In this White Coat Wednesday episode, first-year UQ-Ochsner medical student Nicolette Morris sits down with MD-PhD candidate Kylie Kriener to discuss her experiences in the intercalated MD-PhD program. This unique seven-year pathway allows students to earn both an MD and a PhD, blending rigorous clinical training with groundbreaking research.
Kylie, whose background is in engineering, shares her passion for procedural skills training through her PhD project. She is developing physical models to simulate laparoscopic trocar placement, an innovative tool to enhance surgical education. Reflecting on her decision to pursue this path, Kylie emphasizes the importance of choosing a project that genuinely excites you and finding a supportive supervisor. Her advice to prospective students? Explore your interests, network with professors, and tour labs to ensure the right fit.
Balancing research and family life, including raising a two-year-old, Kylie also highlighted the robust support she’s received from UQ and Ochsner. With scholarships covering tuition and living expenses, the program is designed to reduce financial stress for students.
As Kylie transitions back to New Orleans to complete her MD, she looks forward to continuing her research and collaborating with her peers. Her journey is a testament to the diverse opportunities available within the UQ-Ochsner program, where students can integrate research and clinical practice to shape their future in medicine.
For those curious about research but not pursuing a PhD, Kylie recommends exploring UQ’s extensive research portal, offering projects across various fields of medicine.
Stay tuned for more insights from the UQ-Ochsner community in our next White Coat Wednesday!
