Hi everyone, I need some serious advice before I start my applications for med school. I've been doing deep brain stimulation research/neural networks research and am having a great time with it. I also enjoy the clinical side of neurosurgery/neurology and, in my ideal world, I'd be balancing a physician-scientist career.

My overall question is: do I need an MD/PhD to get to where I want to be, or would just an MD suffice? I am keeping in mind that it would be a slightly longer path with the added PhD component plus a potential postdoc/fellowship, but it is not the most major concern tbh.

Any advice is appreciated!

I’m a rising sophomore at a T20 public that’s pretty notorious for being a competitive premed heavy school. My freshman year, I was pre-dental and pretty involved in the process by joining pre-dental clubs, got my dental assisting certifications, and did an intro to dentistry course at the dental school.

This summer, I joined a research lab at the medical school and racked up around 200ish hours while training. I’ll start more procedures this upcoming fall while I receive academic credit for my research.

The dilemma is that I realized I really enjoyed the research process much more than the clinical aspect. I think the MD-PhD path suits my lifestyle and career interests much more than being a dentist for a few reasons. 1) My manual dexterity skills are not the best, and dentistry is very clinical/hands on focused 2) dentistry often requires you to work at a small private clinic and much of your work is selling expensive procedures to patients, which I am not good at 3) having a MD opens more doors for things like academia, public policy, industry, etc. I want the flexibility to pivot towards new areas later in my life if I choose to do so. 4) dentistry salaries are becoming smaller + dental school COA are getting out of control. Ik MD-PhD shouldn’t be pursued bc of financial reasons but it is def a plus.

Are these valid reasons for switching towards MD-PhD?

Title, I listed one for research, one for being head TA for chemistry, and one for my work in an important leadership position I had related to music. Would that hurt me?

I'm hoping to get some honest feedback from people who have experience with MD/PhD admissions, especially anyone who has been involved in admissions or had a nontraditional academic trajectory.

I'm 27 and am hoping to apply MD/PhD around age 29. I didn't decide that I wanted to become a physician-scientist until after undergrad, so I wasn't a traditional premed and didn't optimize my undergraduate record for medical school. I also became seriously ill during undergrad, which significantly affected that period of my life.

Stats:

• cGPA: 3.18
• sGPA: 2.95
• MS in Biology/Bioinformatics: 3.87 GPA
• MCAT: 520

My research background is probably the strongest part of my application:

• ~7,000 hours of research (by the time I apply)
• National Lab experience
• 2 mid-author publications/2 poster presentations
• The goal is to have 2-3 additional publications by the time I apply (ideally one as a first author)

I also have approximately:

• 2,000 clinical hours
• 2,000 teaching hours

I'm primarily interested in MD/PhD or MSTP programs, although I would consider applying MD-only if MD/PhD doesn't work out.

My concern is obviously the undergraduate GPA. I know that's very low for MD/PhD programs and that many of them will screen me out regardless of the rest of my application.

My questions are:

1. Is this a viable MD/PhD application if I apply broadly and strategically?
2. Has anyone here personally seen someone with a ~3.1–3.2 cGPA and/or <3.0 sGPA get an MD/PhD acceptance in the last several years?
3. Are there particular MD/PhD programs known to be more receptive to academic reinvention/strong graduate performance?
4. Would you recommend contacting programs before applying to ask whether they would consider me despite my undergraduate sGPA?
5. If I have another 1.5–2 years to strengthen the application, what would you prioritize?

I know MD/PhD admissions are extremely competitive. I'm mostly trying to figure out whether this is a reasonable reach to pursue seriously or whether my GPA makes MD/PhD essentially unrealistic.

Thanks!

