““Preparing for and Applying to PhD, MD/PhD Preparing for and Applying to PhD, MD/PhD and MD Programs: A Dean’s Perspective”and MD Programs: A Dean’s Perspective”
John Jay CollegeJohn Jay College
November 3, 2011November 3, 2011
Joel D. Oppenheim, Ph.D.Joel D. Oppenheim, Ph.D. Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical SciencesSenior Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences
NYU School of MedicineNYU School of Medicine
Topics to discuss….Topics to discuss….• IntroductionsIntroductions• What Program Should You Be applying To?What Program Should You Be applying To?• College preparation College preparation • Who is looking for whatWho is looking for what• Medical School InformationMedical School Information• Application StrategiesApplication Strategies
PhD, MD, or PhD, MD, or MD/PhD?MD/PhD?
The Biomedical EnterpriseThe Biomedical EnterpriseThe SpectrumThe Spectrum
PhysicalSciences
BasicBiologicalSciences
IntegrativeBiologicalSciences
Disease-OrientedResearch
Patient-OrientedResearch
PatientCare
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
The Physical SciencesThe Physical Sciences
MathematicsMathematics PhysicsPhysics ChemistryChemistry Computational SciencesComputational Sciences
PhD, (MD/PhD), ((MD))
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
The Basic Biological The Basic Biological SciencesSciences
Molecular GeneticsMolecular Genetics Cell SignalingCell Signaling Structural BiologyStructural Biology
PhD, MD/PhD, (MD)
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
The Integrative Biological The Integrative Biological SciencesSciences
Cell biologyCell biology Developmental BiologyDevelopmental Biology PhysiologyPhysiology ImmunologyImmunology NeurosciencesNeurosciences Evolutionary BiologyEvolutionary Biology
PhD, MD/PhD, (MD)
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
Disease-Oriented ResearchDisease-Oriented Research
Cancer BiologyCancer Biology Sickle Cell AnemiaSickle Cell Anemia Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular Disease Auto-Immune DiseaseAuto-Immune Disease Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease
PhD, MD/PhD, MD
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
Patient-Oriented ResearchPatient-Oriented Research*Hypothesis-Driven*Hypothesis-Driven
Congenital DisordersCongenital Disorders Aortic AneurismsAortic Aneurisms Auto-Immune DiseaseAuto-Immune Disease Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular Disease
MD/PhD, MD
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
Patient-Oriented ResearchPatient-Oriented Research*Observational*Observational
Epidemiological StudiesEpidemiological Studies Environmental StudiesEnvironmental Studies Drug TrialsDrug Trials Longitudinal StudiesLongitudinal Studies Outcomes ResearchOutcomes Research
MD, (MD/PhD)
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
Patient CarePatient Care
History and PhysicalHistory and Physical DiagnosisDiagnosis TreatmentTreatment
MD, (MD/PhD)
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
The Biomedical EnterpriseThe Biomedical EnterpriseThe Spectrum...RevisitedThe Spectrum...Revisited
PhysicalSciences
BasicBiologicalSciences
IntegrativeBiologicalSciences
Disease-OrientedResearch
Patient-OrientedResearch
PatientCare
PhDMD/PhD
MD
Rod Ulane- NYU School of Medicine
PreparationPreparation
Freshman & Sophomore YearsFreshman & Sophomore Years• Take broad spectrum of introductory sciences courses (including laboratories): Take broad spectrum of introductory sciences courses (including laboratories):
biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer sciencesbiology, chemistry, physics, math, computer sciences
• Take courses which help develop skills in reading comprehension, writing and Take courses which help develop skills in reading comprehension, writing and public speakingpublic speaking
• For MD or MD/PhD For MD or MD/PhD • arrange at least one hospital experience which includes patient contact sometime during arrange at least one hospital experience which includes patient contact sometime during
your sophomore or junior year your sophomore or junior year
• Participate in a meaningful community service activity Participate in a meaningful community service activity
• Take a leadership role in some university related activityTake a leadership role in some university related activity
• Establish a good relationship with your school’s health careers or undergraduate Establish a good relationship with your school’s health careers or undergraduate research advisorsresearch advisors
• Get involved in research at your home institution and begin to think of off-campus Get involved in research at your home institution and begin to think of off-campus research experiences (i.e. summer programs), especially at schools that you are research experiences (i.e. summer programs), especially at schools that you are considering applying toconsidering applying to
• Make sure that you do not over-extend yourself and remember thatMake sure that you do not over-extend yourself and remember thatACADEMICS COME FIRST!!!ACADEMICS COME FIRST!!!
