neurokid

Just wanted to get people's opinion on this, what do you feel is the advantages and disadvantages of doing a biomedical phd at each of the following type of institutions:

1) Large institutions with students at graduate, undergraduate and professional level (eg Harvard, Yale, UPenn etc)

2) Medical Universities which have a strong research/graduate component but is very focussed on medical education

3)Stand-alone research institution (eg Rockefeller, CSHL etc)

It would be good to hear from people who are currently doing their phd at each of the institutions, what they really liked about the type of institution, what they didn't really like and wish they have gotten more of during their phd training.

belevitt

I currently work at a "health science center" which I guess fits into number 2. I don't care for this setup as it prevents grad students from getting any teaching experience. It is also limiting in potential as without biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry and a variety of other departments represented, there are certain topics that just can't be studied eg nanoscience. Finally, and this may be institution specific, but the focus in not on education at all but how the state can make more money from the affiliated hospitals. This results in a deficiency of class space, non existent lab space, no on call rooms for residents, lack of conference rooms and an unfavorable career ladder for researchers. I am looking forward to returning to a more vibrant traditional university this summer.

neurokid

Thanks for input belevitt! anyone else have any insight on this?

astrina

I agree with belevitt; I started my graduate program in a department at a large medical center but eventually ended up joining a lab at the affiliated undergraduate campus, changing departments in the process. It's much more structured and we get the "normal" experiences of graduate SCHOOL, including teaching (which I enjoy), chances for interdisciplinary collaboration, and decent cafeterias and a gym

belevitt

The gym thing is a good point. I miss having access to a campus gym.