Anybody else applying or matched with zero/minimal research experience?

Started by bromeprazole
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bromeprazole

Full Member
10+ Year Member
As the title suggests, I unfortunately have very little to show for under the "Research" portion of my SFmatch app. No publications or posters, but I did do some summer ophtho research after MS1 (chart reviews) and got my name as an "acknowledgement" on a major publication. Also, I drafted an IRB proposal with a resident (which seems to be going nowhere), and I'm currently working on a case report...but I'm doubtful that it will make it to the submission stage before I submit my app in a couple weeks.

I have an average Step 1 (236), but good clinical grades and big-wig LOR writers thanks to my home institution (though I can't say much about the actual content).

Overall, I just want to be a strong clinician and surgeon; research has never been a strong interest of mine. I focused my time on leadership and community involvement in medical school, but now I'm feeling nervous about lacking a key component of what ophtho program directors are looking for. I chose not to take a year off for research because of personal/financial reasons, but now I'm regretting that decision. I'm considering dual applying to Family Med (IM is not for me) since I really don't want to be left scrambling if unmatched, but adding another residency application seems quite stressful.

Any advice from others with little research experience or those who have matched? It would be helpful to know which programs don't place a strong research emphasis or how to respond to questions about my lack of pubs during the interview process. Thanks for your help in advance.
 
Your description of yourself is nearly identical to my situation a few years back when I applied, with one exception being you have far more research experience than I ever did, even to this day. Hated research then, hated it in residency, and hate it now. Despite the lack of publications, I matched at a top 10 program with scores and grades very similar to yours. Apply broadly, avoid the research heavy programs like Wilmer and you should be ok.
 
It was brought to my attention that the average Step 1 score of both those who matched and those who didn't has creeped up considerably over the last several years, so our situation is a bit different as far as that goes. Back then, a 236 would have been slightly above average, whereas now it's a little below the mean, but not by much. All the other stuff I said still applies however.
 
Thanks for your input 90diopter! I feel much better knowing somebody fared so well through the process with a similar attitude regarding research. I will obviously strive to stay up-to-date academically for my patients, but I have little interest in pushing out publications myself. It's possible these feelings might change, but for now I'm glad to know I'm not alone
 
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