““REALITY CHECK”REALITY CHECK”Somewhere between the end of the second year and the Somewhere between the end of the second year and the
end of the third year you must ask yourself:end of the third year you must ask yourself:
““Have I prepared myself appropriately and do I have a Have I prepared myself appropriately and do I have a strong enough record to apply for the graduate or strong enough record to apply for the graduate or professional program in which I am interested?” professional program in which I am interested?”
If the answer is “no” it is time to candidly re-examine your If the answer is “no” it is time to candidly re-examine your career goals, your learning strategies or your career goals, your learning strategies or your educational goalseducational goals
Junior YearJunior Year• Take advanced level science courses: Take advanced level science courses: biochemistrybiochemistry, cell biology, molecular , cell biology, molecular
biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, organic chemistry,, etc. These biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, organic chemistry,, etc. These courses will prepare your foundation for all graduate and medical school courses will prepare your foundation for all graduate and medical school curriculumcurriculum
• Take liberal arts courses that expand your comprehension, communication and Take liberal arts courses that expand your comprehension, communication and critical/analytical reasoning skills: e.g. economics, history, literature, philosophy, critical/analytical reasoning skills: e.g. economics, history, literature, philosophy, etc.etc.
• Expand your research experiencesExpand your research experiences• For PhD and MD/PhD you must carry out in depth research at your home For PhD and MD/PhD you must carry out in depth research at your home
institutioninstitution• Summer research programs (summers between your sophomore and senior Summer research programs (summers between your sophomore and senior
years)years)• Chose a program directed at your career interestChose a program directed at your career interest• Chose a program at a school you are interested in attendingChose a program at a school you are interested in attending
Junior Year…Junior Year…
• Begin preparation for MCAT or GRE: take preparation courses (Kaplan, Begin preparation for MCAT or GRE: take preparation courses (Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc.), Princeton Review, etc.), • MCAT is a computerized exam which is given 22 x a year beginning in MCAT is a computerized exam which is given 22 x a year beginning in
January; it should be taken before you submit your AMCAS applicationJanuary; it should be taken before you submit your AMCAS application• GRE exams are also computerized and you can take most any time; fall GRE exams are also computerized and you can take most any time; fall
of your senior year is most common; also must check if schools require a of your senior year is most common; also must check if schools require a subject testsubject test
Senior YearSenior Year• Submit your applications early (be realistic in your choice of programs)Submit your applications early (be realistic in your choice of programs)
• File AMCAS application for MD or MD/PhD by earliest possible date File AMCAS application for MD or MD/PhD by earliest possible date (early June); apply to ~10-12 schools (early June); apply to ~10-12 schools
• File individual grad school applications in early fall; apply to 6-8 schoolsFile individual grad school applications in early fall; apply to 6-8 schools
• If possible, visit the schools that interest you before applyingIf possible, visit the schools that interest you before applying
• For MD and MD/PhD applicants expect the fall semester to be very demanding (and For MD and MD/PhD applicants expect the fall semester to be very demanding (and expensive): be sure to take this into account when planning class schedules and other expensive): be sure to take this into account when planning class schedules and other social commitments; most MD/PhD interviews are between Sept 15 - Jan 30social commitments; most MD/PhD interviews are between Sept 15 - Jan 30
• PhD interviews are usually paid for by the visiting school; between Jan 15 -March 15PhD interviews are usually paid for by the visiting school; between Jan 15 -March 15
• For PhD and MD/PhD bound students be sure to take advanced level science courses, For PhD and MD/PhD bound students be sure to take advanced level science courses, especially those which are research and techniques oriented and complete any ongoing especially those which are research and techniques oriented and complete any ongoing research projectsresearch projects
• Take “life-enriching” courses that you will enjoy: art history, religion, etc.Take “life-enriching” courses that you will enjoy: art history, religion, etc.