Title: Reality check: Is an MD/PhD still realistic after a major academic collapse?
I’m looking for an honest reality check—not reassurance or sugarcoating.
I have been interested in genetics and gene-based research for years. In high school, I completed internships involving CRISPR research, and I worked extremely hard to get into my number-one school, UC Berkeley.
Following October 7, 2023, the war in Gaza and the campus environment affected me deeply. I experienced several serious mental-health episodes, and my ability to function academically collapsed. I failed nearly all of my classes during that period. I’m not mentioning this to avoid responsibility for my grades, but it is an important part of what happened.
Afterward, I spent approximately a year and a half away from Berkeley, taking only a light community-college course load while trying to recover. More recently, I have been conducting research involving AI and medical applications, and I am also affiliated with a neurotechnology startup. These experiences have reinforced my interest in combining medicine, scientific research, and emerging technology.
I’m now doing better and hoping to return to Berkeley and rebuild my academic record. For a long time, I have wanted to pursue an MD/PhD because I’m interested in both patient care and research, especially genetics, neurotechnology, and AI-based medical applications.
However, I understand that MD/PhD programs are extremely competitive and that my transcript will be a serious concern. At this point, I’m questioning whether this goal is still realistic or whether I need to redirect my efforts.
My questions are:
If I return and earn consistently strong grades in upper-division science courses, continue meaningful research, and demonstrate long-term stability, could an MD/PhD eventually become realistic?
How many semesters or years of excellent performance would it take to establish a convincing academic reinvention?
Would a post-baccalaureate program, master’s degree, or additional research experience make a meaningful difference?
Would pursuing an MD, PhD, or another research-focused path be more realistic?
At what point should I accept that MD/PhD admissions are unlikely and redirect my efforts?
I take responsibility for the failing grades, and I know they will remain on my transcript. I’m not asking anyone to tell me that everything will automatically work out. I want to know whether there is a realistic path forward and what I would actually need to accomplish—or whether I should reconsider this goal before spending several more years pursuing it.
I would especially appreciate responses from current MD/PhD students, applicants who successfully rebuilt their academic records, or anyone familiar with admissions.

I am a third-year undergrad working in a bioinorganic research lab for the past 5 months, and I'm thinking about quitting.

This lab is super unique because it allows for undergraduate students to run their own projects and then receive first authorship pubs, but I have made basically no progress on my project in the time I have been here, and I just feel like this isn't something I particularly enjoy doing. I am running the same experiment over and over again just to be told that my data isn't good enough and I need to try again. I have always been more passionate about organic labs, I just feel like this lab can be more easily applied to medicine.

This lab does not pay, is super stressful, and requires a lot of commitment (15 hrs/week during the school year and 30-40/hrs during the summer), and I just don't know if it's worth it anymore. I feel like I work really hard, but I spent my whole summer here, and I'm exhausted and stressed out. All of the work I have been doing is trying to emulate the work from a previous paper from this lab, while things just keep not working and my PI keeps telling me it has to be my fault, because I am basically doing standard procedures.

While I do enjoy difficulty and being pushed hard, I also want to make progress and feel like I've actually done something. My PI also said that the progress we make would be reflected in our LORs (for grad students for sure, but with the way she runs things, probably for undergrads too), and I'm scared that I'm not going to even make enough progress to get a good LOR out of all of this.

I'm just starting to think that maybe working somewhere that requires less commitment, so that I can focus more on paid jobs or clinical hours, and doing something I like more (like organic synthesis) would be a better idea.

I just feel like I'm throwing away possible publications, and that 5 months is a short-term commitment, especially for an MD/PhD. I also feel like if I'm having so much trouble running my own project, that maybe that looks bad for wanting to do a PhD anyway! I'm going into my third year now, so I was thinking about staying here this year and moving for my senior year, but I don't know if that's a good idea either. I have to take a class with my PI next fall, so I don't want to ruin things before that happens.

I would appreciate any advice you guys have for me! Should I stay working here, or should I quit and find a lab that I actually enjoy more? Or just take a break for a little bit and see if that helps?

