Mar 6MD/PhD Playbook: A First-Gen Student’s Perspective of MD/PhDEveryone wants a playbook for success. The path to MD/PhD is complicated, and each person starts their journey from a different point. This makes a prescriptive approach hard to convey. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses and be ready to leverage them at the right place and time…Mdphd16 min readMdphd16 min read
Jan 17Navigating the Transition: From Medical School to the Laboratory as an MD/PhD StudentThe best MD/PhD programs have a curriculum that exposes students to clinical medicine before transitioning into the PhD phase. My year of clinical training fulfilled a long held desire to put textbook knowledge into action to help patients in need. However, it was also the most exhausting year in terms…Mdphd10 min readMdphd10 min read
Jan 8Maximizing your MCAT Score: Proven Strategies and Resources for SuccessThe MCAT exam is an infamous rite of passage required for applying to medical school. At its worst, a low score (<500) can result in your rejection from programs. At its best, a high score (>515) can outshine average grades and extracurriculars. However, the bulk of competitive students are somewhere…Pre Med10 min readPre Med10 min read
Dec 14, 2022How to succeed in clinical rotations as a medical studentFor many medical students, January is a time of transition from the classroom to the clinic. Finally, after all the studying, exams, and shadowing, you will begin your formal clinical education. It’s an exciting time, full of nervous energy and anticipation. You’ve likely been thinking about this transition for many…Medical School11 min readMedical School11 min read
Dec 6, 2022Post-baccalaureate research for prospective MD PhD and PhD applicantsYou need at least 2 years of research experience to apply competitively for MD/PhD programs. Demonstration of longitudinal commitment to scientific investigation is essential to show the admissions committee that you’re prepared to take on the dual-degree training path. Since most college students are unaware that MD/PhD is an option…PhD8 min readPhD8 min read
Nov 28, 2022How to ace preclinical years of medical schoolThe preclinical years of medical school reminded me of high school. A class of ~180 students forming cliques and competing to distinguish themselves. There’s class government, social politics, and a range of type A personalities striving for excellence. While I will always cherish my experience in medical school, the preclinical…Medical School10 min readMedical School10 min read
Nov 21, 2022Basic Science vs Translational vs Clinical Research — A PrimerAs an undergraduate student, I was naive about the different forms of scientific research one could pursue. People would throw around terms like basic science and translational research, and I was confused about how they differed. That confusion increased when I learned about clinical research. Can a PhD do clinical…PhD11 min readPhD11 min read
Nov 13, 2022Networking, Presenting, and Exploring at Scientific ConferencesI write this post watching the November snowfall through an airport window in Madison en route to San Diego for the Society for Neuroscience conference. I’m looking forward to the science, sunshine, tacos, and friends that await me. …Graduate School9 min readGraduate School9 min read
Nov 7, 2022Why you should do a summer undergraduate research programI’m currently preparing to present my PhD research at the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) next week. I’m looking forward to seeing cool neuroscience from around the world, hanging out in San Diego with friends, and catching up with the students and alumni from my summer undergraduate research program. The summer…Mdphd10 min readMdphd10 min read
Oct 27, 2022An Unconventional Path to MD/PhDEvery premedical student should take a gap year. The medical school and MD/PhD training paths create a false perception that you might forget all the science prerequisites if you veer off course. …Mdphd9 min readMdphd9 min read