• Be sure to graduate!Be sure to graduate!
Who’s looking for Who’s looking for what?what?
What students should be looking forWhat students should be looking for
Academic Considerations:Academic Considerations:• Does the program offer a curriculum that meets your needsDoes the program offer a curriculum that meets your needs
MD programs:MD programs:- traditional or problem based learning- traditional or problem based learning- research or primary care based medical school- research or primary care based medical school
PhD programs: umbrella vs. departmentalPhD programs: umbrella vs. departmental
PhD and MD/PhD programsPhD and MD/PhD programs- are there sufficient faculty choices in the research areas you are - are there sufficient faculty choices in the research areas you are
interested in interested in- is there flexibility within the PhD to change directions - is there flexibility within the PhD to change directions
• Do you feel comfortable with the program’s structure and organization; this is Do you feel comfortable with the program’s structure and organization; this is especially important for MD/PhD applicants especially important for MD/PhD applicants
• Are there adequate university research support systems to carry out the type of Are there adequate university research support systems to carry out the type of research you are interested in (library, computer facilities, specialized equipment, etc.)research you are interested in (library, computer facilities, specialized equipment, etc.)
What students should be looking for…What students should be looking for…
Special MD ConsiderationsSpecial MD Considerations• Does the school offer (and/or encourage) specialized programs that could Does the school offer (and/or encourage) specialized programs that could
enhance your medical school experience: enhance your medical school experience:
• combined degree programs (MD/MPH, MD/MA, MD/JD, etc.)combined degree programs (MD/MPH, MD/MA, MD/JD, etc.)
• research opportunities for medical students (NIH Honors Programs, HHMI, research opportunities for medical students (NIH Honors Programs, HHMI, Sarnoff, etc.)Sarnoff, etc.)
• international clerkshipsinternational clerkships
• educational and clinical opportunities outside the normal curriculum (humanities educational and clinical opportunities outside the normal curriculum (humanities and social science events)and social science events)
What students should be looking for…What students should be looking for…Financial ConsiderationsFinancial Considerations
• Can you afford it….This is not usually a consideration for students Can you afford it….This is not usually a consideration for students pursuing PhD and MD/PhD programs, but is a major issue for MD pursuing PhD and MD/PhD programs, but is a major issue for MD applicants (though it really does not have to be)applicants (though it really does not have to be)
• Anyone can afford to go to medical school… It becomes a question of how Anyone can afford to go to medical school… It becomes a question of how much debt you are welling to incur (the average medical school graduate much debt you are welling to incur (the average medical school graduate in has a debt of >$160,000)in has a debt of >$160,000)
• There are many ways of financing your medical education (loans, There are many ways of financing your medical education (loans, stipends, work study). Seek the help of the Financial Aid Officestipends, work study). Seek the help of the Financial Aid Office
• Alternate ways of funding your education (i.e. National Loan Repayment Alternate ways of funding your education (i.e. National Loan Repayment Program, Armed Forces and PHS support, etc.)Program, Armed Forces and PHS support, etc.)
