<p>This is my first post in CC forums. Have been an active member at SDN. But i felt this questions could be better answered here only.</p>
<p>So having considered the option of doing a residency in Neurology, i am evaluating the option of MS in Biomedical Engineering (sub-specialty preferably Biomedical Imaging, having clinical research experience in Neuro-imaging and Cancer Imaging or Neuro-engineering track, but not sure about latter as industry applications still seem far ahead). </p>
<p>Reasons for planning such a change in careers are many, few person and few work related (namely i don't enjoy clinics much, have enjoyed research part a lot, but don't want to do a Phd and few other reasons; will detail out later if someone asks)</p>
<p>So my questions are following :</p>
<ol>
<li><p>how difficult will it be for an MD (MBBS in my case, but with ECFMG certification) graduate to enter into top 10 (or lets say top 20) MS programs in biomedical engineering ? After talking to people doing MS BME (engineering graduate, couldn't get to contact anyone from med school doing MS BME), i get the feeling its not only hard for a medico to get into BME, but according to them, it will be even harder to actually go through MS BME which has really heavy engineering curriculum. So What are you viewpoints on this ? I know the programs of MD-MS and MD-Phd BME exist and are really hot, but that's not even an option for someone like me having done medical school. </p></li>
<li><p>how do programs with Dual MS/MBA (in 2 years) compare to the option of doing MS BME first, then gaining industry experience and then going for an MBA ? Other than the initial hard work in applying to both MS and MBA after doing GRE and GMAT.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I don’t understand why would it be hard for a medical doctor to pursue masters degree in biomedical engineering. More like an overkill for me :D</p>
<p>they say that MS BME, though an application of engineering in medicine, still involves lot of mathematics and related engineering skill-sets, which a medico has lost contact with for 4-5 years or may be more if he/she didn’t has any maths, physics or chem at college level…and this not only becomes a valid point while admission but also a practical point while studying and trying to excel in MS…though i don’t worry about the latter since one can work hard to study and refresh or learn new maths stuff…the former point is definitely a point to consider…</p>
<p>(in my case - we don’t have to attend college to get into med school unlike US…we directly enter med school after 12th standard school (that is senior year in US) , though i had mathematics (with 100 % marks), physics and chem in senior high school)</p>
<p>oh… so you didn’t get your MD in the US… and you don’t need to attend college pre-med program to enter med school? hmm then it’s indeed very different</p>
<p>sorry I’m not expert in that field, someone else can chip in</p>
<p>in my opinion, as long as you have solid GPA, good rec letters, shouldn’t be a problem for a good MS program (given that you don’t mind supporting yourself)</p>
<p>I suggest that you apply for a post-doctoral fellowship position to explore your interest in a leading research lab. With a MD (even though its an international degree), you will be able to qualify for such positions. You will likely need to apply to several labs, to find one with funds able to take you and pay your salary and research costs. this course of action has the advantage of actually positioning you for later employment in this field if you find your interest and research aptitude confirmed by your post-doctoral research experience.</p>
<p>Physician here- H has his MBBS from eons ago. Your medical training probably didn’t include much of value for an engineering bachelors, much less for getting into grad programs at any school. Check the course prerequsites for some programs you are interested in- you probably lack many. You can check the required courses needed to pursue your field in your home country (India?) to make it easier to figure out your course deficiencies. You may need to get many undergrad credits to be prepared for engineering. Post doc positions are for those who already have a PhD, not an MD degree- you don’t get the research experience by getting the professional doctoral degree. You should also research the job descriptions for those with the masters degree you propose- it may not be what you expect. Research the MD/PhD programs- someone there would be able to tell you the feasibility with your background. Good luck.</p>
<p>I’ve hired individuals with an MD into post-doc positions. I strongly suggest it to many with foreign MD’s. It allows them to fast track into research</p>