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Tip #1. Confused about compensation?
Start here: http://www.drmr.com/compensation/
This wonderful tutorial presents both basic and advanced aspects of compensation. |
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Uzoma Iheagwara
MSTP student
Department of Immunology
On positioning yourself at the scientific forefront... |
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1. What inspired you to pursue a dual MD/PhD degree?
I always knew I’d pursue a medical career; however, it wasn’t until I began working in the laboratory of Susanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, PhD at UMBC that I confirmed my desire to also have a science career. She taught me to always ask why when doing research. Also my project at UMBC was translational. It began with a mouse model and was now being applied to possible human cancer vaccination strategies. Medicine is only as strong as the research behind it and I wanted to be at that forefront.
2. Why were you attracted to the MD/PhD program at Pitt?
I by chance stumbled upon the fantastic MD/PhD program here at Pitt when Robert Ferris MD/PhD interviewed me during my medical school interview and told me I was a perfect candidate for the MD/PhD program here within the first 5 minutes of the interview! As I learned more about the program here I was drawn in by the fantastic integration of medicine and basic science research. While in either part of your training, you are constantly trained to learn and look at problems in medicine and research with duel hats on.
3. In your view, what is the major strength and the major weakness of this program? We are always looking to improve.
Major strength has to be the faculty. Putting aside that the faculty are world class, their willingness to participate in various collaborations, and sharing of resources, the faculty are always willing to help mentor, offer advice, and guide all trainees. As for a weakness I suppose there could be a formal medical school refresher class prior to reentry to medical school following PhD completion, but hey every program’s not perfect.
4. Do you have specific advice for our junior researchers (technicians or undergrads) who may be applying to MD or MD/PhD programs?
Stay in one lab for a prolonged period of time, ideally after your sophomore year. You’ll have taken Cell Biology and Genetics, which will allow you to better understand your research project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Also actually shadow a physician or 2 for full days in clinic or in the OR so you can have a better idea about medicine. Ideally Emergency Department or Trauma physician might be the most interesting in terms of seeing medicine and surgery in its rawest/most intense form.
5. Congratulations on the FASEB-MARC Travel Award to attend the American Association of Immmunologist Annual Meeting. How did your poster presentation go?
Fantastic! Thanks for asking! I received a ton of great feedback about where to next take my research project. I presented with confidence and it is helping to establish how to clearly and succinctly talk about my research to professors all the way down to even high school students.
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