMC website for specific program policies.
Not all medical scientist training programs (MSTP) accept and fund international students due to NIH funding restrictions. However, there are institutions like Washington University in St. Louis, Hopkins, Cornell, and Penn that do accept and fund international students. Prospective students and advisors are encouraged to check the AAMC website for specific program policies regarding international students. It's essential to clarify program funding sources and eligibility requirements early in the application process. Program directors and administrators are open to answering questions and welcome inquiries from prospective students and advisors.
