What stats are competitive for the DPM/PhD program? 508/3.93, 2 years undergrad research, 1 publication
Hi El-Rami,
I'm glad to hear that you're interested in the DPM-PhD dual degree program. I am a current DPM-PhD student at Scholl (I recently completed the PhD component so I am back into the DPM component as a 3rd year).
The DPM-PhD application process at Scholl is consistent with how
@DexterMorganSK explained it: you will complete the 1st year of podiatry school, including the summer, before applying to the program during the winter of 2nd year. Since there is a decreased academic load during the summer between the 1st and 2nd academic years of the curriculum, you [or other potential applicants] should consider gaining the bulk of your "pre-PhD" research experience in this pocket of time. The application for the dual degree holds a heavy emphasis on the 1st year podiatry GPA, your research [summer] experience at RFUMS, and essays explaining your previous research experience and addressing your career goals as a physician/surgeon-scientist.
Although there is no "entry-level" DPM-PhD program application, I encourage you to find out as much information as possible and plan for this program well in advance. Below, I have linked a couple websites for you to peruse. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me directly. In addition, I'd be happy to pass you along to others (other current students, alumni, faculty) for their perspectives.
For your reference:
Research at Scholl:
Student Research
--> In this resource, check out what the other opportunities are and consider the question "Why get a PhD?"
Research with SGPS (PhD component of the dual-degree program):
Degree Programs
--> The PhD component of the dual degree program is from the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS). I recommend looking through the faculty on this website and compile a list of potential mentors, based on research topic and research activity (ex. # of publications within the last 5 years).
A Few Experiences:
Login • Instagram
--> This instagram website, although rather new, has some experiences that some DPM-PhDs and DPM-PhDs-in-training have shared so far.
A Perspective To Consider:
https://www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516(12)00087-7/fulltext
--> This is a perspective on the role of the DPM-PhD in Foot & Ankle Surgery. It is written by a well-respected faculty member at Scholl and is a perspective to consider when trying to answer "Why get a PhD?"
Thanks for the vouch,
@Weirdy
I hope this helps!