An M1 and just shadowed my first rad onc; a ques.

[LaCasta]

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I shadowed a rad onc and it was very interesting. I observed a patient consult, saw the technology, looked at images and sat in on a tumor board. It definitely motivated me to pursue this field.

However, during this experience I got some weird looks for shadowing so early in medical school. I don't want to seem like a gunner or look like I am trying to jump ahead in the proccess. I was advised by an M4 to shadow as soon as possible if this was a field I was interested in.

I was also hoping to try to make some connections for research as what I have read on this forum tells me that research is crucial. From my experience with research in undergrad, even doing research for 1 or 2 years does not guarantee getting something published so I wanted to start early.

My question is: Is it too early to start thinking about doing rad onc research? Do most students just do research during the third year in rad onc rotations and is that a suffecient amount of time?

 

[233101]

At Vanderbilt, 1st year medical students routinely engage in clinical research projects. As you know Rad/Onc is a highly competitive match so it's never too early to start doing research.

 

[Scatter]

I would agree that when it comes to research, early bird gets the worm.

We have, like, four MED1's starting various spinoff projects in our lab. If your medical school is part of a large academic medical center, find a prolific lab (e.g., cancer biology), send an email, arrange a meeting, and start early. Yes, even though studying probably usurps all of your time, lab schedule is flexible enough that even if you have two hours, say, twice a week, you'll be able to help with tasks such as, for example, anesthetizing and irradiating mice. Then, when you have more time, you can do other things, like take ownership of an actual project. But yeah, to all those who rolled their eyes at you, just roll back. No, seriously, who cares. Just do your thing.

 

[LaCasta]

Thanks for the replies

Do rad onc programs have a preference for basic science or clinical research, or is any type of research ok?

 

[Joe Waitlist]

The FAQ answers your question. Be aware that there is also "physics" research in addtion to clinical, translational, and basic.

 

[CyberKnife19]

OP, I completely agree with the previous posters in terms of getting involved with a research project ASAP (especially while you are an MS1 and MS2 where the grades really don't matter).

As far as clinical vs. basic science, I think only the MAJOR research meccas (MDACC, MSKCC, Harvard) really prefer basic science research over clinical research.

Personally, I would advise you to do clinical research b/c I have heard horror stories about basic science research projects that a student spent an extraordinary amount of time on that ultimately went nowhere...and so were left empty-handed. Usually, an attending will give you an idea for a clinical research project and you will be able to predict earlier in the process if that project has potential or not.

Best of luck and IMHO, you are fortunate enough to have found the best field in medicine. 🙂

 

[LaCasta]

OP, I completely agree with the previous posters in terms of getting involved with a research project ASAP (especially while you are an MS1 and MS2 where the grades really don't matter).

As far as clinical vs. basic science, I think only the MAJOR research meccas (MDACC, MSKCC, Harvard) really prefer basic science research over clinical research.

Personally, I would advise you to do clinical research b/c I have heard horror stories about basic science research projects that a student spent an extraordinary amount of time on that ultimately went nowhere...and so were left empty-handed. Usually, an attending will give you an idea for a clinical research project and you will be able to predict earlier in the process if that project has potential or not.

Best of luck and IMHO, you are fortunate enough to have found the best field in medicine. 🙂

Thanks

The MS4 I spoke with said he thought rad onc was a great field, but discovered it when he was an MS3 and he felt that it was too late at that point.

I know it's a competitive field, so I hope starting early will give me a leg up.

 

[stankem]

Thanks

The MS4 I spoke with said he thought rad onc was a great field, but discovered it when he was an MS3 and he felt that it was too late at that point.

I know it's a competitive field, so I hope starting early will give me a leg up.

My biggest regret in med school is I didn't start rad onc research as an MS1. Good luck will make your life easier later on and even if you change your mind on specialty later on commitment to is always a strong trait. Might learn things too.