Sidhanth Chandra, G3

Why did you choose to attend Northwestern MSTP?

I chose to attend Northwestern MSTP for the strength of the clinical and research training at Northwestern as well as the unique MSTP programming aimed at the integration of the two skillsets (college programming, grand rounds, etc.). Having a previous strong interest in neurodegenerative disorders, Feinberg had several labs that have made instrumental contributions to this area. The Education-Centered Medical Home (ECMH) program allowed for longitudinal clinical experiences starting early in medical school, which is continued through the graduate phase. The Northwestern MSTP college system was among the most unique programming structures I had seen among the schools I interviewed at. The college system allows for consistent and longitudinal learning through seminars, skill building sessions, and journal clubs as well as vertical integration and relationship building with older students in the program. Additionally, Chicago is an amazing city to pursue MD/PhD training. Chicago has world-class restaurants, comedy, music and theater, so you will have no shortage of things to do in your free time.

Tell us what you've enjoyed most about your current phase in the program.

I have really enjoyed the graduate phase of the program because I love that I get to continuously learn as my research projects evolve and take new turns. I get a chance to be creative and explore emerging curiosities. I like getting to explore one topic very deeply as compared to having a more surface exploration of several topics.

What do you enjoy most about living in Chicago?

I think living in Chicago provides access to anything you would like to do at a modest price compared to other large cities. There are amazing restaurants here and several of each type of cuisine. Chicago's brewery scene is also very prolific – I love Revolution, Half Acre, Hop Butcher and several others. Chicago also has a history of producing some of the world's most famous comedians. I enjoy watching comedy and improv shows at The Second City, Laugh Factory, The Comedy Bar and the Chicago Theater. I was even able to take an improv class taught by The Second City at Feinberg!