By Amanda Cuevas, Medical Scholars Program (MD/PhD) Coordinator
The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign
http://www.med.illinois.edu/msp/

So “MD/PhD” is the new buzz word on campus... an MD and a PhD... you’ve got to be kidding me, right? What am I going to do with an MD, PhD and how do I know if this is right for me?

The Answer: Undergraduate Research

Why?

The answer is simple really... to try it on and see if it is a good fit. If you are considering pursuing your MD/PhD, those programs that you will apply to will want to know that you are passionate about both research and medicine. Undergraduate research is key for several reasons:

• The more rigorous your science background as an undergrad, the better prepared you will be to be successful in an MD/PhD Program.
• Undergrad research allows you to have hands-on experience for an extended length of time... time will tell if you have a passion for this stuff!
• Undergrad research enables you to experience first hand the intellectual rigors, frustrations and joys of scientific inquiry... and will help you determine if you want to do this for the rest of your life!
• Undergrad research will allow you to hone your research skills in preparation for MD/PhD coursework and independent research
• Doing research and being mentored by the best scientists and educators is key. Letters of recommendation from undergraduate research mentors will be one of the best indicators of your level of passion for scientific medicine when it comes time to apply to MD/PhD programs.
• This will give you the opportunity to explore the world of research and decide for yourself if you indeed need and/or desire an MD/PhD for your particular career path.
• Even if you decide that MD/PhD is not a good fit for you…a well-written letter of recommendation from a research mentor with whom you have worked intimately with on a research project will only strengthen your application to either medical or graduate school.

How?

Start early... the sooner the better. Even if it means having to clean glassware for a little while, get involved in a lab. MD/PhD programs expect that you have extensive undergrad research experience and have made both a positive impression and a positive contribution in the lab(s) that you have participated in.

• Start as early as your freshman year—it is never too early to start!
• Look up faculty whose research interests you, compose a resume and go knocking on some doors. Introduce yourself, let the researcher/professor know that you are interested in research, ask if there are any opportunities available and follow-up if necessary.
• Apply yourself fully in your lab/classes... you never know who may be watching!
• Explore and participate in summer research opportunities. For more information, contact Amanda Cuevas or check out the Research Opportunities link to the left.