Good day to everyone on this site. First, an introduction
I'm a dentist(general dentist) with over 2 years post internship experience. I developed interest for computing before I started my dental school, having commenced a diploma programme in Computer Science which I couldn't complete when I got admitted into the university to study dentistry. My interest has however grown and have developed myself very well in programming. I am versed in the use of Java, C, PHP, MYSQL, JAVASCRIPT. and have developed a number of software both free and for companies on request and I have a number of android apps on Google play store. My dream right from my biochemistry class in 200level when I was introduced to bioinformatics is to be a bioinformatician, where I will be able to apply both knowledge to solve problems. I'm currently employed as a dental officer in Nigeria where I'm from and I'm thinking of applying for a MSc degree in bioinformatics. There's no institution that offers this course in my country so I will have to search beyond the shores. I need advice in relation to the following issues
- I'm thinking of running the programme online to reduce costs
- Even if I run it online, I can't afford the fees. How easy is it to get scholarships and how can I go about it. What options are available?
- Do I stand a good chance of getting admitted with my Bachelor pf Dental Surgery.
- Any relevant beneficial link that you think will help me will be greatly appreciated
Have you considered just applying for a PhD in bioinformatics? You'd be funded to do the work then (albeit not well!) :p
Depends on where you do your PhD.
Are you saying that you no longer want to practice dentistry? You can certainly change careers any time but having acquired a professional skill it would be a pity to let it all go.
I still practise dentistry and I may not leave until I get really involved in bioinformatics. This is my plan. I'm skilled in programming too and wish I could achieve something significant with it in the health field
So do you want to stay put until you acquire informatics skills or can leave now (in case you get admitted to a degree program elsewhere)? You may need to take some qualifying exams (GRE/TOEFL for US) but since you have a professional degree (4+ years of college?) you should be able to get into a graduate (MS/PhD) program.
Just as with other health related fields dental schools are also employing genome wide assays and bioinformatics in their work. Instead of looking for a pure informatics program you may want to consider a dental research program that would have an informatics component. That way you can keep up with both of your skills and decide if you want to pursue both or just one after you get your degree.