A bit of a pickle

[Hermeone]

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I am an Electrical Engineering student with a minor in chemistry and have taken significant amount of biochemistry, physiology, molecular genetics and cell biology classes (I take all these classes because they are interesting, I am not trying to please the adcom)and am involved in two research projects. Unfortunately, one is very "electrical" and has nothing to do with biology or human being. The other is somewhat related to human though I will be using the electromagnetics method for the research (numerical modeling of the breast tumor)

I think that's enough for the background before I tell you my problem.

Since I have no lab experience in biomedical science areas, I feel the urge to take up this neuroscience project. Though I am an engineering student, I have no problem being involved in a biomedical research . I have been given this opportunity and am thinking twice before I accept the offer.....

I have 2 more quarters before I graduate and also taking a heavy load of classes (21-27 credit hours, an average of 24 credit hours---many classes fascinate my curiosity)

I hope to apply to MD/PhD but then I fear that the adcom will doubt my interest in biomedical science research since I don't have any lab experience in any of those areas.

If I didn't get into those Md/PhD, I will still apply for MD and then will proceed with teh traditional route to be a clinical/medical researcher.

I feel that MD degree is a necessity in my future career as a researcher...

any comments is appreciated!

 

[Habari]

don't worry about research experience in 'traditionally' biomedical fields - most schools seem to love people with non-traditional, espeically highly quantitative backgrounds. as long as you can explain how the biomedical training will mesh with your future research interests given your current interests - you will be fine. just make sure you are prepared for the medical school part of interviews ...
goodluck.

 

[Nuel]

Hermeone I share your sentiments as having little basic science research. However I have reached the resolution that it is about you and your interests. Although, a little bit of 'diplomacy' may be introduced at times, it is "you" that really matters. Just do what you can and manage to like now, in the future there will be amazing opportunities for us. What more can one be but an optimist 🙂 ?

 

[doctorvenkman]

Don't worry about it, just go for it. I'm applying now to MSTP programs and I was an electrical engineering and computer science major. My research is in computational neuroscience, but I think as long as you have some sort of extensive research background(extensive is far more important than in what discipline), you've got some pretty good chances.

 

[strangeattractor]

engineers unite!

let's think of it like this:

you will have a chance to do biomed lab research if you get in. however, you took full advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as possible in the physical sciences & engineering which will help you when you become a biomed researcher - you can see the biological problems from a completely different perspective. i don't see how that would be a negative at all...as long as you demonstrate interest in research and experience at analysis in some kind of lab, i think you'll be a-ok.

 

[Hermeone]

Thanks everyone for the comments.

I have decided to take an independent study with the PI/professor. I still get to rotate in his labs and learn some techniques. I think this is a good option for me since I do not have to be involved in his research project and somewhat do not have to worry about not getting any results in time before graduation.

thank you again.

Best of luck to those who are applying this cycle.

 

[strangeattractor]

good idea 🙂