What students should be looking for...What students should be looking for...Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations
• Geographic location of the schoolGeographic location of the school• Campus environmentCampus environment• Size of the class Size of the class • Appropriate support systems (advisors, tutoring-services, etc.)Appropriate support systems (advisors, tutoring-services, etc.)• Diversity of student bodyDiversity of student body• Record on residency placement of MD graduatesRecord on residency placement of MD graduates• Intangibles for PhD and MD/PhDIntangibles for PhD and MD/PhD
- time to degree (national average 6 yrs for PhD, 8 yrs for - time to degree (national average 6 yrs for PhD, 8 yrs for MD/PhD)MD/PhD)
- % completions - % completions Record on placement of graduatesRecord on placement of graduates
- MD and MD/PhD: Residency placement- MD and MD/PhD: Residency placement- PhD: postdocs, industry, government, etc- PhD: postdocs, industry, government, etc
- outcomes (# in academic positions)- outcomes (# in academic positions)
What schools are looking forWhat schools are looking for• Strong undergraduate academic performance as indicated by Strong undergraduate academic performance as indicated by
• Strength of course load & GPA (compared to other candidates Strength of course load & GPA (compared to other candidates from the same institution)from the same institution)
• MCAT or GRE scores MCAT or GRE scores • For PhD and MD/PhD applicants, sustained research experience(s)For PhD and MD/PhD applicants, sustained research experience(s)• Letters of Recommendation from appropriate individuals (and/or Letters of Recommendation from appropriate individuals (and/or
Committee Letter)Committee Letter)
• Strongly motivated students, who understand why they are applyingStrongly motivated students, who understand why they are applying
• Students who can clearly express themselves both in writing and Students who can clearly express themselves both in writing and orallyorally
• For MD applicants, students who understand the social and economicFor MD applicants, students who understand the social and economic implications of the career they have chosen and who have implications of the career they have chosen and who have demonstrated leadership capabilitiesdemonstrated leadership capabilities
What schools are looking for…What schools are looking for…
• For PhD applicants, superior preparation in the discipline for For PhD applicants, superior preparation in the discipline for which the student is applyingwhich the student is applying
• For MD/PhD applicants, an understanding of why you are applying For MD/PhD applicants, an understanding of why you are applying to a combined programto a combined program
Medical School Medical School InformationInformation
National Applicant Data: for Fall 2010 National Applicant Data: for Fall 2010 By Gender and EthnicityBy Gender and Ethnicity
• Total Number of MD ApplicantsTotal Number of MD Applicants 42,742* 42,742*MD/PhD ApplicantsMD/PhD Applicants 1,703 (4%) 1,703 (4%)
• By Gender:By Gender:MaleMale 22,534 (53%)22,534 (53%)FemaleFemale 20,207 (47%)20,207 (47%)
• Underrepresented studentsUnderrepresented students 6,393 (~15.5%) 6,393 (~15.5%) HispanicHispanic 3271 3271
BlackBlack 3475 3475Native AmericanNative American 415 415
• Non US & Perm ResNon US & Perm Res 1,706 1,706
*From AAMC database (1.1% increase over 2009)*From AAMC database (1.1% increase over 2009)
MCAT (mean ave.)
GPA (mean ave.) - Science - Non Science
Applicants Matriculates
27.8/O 30.8/P
3.49 3.39
3.62
3.653.59
3.73
*Source AAMC database
National Applicant Data: Fall 2010National Applicant Data: Fall 2010Applicant vs. Matriculate Data*Applicant vs. Matriculate Data*
National Applicant Data: Fall 2010 National Applicant Data: Fall 2010 Medical School Matriculants*Medical School Matriculants*
• Total:Total: MD & MD/PhDMD & MD/PhD 18,665 (43.6%)**18,665 (43.6%)**MD/PhDMD/PhD 612 (3.2%) 612 (3.2%)
• By Gender:By Gender:MaleMale 9,909 (53.1%)9,909 (53.1%)FemaleFemale 8,756 (46.9%)8,756 (46.9%)
• Underrepresented studentsUnderrepresented students 3141 (16.1%) 3141 (16.1%)
