2 and Counting...

After nearly 4 months I received my second interview request. This time from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and I could not have been more delighted. You see, I love Chicago and the thought of staying here for dental school gets me excited.

What was interesting about this interview request was an advertisement for UIC's DDS/PhD. I say advertisement because it was couched in that way - a short blurb asking a rhetorical question, followed by a "to learn more contact..." I found it strange, but I had to check it out.

For a long time I have wrestled with the thought of doing PhD work. After college, I spent the better part of a year kicking around applying for graduate or dental school. Eventually, dental school won out, and I swept my PhD aspirations under the rug. That is, until now.

The DDS/PhD program is attractive for numerous reasons. One is the flexibility it offers students in terms of what they will devote their research work, too. Sure, I cannot go off and study anything related to the oral cavity, but from what I understand, faculty are open to new ideas and areas of study. Another reason I find the program attractive is that it is not only concerned with conducting research, but also applying research. Thus, all the great findings in the lab will find its way into the general public in at least some capacity. And finally, I can complete the program in 6-7 years, which I find unbelievable. The thought of two great dual degrees that address my passion for helping others would truly be an honor.

Even though I only have 2 interviews to date, the fact that I have 2 at schools that I really want to be at is very satisfying. Now, all I have to do is nail that interview and hit it off with the UIC faculty. It cannot be that hard, right?