Another Research Question

[ChocolateKiss]

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When you're applying for residency, do they care about (first author) publications from your undergrad or from time off between undergrad and med school? Or are these pubs too far in the past to really matter?

 

[radonc]

When you're applying for residency, do they care about (first author) publications from your undergrad or from time off between undergrad and med school? Or are these pubs too far in the past to really matter?

it depends what the research was on (field), the journal it was published in, whether it was an abstract or journal article, the type of research (clinical vs basic science), and any big names on the publication.

but, to answer your question, i feel they would only support your application in a positive manner.

 

[CNphair]

As has been said many times, any research is good research as far as your application is concerned. Many interviewers will judge how "thick" an application is...bigger = better.

However, you definitely need some research in med school...it can't end with undergrad.

 

[ChocolateKiss]

it depends what the research was on (field), the journal it was published in, whether it was an abstract or journal article, the type of research (clinical vs basic science), and any big names on the publication.

but, to answer your question, i feel they would only support your application in a positive manner.

Thanks for the response. I'm referring to basic science publications. I assume these are not quite as helpful as clinical research? And by big names, do big names in science matter if they're only big names in their particular scientific fields and not really in clinical medicine?

 

[radonc]

Thanks for the response. I'm referring to basic science publications. I assume these are not quite as helpful as clinical research? And by big names, do big names in science matter if they're only big names in their particular scientific fields and not really in clinical medicine?

if you are doing research with a nobel prize winner in medicine/physiology...of course it will look good. oncology specific (and radiation specific) research is better though. basic science vs clinical science...doesnt really matter...but doing a clinical project is easier than doing a basic science project, unless you take time off from school and do research full time.

 

[eidolon]

if you are doing research with a nobel prize winner in medicine/physiology...of course it will look good. oncology specific (and radiation specific) research is better though. basic science vs clinical science...doesnt really matter...but doing a clinical project is easier than doing a basic science project, unless you take time off from school and do research full time.

I agree that in general clinical projects may be more "efficient" than basic science projects. However, basic science publications appears to count more (if you get one that is, even as second or third author). Maybe because basic science is by nature more time consuming so if you get a publication you must be 1. incredibly talented (and lucky) or 2. it shows a high level of commitment to research which is valued in the field?!?! And I am not sure oncology specific or even radiation specific research is necessary. The key is to be able to spin your research in an engaging way. Most of basic science can be made to relate to cancer somehow which is how people get grants.