Entering M1 with a strong background in pulmonary and immuno-oncology basic in vivo lab research. I'm interested in ENT but having issues finding any in vivo basic lab research projects at my institute. Are these rare or impossible to find? Seems most PI's just do clinical research for this field
Are basic lab research projects rare for ENT?
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If you're having troubles, you could try to reach out to some related fields that may be more likely to be involved in basic science research (Allergy comes to mind).
That's a really great idea and just by briefly checking I see a lot more options open up. So I don't necessarily need ENT-specific research but you feel a related field like allergy would still support a residency app?
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It just depends on your school. There are some surgeons, as you likely know from your time working in immuno-oncology, who are heavily involved in wet lab research just not at every center. However, unless you're pursing a PhD, I think you are very unlikely to be seriously considered for a meaningful basic lab project as a med student, as you just can't do anything useful putting in 5-10 hours/wk on a project.
Ultimately, I always recommend that people listen to the advice of their mentors. So rather than trying to force your way into a wet lab project, I would identify a mentor in the ENT department first and then ask them what kinds of research successful applicants from the school generally do. Particularly at this point, you should not be picky on the project or the type of research, you just want to become known and show that you are smart and productive. If you can clear those bars then you may be able to direct the kinds of research that you choose to pursue, but for your first interaction with a new group you should take whatever project you get and do it quickly.
EDIT: I think having some complementary research in a field like Allergy is fine, but for a highly specific field like ENT the majority of your research should be ENT-focused. And again, I stress the most important first step is just finding a good mentor and listening to their advice.
Ultimately, I always recommend that people listen to the advice of their mentors. So rather than trying to force your way into a wet lab project, I would identify a mentor in the ENT department first and then ask them what kinds of research successful applicants from the school generally do. Particularly at this point, you should not be picky on the project or the type of research, you just want to become known and show that you are smart and productive. If you can clear those bars then you may be able to direct the kinds of research that you choose to pursue, but for your first interaction with a new group you should take whatever project you get and do it quickly.
EDIT: I think having some complementary research in a field like Allergy is fine, but for a highly specific field like ENT the majority of your research should be ENT-focused. And again, I stress the most important first step is just finding a good mentor and listening to their advice.
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As long as the project in the related field can be linked to ENT, then it would be fine. When discussing at interviews you can explain your reasoning.
Agree that you will likely need an ENT mentor and some ENT research as well though.
Agree that you will likely need an ENT mentor and some ENT research as well though.
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There are definitely ENTs doing wet lab work but they are harder to find and generally located at major academic centers. Everyone else is just doing clinical research if anything. I did a T32 program between M1 and M2 at another institution to get some wet lab exposure, so if your school doesn’t have any and that’s a big interest, you could always do a research year or something during a summer or elective rotation.
The allergy stuff is a stretch but doable. I think you lose out on the ancillary benefits of field specific research where you gain mentorship and advocates within your field. I feel like you’d need to publish in some major journals to get the same benefit from research outside the field.
You can also do residency at a strong research program and get some solid wet lab work. Some even have 7 year tracks where you could do wet lab work and moonlight on the side to double or triple your salary. If you’re looking at the K to R01 pathway, that can be a nice option.
The allergy stuff is a stretch but doable. I think you lose out on the ancillary benefits of field specific research where you gain mentorship and advocates within your field. I feel like you’d need to publish in some major journals to get the same benefit from research outside the field.
You can also do residency at a strong research program and get some solid wet lab work. Some even have 7 year tracks where you could do wet lab work and moonlight on the side to double or triple your salary. If you’re looking at the K to R01 pathway, that can be a nice option.
