I completed the masters research program with a thesis that got accepted by AMIA. I applied for the PhD program after I completed the masters program. I am now a 2nd year PhD student in the Hopkins BIDS program. The most valuable part of my experience in the program is the mentorship I had. The mentors here are incredibly supportive and dedicated. The most important skill I developed apart from research and programming experience is critical thinking, asking the right and important questions.