Hi all! I have a few questions I'd like to get some options on.
After an interview session, do you email the program directors to say thank you and reinforce your interest with the program (even if they did not directly interview you)?
Also, during a few of my interviews, interviewers have said something along the lines of "your application and ethos seems more clinically/patient centered. Would you choose MD over PhD if given the chance?" and "do you really want the PhD". I have worked in a post bac program doing bench research for almost 3 years now, and did bench research over a summer in undergrad. I also have psychology research during undergrad. I kept my MD personal statement less focused on research (as was feedback provided from MD/PhDs I had read my applications), and really tried to drive why MD/PhD and bench research in my MD/PhD essay and research essay.
I'm worried programs think I am not serious about the PhD portion of the MD/PhD. I try to always emphasize my goals of committing to bench research, working through failures in lab, my future research interests, and having my own lab one day as a PI. But, I'm worried this is falling short. Does anyone have any advice for facing these kind of questions? Thanks in advance!