Can an applicant have too much research?

[ChocolateChip>Oreos]

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Just wondering if this is a thing. Interested in general surgery right now and have a few abstracts already accepted/have many more in the works. Is too much ever a thing?

 

[dienekes88]

No.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

Realistically, no.

However when someone has a glut of middle author papers, I'm more likely to probe the details when interviewing. I do know that for many, the volume is impressive. But when I'm ranking people, I'm much more interested in quality. It's always great when an applicant can describe a project they took from beginning to end (especially if they helped develop the original question).

Also, if there are a bunch of abstracts with no manuscripts, I'm going to ask a question about "why". Not because I think it's a disqualifier, but because the answer can be informative.

 

[ChocolateChip>Oreos]

Realistically, no.

However when someone has a glut of middle author papers, I'm more likely to probe the details when interviewing. I do know that for many, the volume is impressive. But when I'm ranking people, I'm much more interested in quality. It's always great when an applicant can describe a project they took from beginning to end (especially if they helped develop the original question).

Also, if there are a bunch of abstracts with no manuscripts, I'm going to ask a question about "why". Not because I think it's a disqualifier, but because the answer can be informative.

When you say abstracts do you mean conference abstracts without a manuscript or what?

Also- appreciate the response.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

When you say abstracts do you mean conference abstracts without a manuscript or what?

Also- appreciate the response.

Yes, exactly. When it comes to surgically-adjacent conferences, it's really not that hard to get an abstract on anymore. A "full" podium presentation (vs. a "quick shot"), is a plus but sometimes hard to tell that from looking at a CV.

So an abstract only tells me so much. Being able to get a project to the finish line and have it published takes substantially more effort. It's not uncommon for a project to stall for a variety of reasons, and so that's why it's not a disqualifier. But it is helpful to see if people have insight into why the project didn't make it to a published manuscript. At the med school stage, I'm just looking for someone who is motivated, resourceful, and understands the process (and pitfalls).

 

[Staphbreak]

no, when we review applicants, we factor in how mich research pubs they have in the way we rank them

 

[Medstart108]

Even the most cynical way to view research, still recognizes that the applicant had to learn something to get it done, and put time into it.

 

[Pir8DeacDoc]

I could imagine in a non research heavy residency they could look with some disdain on applicants with too much research. I.e. They might think your goals and what you want from a program don't line up with what they have to offer. But beyond that, can't see research being bad

 

[Staphbreak]

no. as long as the applicant is humble and not bragging about the research it can only help. how could it not, you know?