Student Overview Student Perspectives Search Student Profiles Student Adventures Student Perspectives I had originally considered applying for the MD program alone, as I reasoned that I could practice medicine and conduct research with the single degree. Now, however, I am grateful that I decided to enroll in the Wash U MSTP. Research seminars and journal clubs during the first two years of medical school have helped sharpen my critical thinking skills, which I use in the classroom, clinic, and lab. Even though I am in lab full time now, I can maintain my clinical skills by shadowing physicians and volunteering at the student-run health clinic. Finally, the Wash U faculty seem particularly enthusiastic about having MSTP students in their labs, and it is easy to get advice about balancing careers in both medicine and research.