Acknowledgments in publications?

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mhm31

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Hi all,

Been working for the last 2 years in research and have a few abstracts (presentations) with my name on it and have 1 paper (at the time of applying this cycle) that I'm an author on. Would it be worth it to list a paper that I have been acknowledged on, but not an actual author on? At this point, I'd like to list all that I can but not sure if it's just too minor to list considering I've been working here for 2 years.

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Include it and just say in the description that you're included as an acknowledgement at the end.
 
Hi all,

Been working for the last 2 years in research and have a few abstracts (presentations) with my name on it and have 1 paper (at the time of applying this cycle) that I'm an author on. Would it be worth it to list a paper that I have been acknowledged on, but not an actual author on? At this point, I'd like to list all that I can but not sure if it's just too minor to list considering I've been working here for 2 years.

Although I am just a premed w/o experience applying yet, I think you should definitely include it (not as its own activity of course). It shows that you made meaningful contributions.
 
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Bump. I'd like to know what people think of that, also. Does it just seem trivial or is it worth something to Adcoms?
 
I've seen papers where the typist got an "acknowledgement," so to me this is not worth mentioning as there is no standard for what is intended by the term. If one makes a contribution to an eventually-published study that is not deemed worthy of an author's spot, the Research description would cover it. YMMV.
 
I would definitely mention it. All you have to do is mention it correctly. In your description of your research experience, just say "Acknowledged for making significant contributions to two papers. Co-authored a third paper on XXX."
 
Include it If you want, but for many of us in research, an acknowledgment means nothing and won't help your chances compared to anything else you choose to do.
 
No, it makes you appear like an over-wheening, hyperacheiving gunner.

Hi all,

Been working for the last 2 years in research and have a few abstracts (presentations) with my name on it and have 1 paper (at the time of applying this cycle) that I'm an author on. Would it be worth it to list a paper that I have been acknowledged on, but not an actual author on? At this point, I'd like to list all that I can but not sure if it's just too minor to list considering I've been working here for 2 years.
 
I'm AdCom. My perspective is that if it's mentioned humbly, it won't hurt you. It may be something that you're proud of because a lot of work may have gone in to it, and I recommend that you mention it in that light if you choose to mention it. That being said (and I'm sure you already realize this), being mentioned in a paper is not in the same league as being listed as an author. Sometimes, even being listed as an author can be uninformative if the paper has a huge list of authors. We always look up publications and there is often a section that defines author contributions. Certainly, if you have a publication, you should have a letter that emphasizes your role in the project. It's your independence, scientific critical thinking skills, and engagement in dialogue with the scientific/medical community that really matter. An authorship symbolizes this, but your own narrative analysis of the project and testament from your PI go a long way into imbuing the authorship with meaning. You're entering a profession and preparing a resume for that purpose. Ask yourself: How many of your own professors' resumes list acknowledgements vs. authorships? Ideally, the pre-medical research contributions that make it on to your medical school application resume will be serious enough to be mentioned after you've secured your MD or DO.
 
Hi all,

Been working for the last 2 years in research and have a few abstracts (presentations) with my name on it and have 1 paper (at the time of applying this cycle) that I'm an author on. Would it be worth it to list a paper that I have been acknowledged on, but not an actual author on? At this point, I'd like to list all that I can but not sure if it's just too minor to list considering I've been working here for 2 years.
lol no. being included in the acknowledgement has about as much worth as me giving you 25 cents to go to Saks 5th avenue. sure, technically it's worth something, but you'd be laughed out of the store by louboutin clad employees (other applicants).
 
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mentioning the project and your role in it is good. I wouldn't say that you had an acknowledgment in a paper. as others have said, tons of people get acknowledged. someone will often get one just for giving a couple of comments on a draft.
 
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