MD/DO-PhD applicants: virtual Q&A with program directors is starting now! This thread will be updated with key info. discussed! If during the session you have Qs, pls comment on this thread or send a DM!
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First topic of discussion: What do you perceive to be the largest roadblocks in the application process to MD-PhD programs during COVID-19?
Process will still be holistic! Directors are aware of extra barriers in place for students who originally had summer plans that were sidelined.
There's an understanding of concerns about MCAT delays. AAMC has been trying to accommodate more testers and will be releasing scores at a faster pace to help applicants.
Discussion has moved to MCAT requirements during the review process
There are some programs that will invite to interview without MCAT scores. Some programs will still wait for MCATs, but some of these programs will revisit policy as the summer progresses!
PDs acknowledge that it's not a perfect predictor of success. It is used as a metric, but other factors are also important: experiences prepping to be a physician scientist, comments from LORs, goals/reflection for their career
Even if MCAT scores will be submitted later in the cycle, applicants this cycle have other advantages. PDs say it is likely that there will be more interviews this year (as they're virtual) and application timeline will be pushed forward in many cases
As one program director put it in terms of factors that are important in the application process: "the research, the research, the research" 🧪🧪🧪🔬🔬🔬
Next topic: what to do about COVID impacting your experiences that you would have otherwise had as an applicant?
All abstracts & experiences that were cancelled due to COVID: list them and note that they were cancelled!
In counting hours, consider time analyzing data, writing papers, and so on
Many secondaries will have space to explain how the pandemic has affected you
"Remember, everyone is in the same boat!" ⛵️
Great piece of advice: reach out to former PIs or supervisors of experiences that you were planning to do. Don't be afraid to ask for help and see if there are opportunities for doing remote work!
Programs will likely give opportunities for applicants to explain how COVID has affected them in future application cycles
Programs will be flexible in expectations moving forward due to constraints undergraduates will face in terms of limited research opportunities
Next question: Are there concerns about funding cuts to MD-PhD programs?
There will be business savings due to less travel, and so on! Which might help to compensate concerns about funds
Medical schools have been cutting budgets, but maintaining the current number of spots in a program has been a priority!
"I'm optimistic that COVID-19 may have raised awareness nationally for this career path...and most of the funding is funded by the taxpayers"
Important question: what advice do PDs have for applicants who have face financial challenges due to the pandemic, and are facing primary and secondary fees?
Don't hesitate to email a program because you are concerned that it will affect your status with admissions--it won't!
Definitely touch base with programs--in many cases they give waivers! Programs want to help you. They have mechanisms where they may be able to help you!
New topic: what are programs looking for in terms of research experience?
LORs are read carefully: they help programs understand the contributions of an applicant to a project
Programs know you are still being mentored by grad students and/or postdocs, but it's important to show developing independence
Presenting at a conference is a great way to show independence!
It's important to show that you understand the purpose of the research that you do, and how it fits within the scope of the larger lab that you are working in
All forms of research (even if not strictly medical) shows your passion for discovery! Programs are looking for applicants who are excited about science!
Discussion now on reapplying
Most important thing is to look for ways to engage in research, shadowing, and service in the next year
Reach out to program directors for tips and advice about how to become a competitive applicant. Programs want to see *more* students pursue careers as physician-scientists, not less!
When to apply? Should one take time off after undergrad for research?
It depends on your research experience! If you've done sufficient research to feel you understand the physician-scientist career, that's the right time to apply
Last question for tonight: What measures are programs taking to increase diversity, and what measures do programs take to support diverse students?
Students and faculty are actively engaging on how to address institutional racism and how to eliminate racism in academia and medicine
Minority applications to MD-PhD programs have not increased over time. Increasing the number of applicants into the pipeline is a priority for programs
Outreach efforts are being made to make sure that there is awareness about the physician-scientist career path, as early as high school
The # of URM applicants is unacceptably low. There's a commitment among programs to encourage more applicants to pursue the physician scientist career path
MD-PhD graduates go on to have leadership positions in medicine. Which makes it ever the more important for MD-PhD programs to address racism and inequity.
That's a wrap for tonight! Stay tuned for next week's session 6/25 7PM EST for a virtual Q&A with current trainees! Registration will be here: bit.ly/SupportApplica…
