Advice on ?research

[GoingWeast]

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I have a question that I was hoping to get some general feedback for. I am currently a M3, and I've realized over med school that I hate research. I used to think I hated wetlabs, but nope, its really just research in general. That being said, I've done enough to at least get an abstract and present a poster at a conference. I've been trying to continue to finish the work I've already done for a paper during my clinical year, but I've been super unmotivated and moving painfully slowly (admittedly my own fault). I was wondering how important is it for me to push through and try to get a publication or (shudder) do even more.

For context, I'd like to match IM (which is good), but I'd like to match into pretty competitive places (which is bad). Not sure if I want to specialize further down the line. My clinical grades are (I think) above average. Because of the way my schedule works, STEP1 for me will be pass/fail and I haven't taken STEP2. My med school is fairly prestigious, like top 10 ish. I'm a ORM.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[teenyfish]

Honestly if you already have the material and are just working on writing the paper - power through. The most difficult part of research is actually doing the project and finding good mentors. Since it seems like you're at the tail end of that, I would recommend trying to publish. It's important to have a product for your work, and can help you find better opportunities down the road!

 

[GoSpursGo]

At this point you should power through. Not just because you're like 75% of the way there, but also you essentially committed to do this and you should see it through. Failing to finish the paper will have a negative impact on your relationship with your PI, who you will presumably want to vouch for you as you apply for residency.

 

[Chelsea FC]

I have a question that I was hoping to get some general feedback for. I am currently a M3, and I've realized over med school that I hate research. I used to think I hated wetlabs, but nope, its really just research in general. That being said, I've done enough to at least get an abstract and present a poster at a conference. I've been trying to continue to finish the work I've already done for a paper during my clinical year, but I've been super unmotivated and moving painfully slowly (admittedly my own fault). I was wondering how important is it for me to push through and try to get a publication or (shudder) do even more.

For context, I'd like to match IM (which is good), but I'd like to match into pretty competitive places (which is bad). Not sure if I want to specialize further down the line. My clinical grades are (I think) above average. Because of the way my schedule works, STEP1 for me will be pass/fail and I haven't taken STEP2. My med school is fairly prestigious, like top 10 ish. I'm a ORM.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Why do you want to match at a competitive IM program?

 

[Styrene]

You ought to publish it for the greater good. The other pieces will fall into place if you continually focus on that goal.

 

[Lawpy]

You ought to publish it for the greater good. The other pieces will fall into place if you continually focus on that goal.

I agree with this

 

[GoingWeast]

Okay, thanks for the advice friends! Maybe I just needed to hear it, but will try to finish this off.

Why do you want to match at a competitive IM program?

Sorry, my phrasing was a little unclear. It’s less I want to go to any competitive speciality and more the specific top places I’d like to match into are relatively competitive IM programs.

 

[Chelsea FC]

Okay, thanks for the advice friends! Maybe I just needed to hear it, but will try to finish this off.



Sorry, my phrasing was a little unclear. It’s less I want to go to any competitive speciality and more the specific top places I’d like to match into are relatively competitive IM programs.

Gotcha but why? Why do you want to match into a competitive IM program?

 

[Dr G Oogle]

Finish it but maybe step away from it for a few weeks. Spending a ton of time on something could be a real drag even when you like research.

 

[GoingWeast]

Gotcha but why? Why do you want to match into a competitive IM program?

Location and I’ve heard good things about the specific programs