#mstp

instagram.com/tiffanygranted/

Life update: I turned down the offer from Stanford but I have decided to seriously consider MSTP (MD/PHD) programs and am only applying to one PA school.

The first time I applied to medical school (MD-PhD and a couple MDs), I applied to 13 schools. I got one interview and ultimately didn’t matriculate. It cost me $1,860.

The second time I applied (this year - MD-PhD only), I applied to 26 schools. Many people told me that was too many, and in retrospect now I know which ones I could have skipped. But, I wanted this to be my last time applying, I had saved up during my gap years, and I was going to do whatever it took to get in. 

This cycle I applied to 26 schools, I received 15 interview invitations, attended 13 interviews, and thus far have received 5 acceptances (although I’m only holding 2 as I withdrew from 3). In total this application cycle cost me $5,100. Additionally, I was reimbursed $1,050 from the various schools that offered to pay for interview travel. So that’s more than $6,000 to apply to medical school. That is a LOT of money. I can only imagine how much it cost for MD applicants with more interviews and no reimbursements. I could’ve paid off my car with that money, or taken a huge chunk out of my student loans. I’m so grateful that I was able to afford all of this, but I can’t help but think of those that can’t.

Just got back from my 5th mstp retreat.

For the first time in a very very long time, I finally felt like that I am enough. Me, with all of my flaws and imperfections, can become the mentor and PI that I want to be. And that my accomplishments are recognized by my peers.

I have friends. and social connections. My first program director actually liked me (despite telling me that I am "trouble") and believed in me. I had to beg for an interview at my program, but now I finally felt I belong here.

What a year it’s been. In 2018, I applied to medical school, completed my prerequisites, shadowed physicians, volunteered in hospice and hospital, worked in the lab, got another paper out, continued the daily fight with SLE, walked a show in Minneapolis, and have several offers from medical schools, including fully funded MDPhD programs with stipends!!!

It has been a tough year, with a lot of anxiety, unknowns, and self doubt. As corny as it is, you really do have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. ESPECIALLY when no one else does. If you don’t believe you can, then who will? I am so thankful for the people in my life who mentored me when I had nothing to offer in return. I am thankful for the people who accepted me into their labs when I had a limited science background. I am thankful for the friends who encouraged me constantly through this tough year of unknowns!

Ignore the naysayers and the haters. If you are passionate about something, get after it! Two and a half years ago, I hadn’t even taken a college level biology course! Now I am a full time scientist god-willing with a future in research. Comparison is the thief of joy. Follow your dreams and work to make them a reality. Shoot for the moon!

My main goals for this new year:

consistency, diligence, self-care, meditation, and inspiration.

seems like I’m gonna be a physician scientist!

just had my first seminar where they started to hammer in “reviewing papers is a service” “reviewing is an obligation” “reviewing is how we shepherd our fields”

and it really felt like they were saying “if you start telling yourself this now you won’t realize later that you should be compensated for your time/expertise”

am I being too critical? it seems like journals profit off of this system of not paying reviewers, and collecting submission AND subscriptions fees

please educate me

I started studying for my MCAT retake (507 -> 519 #growthhhhhh)

1 year ago...

I submitted my second AMCAS application (no shame reapplicant)

7 months ago...

I got my first MD-PhD acceptance (speechless)

1 day ago...

I committed to a program that I am beyond excited to start at this fall (pls COVID let me go to class)