• Non US Citizen & Perm ResNon US Citizen & Perm Res 281 (1.3%) 281 (1.3%)
*AAMC Database*AAMC Database**1.5% increase in matriculants due to 3 new medical schools**1.5% increase in matriculants due to 3 new medical schools
Medical Student Qualities: Admissions Assessment
Professionalism
Academics
InterpersonalSkills
Motivation/ Investigative Mind
Experience
□ Interpersonal Communication□ Empathy / Compassion□ Teamwork Skills
□ Teaching Skills
□ GPA/MCAT Scores□ Problem solving / analytical reasoning □ Academic Improvement
□ Consistency
□ Work ethic/Discipline □ Integrity
□ Maturity/Insight□ Time management skills□ Ethical Decision- Making□ Cultural Competency/Sensitivity
□ Commitment to Service
□ Leadership□ Care of underserved
□ Exposure to different cultures/ diversity□ Patient Care Experience
□ Extracurricular Activities
□ Scientific aptitude□ Intellectual Curiosity□ Enthusiasm□ Self-Motivation
Academic Requirements for Applying to Academic Requirements for Applying to Medical School*Medical School*
• BiologyBiology minimum 6 semester hoursminimum 6 semester hours• EnglishEnglish minimum 6 semester hoursminimum 6 semester hours• Inorganic Chemistry (with lab)Inorganic Chemistry (with lab) minimum 6 semester hoursminimum 6 semester hours• Organic Chemistry (with lab)Organic Chemistry (with lab) minimum 6 semester hoursminimum 6 semester hours• General Physics (with lab)General Physics (with lab) minimum 6 semester hoursminimum 6 semester hours• Recommended Additional Courses:Recommended Additional Courses: mathematics (including calculus) , quantitative mathematics (including calculus) , quantitative
and physical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular geneticsand physical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular genetics
**AMA-AAMC and State of New York RequirementsAMA-AAMC and State of New York Requirements
Strategies for ApplyingStrategies for Applying
Strategies on Applying to Medical Strategies on Applying to Medical SchoolSchool
• The best strategy is to have a 4.0 GPA, have a The best strategy is to have a 4.0 GPA, have a MCAT score of 45/T, have great letters of MCAT score of 45/T, have great letters of recommendation, have carried out research, recommendation, have carried out research, and have spent countless hours in medical and have spent countless hours in medical environments and to be a mature, well rounded environments and to be a mature, well rounded individual. If you don’t totally fit this profile then individual. If you don’t totally fit this profile then to optimize your chances it is recommended you to optimize your chances it is recommended you follow some, if not all, of the following follow some, if not all, of the following suggestions:suggestions:
Strategies…Strategies…• Be sure to take the MCAT examination in your 3rd yearBe sure to take the MCAT examination in your 3rd year
• It is strongly recommended that you take a MCAT prep course before It is strongly recommended that you take a MCAT prep course before taking this examtaking this exam
• Apply to schools through the AMCAS process at the earliest possible Apply to schools through the AMCAS process at the earliest possible date (~1date (~1stst Monday in June) Monday in June)
• If you receive a Secondary Applications, be sure they are If you receive a Secondary Applications, be sure they are resubmitted ASAPresubmitted ASAP
• Be sure to have people who know you well write letters of Be sure to have people who know you well write letters of recommendation for yourecommendation for you
Strategies…Strategies…• If you have had some academic problems request that those individuals If you have had some academic problems request that those individuals
writing your letters of recommendations address these issues in their letterswriting your letters of recommendations address these issues in their letters
• Apply to schools that may know you (from summer programs, where you Apply to schools that may know you (from summer programs, where you have volunteered, where you have carried out research, etc.)have volunteered, where you have carried out research, etc.)
