1. University of Puerto Rico
RISE Summer Bridge Program
Celizbets Colón Ortiz
July 5, 2011
How to obtain a Ph.D.?
Last July 5th we visited the Ponce School of Medicine, and from all the things I learned one was
very emphasized: encourage us to pursuit a PH. D. degree on biomedical or behavioral research. Actually,
that’s one of the main objectives of RISE (acronym for Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement).
Therefore, one of the first things the host, Ms. Windy Pacheco, did was talk to us about such prestigious
degree.
Ms. Pacheco, after a friendly welcome, talked about the concept of PH. D. She explained that a
PH. D. is an integrated, broad-based two year curriculum where, if you are qualified, one completes the
knowledge making a thesis of an interested topic in sciences.
In order to become eligible for the academic program is needed a Bachelor’s degree with thirty-
five credits in Science, a minimum of 3.00 GPA, a minimum of 700 in GRE test, had have previous
experience of research, three letters of recommendation, official transcription, complete application,
Certificate of Good Behavior, and if one is later chosen from the whole bunch, an interview and an essay.
Later on, after the basic two year program of the PH.D., one is supposed to take the Qualifying Exam. If
one is successful and passes the test, then has to do a thesis guided by a mentor. Gratefully, if you’re
lucky to be funded by RISE, the program will give extra tools to better scientific skills like professional
development, financial support, and many other benefits only given by RISE.
The job of PH.D. scientists is very important, because according to the research they are doing
and from the ones already done is what the whole basis of general Sciences is based on. Even text books
refer to peered journals, which are papers submitted to guidelines and approved by specialists in related
areas. If this dedicated people did not publish their findings, actual data would not be able to humanity
and we will not be progressing.
As a whole I consider the talk about How to obtain a PH.D.? as a really good one, because are
few the people that really now that this profession exists, and all the different things one may do once
there. It seems like it gives science a sort of “freedom” as some said, because it is not so structural, but a
more creative one.
What I liked the most was that not only the orientation of the requirements and benefits given
from a person whose specialty is orientate, but also they gave us the opportunity to talk with the ones who
had actually been through the experience, making the career seem like a real and doable one. May be, I
suggest for other talks explaining better the difference of MD, PH.D., and MD. PH.D. Even though
Pacheco answered briefly, it would have been better if she had presented a visible graphic contrasting
differences, as for example in a table where the principal criteria of the three degrees can be clearly seen.
After knowing how to obtain a PH.D., it leaves for me a door open as a good possible career to
evaluate.