Duke University School of Medicine, Master of Biomedical Sciences Program
A review from a graduate of the Class of 2019
I don’t see enough people on SDN talking about this program, and it deserves all the praise it can get.
EDIT as of Jul 2021: I have completed my first year of medical school! The MBS program prepared me so well!
EDIT as of ~May 2020: After completing the application cycle, I ended up receiving 7 interview invitations, but not an interview at Duke. Felt like I should have a disclaimer here to say that even if you do well in the program (4.0 GPA and other awards at graduation), you might not get an interview.
1.) Pros
a.) The best part of this program is that students take medical-school caliber courses under the same faculty who teach the medical students at Duke's School of Medicine. These professors are deeply invested in your success and well-being, and they will know you by name. This close interaction with the professors creates an environment where students truly learn the material, much of which will be vital as they pursue medical school. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. THE PROFESSORS ARE THE BEST PART OF THIS PROGRAM. When you really think about it, medical schools are just structures—the people in the buildings are what really make the school a special place. I have two other degrees from Duke and have extensive experience throughout the institution for someone my age, and I can genuinely say that the professors from the MBS program are some of the best that Duke University has to offer. You will not find more kindhearted (and knowledgeable, for that matter) people anywhere else. Did I mention that these are the same professors who teach the students in the M.D. Program at Duke?
b.) You will become a certified Emergency Medical Technician as part of the program, and you will have the opportunity to rotate on shifts throughout the Duke community. You will work alongside doctors and nurses in Duke’s Emergency Department and in Duke’s Urgent Care Clinics. You’ll also assist paramedics and firefighters out in the community. There is arguably no better way to learn about medicine than to learn by doing. While other people are
shadowing (passive observation) doctors and nurses to get into medical school, you will be
working (active participation)alongside healthcare providers, discussing differential diagnoses and next steps in patient care. On these shifts, you’ll be exposed to incredible stories that you’ll be able to discuss in medical school interviews. These experiences will likely set you apart from other applicants.
c.) The medical humanities part of this program is also second-to-none. You’ll get the chance to develop your understanding of the compassionate side of health care in small group seminars throughout the 11-month program. Students get the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from how different people and cultures think about death to how implicit bias plays a role in peoples’ healthcare. In this part of the curriculum, you will also get the chance to participate in standardized patient interviews. This is an awesome chance for you to start working on your bedside manner even before you begin medical school. Not to mention that this kind of impromptu conversation in a timed setting will help you with interviews when you apply to medical school or whatever kind of school or job in the future.
d.) You will have the opportunity to take a “selective” course in the spring semester. This is an incredible opportunity for you to focus on a topic that is of special interest to you. A big part of why I decided to pursue medicine is because of its focus on service, so I took a community engagement selective and worked for an organization in the community studying food insecurity. As part of the curriculum, I also got to present my research in a poster presentation at the end of the year. This was yet another awesome experience in preparing for medical school and for a future in academic medicine.
e.) At the beginning of the program, you will be assigned to an advisor who will help you make decisions about how to improve your candidacy for medical school. My advisor became my closest mentor and helped me with everything from deciding which schools to apply to to giving me recommendations on how to improve my personal statement. You will also be assigned to a team-based learning group at the beginning of the program. This team will serve as a built-in support network for you as you try your best to excel in this program. This is also an excellent experience in working on a team, something that is crucial for any career, especially medicine.
f.) The anatomy class will involve full cadaveric dissection. Your team-based learning team will spend 8 weeks or so in the anatomy lab studying the intricacies of human anatomy. Your team will be the only team to work on this cadaver. This is a significant privilege. In some medical schools, you have to share your cadaver with other groups, and often do not get to participate in dissecting certain parts of the body because other groups have already done them. It is truly a privilege to be able to study anatomy through cadaveric dissection.
g.) When you’re not in the classroom, you will be at one of the best universities in the country with a vibrant campus atmosphere. Tired of studying? Go to a basketball game and see one of the greatest college coaches (Coach K) of all time and future NBA All-Stars in action. Want a different option? Head downtown (a 10-minute car ride) for a dinner at any one of the many fantastic restaurants that Durham has to offer. Want to get outside? Go for a run or walk in the Duke Forest or in the Eno River State Park. Heck, take a day trip out to the beach in Wilmington, NC, just a 2.5-hour car ride away. There is literally something for everyone. All you have to do is ask around.
h.) Classes are taken in Duke’s School of Medicine. While some other SMP programs are located in a “School of Health Professions,” this program is located right in the school of medicine. You cannot beat this location.
i.) The program welcomes people who are interested in applying to dental school, applying to PA school, or pursuing a PhD (and others). Although most of the students in the program are interested in going the MD route, the MBS program faculty loves people who are interested in different career paths, and will provide you with the resources to pursue this path if that is what you want to do.
j.) I thought the other students were really nice and friendly. Everyone was highly motivated to do well, but everyone was really nice and never made me feel like I was in an environment that was too competitive or anything like that.
Cons
a.) I have to be honest… it is a real challenge for me to think of cons for this program. I guess one con is that this program does not have any linkage agreements with other medical schools. This means that doing well in this program does not necessarily mean you will get admitted to medical school. For what it’s worth though, I am currently applying and have had a few interviews (As of Oct. 30, MD only). I know someone who graduated from the program one year before me and she received 9 interview invitations and was accepted to four medical schools (all MD programs).
b.) Another con is that while the advisors are incredibly helpful, some of them are more proactive and engaged than others. You’ll be randomly assigned to an advisor, so you’ll just have to hope you get a highly engaged advisor.
c.) The program is only 11 months, so you likely won’t have the same research opportunities that are provided in a 2-year program (but then again you won’t have to pay for another year of school).
d.) Duke is a private school, so the tuition will be higher, but there is opportunity for financial aid and scholarships.
2.) The kinds of classes you've taken and a description.
I’ll refer you to the Duke MBS website (
Degree Requirements & Courses | Duke School of Medicine) if you want more information about the classes. I will say that this program is more oriented toward taking classes like the ones that you will take in medical school rather than giving you a chance to retake physics or chemistry. If you are trying to take physics or chemistry, this program is not for you. If you want to learn about anatomy, physiology, pathology, histology, evidence-based medicine, medical humanities, etc., you are in the right place. Basically, the three main courses that last throughout the year are the anatomy class, cellular science class, and organ systems class. Other classes are built in around these classes. Go to the website. That’s the best place to find the information.
3.) Something they wished they knew coming into the program
The program is short (only 11-months), so don’t be afraid to speak up in class. You are smart! Don’t be afraid to take a shot at something!
4.) Something they would like to tell incoming students about your program
Don’t feel like you are “falling behind” by doing an SMP. This program will only benefit you in the long run.
5.) Tips for students applying to your program
Be authentic in your application. Try to really capture what excites you about the health professions and how this program will help you in your future aspirations.
6.)Did it help you get into medical school/dental school/etc.
I’m currently applying to MD programs and have gotten interviews! Keeping my fingers crossed!
7.) Anything else you'd like to add
Not really. If you have read this far, you know how big of a fan I am of this program. Oh and GO DUKE!
8.)A rating from 1-5 (1 being the worst (no recommendation) to 5 (full recommendation)
5 out of 5. If I could give it a higher rating, I would.