• Apply to a sufficient number of schools (10-15) that are in a range and that Apply to a sufficient number of schools (10-15) that are in a range and that you are competitive foryou are competitive for
• Apply to resident state university or private universities and not to non-Apply to resident state university or private universities and not to non-resident state universitiesresident state universities
The Parts of Your Application The Parts of Your Application “Package”“Package”
THIS IS A HOLISTIC PROCESS! EACH SEGMENT IS IMPORTANTTHIS IS A HOLISTIC PROCESS! EACH SEGMENT IS IMPORTANT
• Application Forms for MD/PhD (entirely electronic)Application Forms for MD/PhD (entirely electronic)- Primary AMCAS - Primary AMCAS - Individual school secondary applications- Individual school secondary applications- Additional essays (Primary)- Additional essays (Primary)
• Application forms for PhD (mostly electronic)Application forms for PhD (mostly electronic)• TranscriptsTranscripts• Letters of recommendation (and/or Committee Letter)Letters of recommendation (and/or Committee Letter)• Statements (essays)Statements (essays)• National Examination results: MCAT & GRENational Examination results: MCAT & GRE
Non-issues When Applying to Non-issues When Applying to Medical SchoolMedical School
• AgeAge• GenderGender• Race or EthnicityRace or Ethnicity• Marital StatusMarital Status• Financial StatusFinancial Status
What Do I Do if I Don’t Get Accepted to What Do I Do if I Don’t Get Accepted to Medical SchoolMedical School
• Apply againApply again• Think of other career possibilities that will Think of other career possibilities that will
satisfy your interests satisfy your interests
Applying AgainApplying AgainEvaluate why you were not accepted Evaluate why you were not accepted
• GradesGrades• MCAT scoresMCAT scores• Poor or inappropriate letters of recommendationPoor or inappropriate letters of recommendation• Weak statement of purposeWeak statement of purpose• Interviewed poorlyInterviewed poorly• Applied to the wrong schoolsApplied to the wrong schools
How to correct the problem(s)• low grades: are hard to deal with, you may possibly enroll in a post-baccalaureate or Master’s Program
• low MCAT scores: repeat the exam but not before you take a prep course
• poor letters of recommendation: hard to deal with especially if you do not have access to your file—get new letters
• weak statement of purpose: do you have an adequate understanding of medicine as a career, and are you committed and enthusiastic
• interviewed poorly: do practice interviews and improve the credentials that will give you more confidence
• wrong schools: re-evaluate the schools that you applied to, be sure they represent a wide range and are appropriate
Applying Again…
Applying Again…Applying Again…
What to do while you wait to reapplyWhat to do while you wait to reapply• Post baccalaureate program Post baccalaureate program • Research program (NIH, Prep)Research program (NIH, Prep)• Enroll in a terminal master’s degree program Enroll in a terminal master’s degree program
(MPA, MPH, MSW, etc) that will give you a (MPA, MPH, MSW, etc) that will give you a degree which can get you a jobdegree which can get you a job
Useful URL’sUseful URL’s• American Association of Medical Colleges: American Association of Medical Colleges:
http://www.aamc.org• Official Guide to the MCAT ExamOfficial Guide to the MCAT Exam• Medical School Admission RequirementsMedical School Admission Requirements• All the data you will need to make an informed choiceAll the data you will need to make an informed choice
• GRE info: GRE info: http://www.gre.org
Some General Words of AdviseSome General Words of Advise• Always remember that there are > 20 applicants for every place in Always remember that there are > 20 applicants for every place in
most programs…schools/programs are looking for reasons not to most programs…schools/programs are looking for reasons not to accept you… do not give they reasonsaccept you… do not give they reasons
• Do not be a high maintenance applicantDo not be a high maintenance applicant• It is your responsibility to be sure all documents arrives on, or It is your responsibility to be sure all documents arrives on, or
better yet, before the deadlinesbetter yet, before the deadlines• Remember, everyone you speak to or meet during the Remember, everyone you speak to or meet during the
application/admissions process, whether that be a secretary or application/admissions process, whether that be a secretary or professor, can impact your acceptance…treat everyone with professor, can impact your acceptance…treat everyone with respectrespect
GOOD LUCK GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!TO ALL OF YOU!With my thanks to Drs. Jocelyn Spragg, Roger With my thanks to Drs. Jocelyn Spragg, Roger Chalkeley and Rod Ulane as well as the countless Chalkeley and Rod Ulane as well as the countless students, faculty and administrators who I have students, faculty and administrators who I have learned from over the years.learned from over the years.