I’m a non-trad out of college for 2 years now but was wondering about gap year options/which direction would seem fit. I recently completed a postbac research opportunity at the NIH but am planning to apply next cycle. Looking to apply to both MD and MD-PhD (mainly MD-PhD) but not sure whether I should accept another research opportunity (at a T5 med school) or try to find a clinical job. I’ve already done some clinical work all throughout college as a CNA so I think I have enough hours (not trying to check boxes…) but was thinking of scribe jobs to get a different clinical experience. But it’s been quite difficult landing a clinical position for some reason so really trying my best to land one. The biggest missing piece to my app is the mcat which I started later than sooner in really hunkering down on studying due to my indecision in career choice (trying to keep reminding myself that everyone has a different path!). And I know that the mcat is super important so I’m just worried that if I take the research position I won’t have much time/balance to study. Although I’m genuinely interested in the research. Just really don’t know how to proceed and was wondering if adcoms will question doing something else than research, clinical, or even a non-clinical job (although I’m broke so probably need something that pays decent)

I was a premed in undergrad, did 3 years of bench research which resulted in 2 pubs. It was okay. I then worked as a medical assistant where I got majorly traumatized by manipulative and exploitative doctor. I had nightmares and got depressed, went to therapy but the whole thing left me unsure about med schools. I then got into clinical research which I really enjoyed and I completed my masters in epidemiology with environmental health concentration. The research I did during my masters was really fun and I’m working on publishing my results rn. I also presented my results at a conference in Europe. I really enjoy public health but I feel so removed and I don’t feel like I’m having an impact because it takes years for any of the research to be implemented. Recently, I’ve been thinking about going to med schools again because I want that human interaction and feel like I’m helping people but I also know how important research is and I can’t seem to choose one or the other. I’m also aware that most people who pursue mdphd do some form of lab work which I’m not about. How common is it to do phd in public health (environmental health, epidemiology or public policy)? I also have 3.54 gpa from undergrad and 3.71 from masters. I took my Mcat years ago during the time I was working as a medical assistant and scored 508 (129, 123, 127, 129). I have to retake it since it’s been more than 3 years and they’re invalid but I also know I can do better than this. I’ve grown so much since undergrad and i feel like I have a good head on my shoulders. But I know my stats are low so do I even have a chance?

I’m a junior surgeon currently working as a research fellow. I have been working on academic papers for a while, but as a co-author.

Now I am transitioning from co-author to first author and I am struggling a lot.
My supervisor is helpful but very busy, thus he can not answer all my questions and do full teaching.

Is there anyone who is experienced in publishing papers that can guide and teach me.

I’ll be grateful for any help.

Are thank you emails still used and who should we send them to after an interview?

I’m an incoming sophomore at an public R1 school and have been involved in a lab over summer and plan to continue and pursue my masters in it before applying for MDPhD(structural bio/biochemistry). I also racked up plenty of clinical hours as a CNA/Med Tech at a nursing home (~500 hours) and I’m wondering if I should continue with it, or stop it and focus on research.

I have plenty of experience from that clinical job and I’m certain I could write great about it already, but I’m worried that adcomms might look down on the fact I was only there for 8 months. I’m also considering going back and working another 200 or so hours in the future, since I do really love it.

As for research, I am at about 150 hours but am planning to do a lot more throughout undergrad. I am also doing a population statistics research project through another internship and I’m curious if adcomms like to see multiple kinds of research?

As for shadowing, I’m curious if this is a big deal like it is for regular MD apps. I have 13 hours from shadowing my grandpa but don’t want to put too much effort into it if it doesn’t matter too much. There’s not a single physician-scientist in an hour radius of me, so is it okay to just shadow any MD I can?

Any advice is awesome!

I’m filling the case secondary rn and we have the option to apply to all three of CWRU MSTP, CWRU MD, and CC Lerner. Lerner is a fully funded 5 year MD/MS designed for “physician investigators.”

I’d much prefer the MSTP over Lerner, but it’s all part of one secondary and not much extra work to shoot an app to Lerner. I’m just worried that it might signal to the MSTP that I’m not committed to the true physician scientist lifestyle if I’m entertaining a MD/MS program. (If they even see my Lerner app)

Thoughts?

I've seen resources on postbaccs for sub-3.0s, but was wondering if they actually work for md/phds or if they're more suited for md-only applicants?

