🚀 go-pugleaf

>
> MSTP programs have a "payback" requirement which is that you have to work in
> research (at least 50%) for one year for each year you were supported my MSTP
> (minus one year).  For non-MSTP programs, the policy is entirely up to the
> individual school.  Many non-MSTP programs do not have any research payback
> requitrement.  Here at Dartmouth, students receive full tuition but no stipend
> for the medical years (they are working on getting a stipend too). The only
> requirement is that you finish both degrees.  If you do not finish both
> degrees, you owe them the money back for any Med school tuition you've already
> used.  I beleive at least that much is pretty standard.
>
> -jo renn
> 2/7 MD/PhD, Psychology
> Dartmouth Medical school
> rebecca.j.renn@dartmouth.edu
>

I believe you are right - not many programs, even those non-MSTP, can
afford not to have payback provisions these days.  Here at UNC-Chapel
Hill, a non-MSTP program, they do not require one yet, but it's definitely
coming.  They've been burned several times in recent years, and now the
admin is really pushing to apply for MSTP funds, so next year a payback
agreement will be instituted.  I actually considered leaving without
finishing my MD, and stayed in part because I felt an obligation, but
having the freedom from a contractual obligation made a bad situation at
least bearable.  Otherwise I would have felt badly trapped.  If I were
hunting for a program, I would definitely consider in the mix of things,
the payback provision that they require you to sign - 7+ years is a long
time, and things can change in ways you never anticipated - marriage,
children, health care reform, NIH budget cuts, as well as your own
interests.

Geoff
schoenbg@med.unc.edu