u/Astastar12

Hi geniuses,

I have to choose my post bacc today. One option is the IRTA NIH Post-bacc in a relatively large lab under two physician-scientists.

The second is a tech position at UNC Chapel Hill in the cancer center. It is a smaller lab and I will hold more responsibility. The PI is familiar with what is required to be an MD/PhD and is enthusiastic to help mentor me and help me get there. He interviews potential MD/PhDs, knows the committee, and wants to connect me to clinicians in the hospital and cancer center. He directly mentioned wanting to help me publish as first author in my time there and take over the position as his “right hand man”.

Of course, the NIH is very different; I will be one of 3 post baccs in a large lab with post docs, staff scientists, clinicians, etc.

Both 2 years, one cancer one arthritis; both immunology.

What would you do in my position?

Hi everyone,

I want to pursue an MD/PhD and so I want to spend 2 years working full-time in a lab. I have a few offers from the NIH Post-baccalaureate program at main campus Bethesda, and another interesting option at UNC Chapel Hill. I wanted to apply to UNC's post-bacc program, but during an interview with the only PI who responded to me actually pitched me working as a lab manager/technician. He said he reviews MD/PhD applicants for Chapel Hill and wants to help me along the journey.

I haven't received an official offer from him but the clock is definitely ticking on these decisions. I graduate from undergrad this Friday (yay) and would be starting in July/early August, leaving a pretty short time to relocate and find a place to live.

Based on what I've learned from talking to PIs and post-baccs at the NIH, the NIH is a really good place to be if you want to be an MD/PhD. I've heard a ton of success getting into MSTP programs if you're coming from the NIH. But it is difficult to know if I should basically weigh the UNC one less/not at all. I'm not sure what review boards look for - university or institute or purely just experience, pubs, hours, and what you actually got out of your time.

Any advice would be helpful!