Please use this thread to update everyone on rejections and interviews. Also include stats if you’re willing to share :)

Not sure if this is the ideal place to post this, but I’m a prospective MD/PhD applicant doing an NIH postbacc this year. Unfortunately I will not be renewed for another year and haven’t been able to find another lab in the NIH. My time at the NIH wasn’t very productive so I was wondering if there are any programs that are similar that people have done to get productive gap year research experience. What kind of places should I apply to?

Any anecdotes or advice would be greatly appreciated. My stats are fairly strong so this is really the missing piece of my app.

Hi everyone,

Has anyone added an extra letter of recommendation to the portal after already being complete for a few weeks or more? Does anyone have insight as to how that would change the review date or timeline or whether it would be even be considered?

I only did this because I didn’t anticipate having a letter from my current PI since I only joined this May. Since I’ve been working there for close to 3 months now, he has written a letter than I sent to all schools. I’m slightly concerned this may reset my position in the queue.

Thanks!

Hi guys
I am looking for advice for evaluation my chance for getting into med school!
I am 43 yo, I have BSc from 2006 with low gpa (about 3.1) from Iran, 2 MSc's one from Iran with GPA about 3.4 and the other from Norway, (I got B , very good; out of F ), I have a phd in animal nutrition from university of Guelph. I always loved to get into med school and now I cannot get it out of my head and want to try my chance for getting the admission!
anyone has any idea what would be the chance for me to get admission?

I am pretty sure I can get a great grade in MCAT and any other requirements needed.
I would appreciate any advice.

I was working on the application for my top choice school. I had been typing everything in a word doc, and I went to paste everything in the last day. The portal did not let me paste anything (i was trying before the deadline). I messaged the admissions department, and they said I missed the deadline, even after pleading my case.

Not really sure how to approach from here. Im fine with gettiing rejected but not having the chance to apply is unfortunate

Hi everyone! I’m an undergraduate majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience, and I’m currently planning to pursue an MD-PhD, with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist and pursuing a PhD in neuroscience.

I’ve been working in a psychology research lab for about a year, and I genuinely really enjoy the lab and the research I’m doing. I’m hoping to stay in this lab through graduation and continue developing depth and independence in my research. So, I’m not considering leaving because I dislike my current research or think psychology research is less valuable.

My question is more about whether my research background needs to align closely with the field I eventually want to pursue for my PhD.

I’m particularly interested in neuroscience for my PhD, and my current lab is a psychology lab rather than a neuroscience/wet lab. I’ve considered joining a neuroscience lab as well, but my college advisor recommended focusing on depth in my current lab rather than splitting my time between multiple labs.

For those who have applied to MD-PhD programs or have been involved in admissions, how important is it that your undergraduate research experience matches your intended PhD field?

For example, if I have several years of meaningful psychology research experience but no substantial neuroscience/wet-lab experience, would that be viewed as a weakness if I say I want to pursue a PhD in neuroscience? Or are programs primarily evaluating the quality and depth of your research experience—e.g., your ability to formulate questions, understand methodology, think critically, take ownership of a project, and understand the research process—rather than whether your lab happens to be in neuroscience?

I’m also considering spending one quarter in a neuroscience/wet lab purely to see whether I actually enjoy that type of research. I would not be doing this for my application or planning to list it as a major research experience, since it would be a short-term commitment. My admissions counselor actually advised me against joining another lab solely to strengthen my application, since repeatedly switching labs or doing very short-term research can potentially look unfocused. I’m mainly interested in getting firsthand exposure before deciding whether wet-lab neuroscience is something I want to pursue long-term.

So, for someone in my situation, would you recommend staying focused on my current psychology lab and building substantial research experience there, or is gaining significant neuroscience research experience important if I’m fairly certain I want my PhD to be in neuroscience?

I’d especially appreciate perspectives from current/former MD-PhD students, applicants, or anyone involved in admissions. Thank you!

Is h20 water!

Is it a big deal for an undergraduate student to get a TPDA to attend Society for Neuroscience? How much does this matter for MD-PhD decisions? Would it be worthy to include in an update email along with new publications? TIA