Hi all. I'm a 3rd year US allo medical student interested in continuing research in the same field that I researched in the summer between 1st and 2nd year.

In a nutshell, I'm genuinely interested in doing a research year between M3 and M4, but I also wanted to know if pursuing this route helps to match a better residency program. A second question is if a research year helps you match into a specialty you desire to go into by showing dedication to the field.

Again, I want to reiterate that matching better isn't the primary reason for my desire to do a research year, but it would definitely weight into my decision. After all, a whole year off is a lot of time to spend away from my medical education.

Thanks for the help.

It will definitely be helpful, especially if you publish. It will be most helpful at academic institutions that place emphasis on research, and in competitive specialties in which you need to help yourself stand out.

I've talked to a few attendings and PDs about this, and the responses have been mostly positive. However, a few asked up front if I was using this a a way to boost a resume. They stated that it raises red flags if you take a research year after MS4 (not what you are planning). It will not make up for a poor med school performance.

Like most things at this stage, do it if you want to and you think it'll help make research part of your career. If you're at the point of trying to decide IF you want to do research at all, then there are plenty of ways to that that do not require a year off.

If you're interested, take a look at the FAQ (top of the forum page). I've compiled a listing of year-off research programs that can be done after MS3. I suggest formalized programs over a random year off because it's much harder to fall through the cracks and not have a productive time (i.e. get your name on a paper) in a formal program than a unorganized one.

Hello. Currently a fourth year medical student. I decided on ophthalmology late in the application process (just recently) and it was too late to find any spots at my home institution as well as aways at other medical schools. This situation leaves me with taking a year off after my MS4 year. I was planning on doing some research. Would this also be considered as a red flag? My application and numbers are above average.

Formal research programs are definitely a good way to go. I'm doing a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship this year and am enjoying my experience. There is a lot of vested interest in my success here, with not only a well designed didactic curriculum but the opportunity to work with some high powered, prolific PI's at a major academic center. The few big research fellowships are: Doris Duke, NIH-Cloisters, Howard Hughes (not Cloisters), Sarnoff, etc...you can of course take off a year and do the research on your own, but a formalized program has numerous advantages.

Just curious. I thought the Doris Duke program was for 2 years. I am sure that the Howard Hughes is two years as well but the second year is done parallel to 4th. Do you know anything about it? or am I missing something? (cuz I am planning on applying to Howard Hughes only) Thanks.

Just curious. I thought the Doris Duke program was for 2 years. I am sure that the Howard Hughes is two years as well but the second year is done parallel to 4th. Do you know anything about it? or am I missing something? (cuz I am planning on applying to Howard Hughes only) Thanks.Pleaseread the FAQ. Several of the points in your post are incorrect. The FAQ links directly to DD and other program's websites

I'm doing a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship this year and am enjoying my experience. Would you be willing to add your experiences to the FAQ?

Hello. Currently a fourth year medical student. I decided on ophthalmology late in the application process (just recently) and it was too late to find any spots at my home institution as well as aways at other medical schools. This situation leaves me with taking a year off after my MS4 year. I was planning on doing some research. Would this also be considered as a red flag? My application and numbers are above average.My post concerned folks with poor records, or people who failed to Match - for these folks, a year off does not remediate their issues. If your numbers are there, then you shouldn't worry.

Just curious. I thought the Doris Duke program was for 2 years. I am sure that the Howard Hughes is two years as well but the second year is done parallel to 4th. Do you know anything about it? or am I missing something? (cuz I am planning on applying to Howard Hughes only) Thanks.

No that is not true. I participated in the Howard Hughes Research Training Fellowship for one year between my second and third year of medical school. The program is awarded for one year but is renewable if you would like to pursue additional years. Every year there are a few that renew their fellowship. The Cloisters program has a similar set up. Both great programs with great support for their awardees and additional support as your career advances including early career awards that only individuals that participated in the program are eligible for.