Case report vs. Second/Third Author

[alliecat44]

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With the increasing competitiveness of academic residencies (more applicants and fewer seats), I'm getting more and more worried about getting published in some way shape or form. For various reasons--most of them scheduling problems--I haven't been able to fulfill my goal of completing a research project while in vet school. Since this is my last summer and, because of my schedule and various other things, there's no way I can do 10-12 weeks of research, I'm a bit panicky...

So given that, I suppose my best options are to consult with faculty and either work on doing a case report/"what's your diagnosis?"-type write-up OR helping to write up a paper about research that I didn't directly participate in. I suppose that I could end up doing both if I had the time.

Which would be looked upon more favorably? Any ideas?? Sorry, I'm just pretty clueless when it comes to these things.

 

[GoldensForever]

6 of one, half a dozen of the other...

A case report is great because it shows initiative, so it's never wrong to do one. You get your name out there as first author. It doesn't show research initiative, though. Anyone can write a case report (but this goes back to showing initiative in getting your name out there.) It really all depends on what specialty you are interested in and what they look for.

Being 2nd or 3rd on research means you didn't do the bulk of the work, but you are interested in research. AND it lets you get to know a faculty member, which can only help with the letter of recommendation and who-you-know kinds of phone calls. (A lot of phone calls get made for residencies behind the scenes.)

I don't think that either is bad... just see what is available to you. The one you forgot to mention is retrospective study. This can take a LOT of thinking and leg work on your part, but it enables you to do "research" in a shorter amount of time, and it lets you brainstorm and work with one or more faculty members (sometimes at different schools). This is also a good pursuit.

None of my internmates or I got a paper published this year, but everyone is working on something. I had an abstract accepted to a major meeting - that's another big project you can look in to. It's difficult getting a paper done so it's good you're starting early!

Whatever you decide to do, make yourself stand out from the crowd. After playing the game and watching who matches and who doesn't, to stand out from the crowd you need special things like publications, strong faculty support, unique experiences, etc. For example, a neurology PhD, a ACVIM diplomat, and ACVS diplomat all applied for neurology residencies this year. Find out what makes you different and highlight that.

 

[Bill59]

You really shouldn't be listed as an author on a paper for research you "didn't directly participate in" so I would go with the 1st author case report.

 

[alliecat44]

Thank you both so much for the input--I really appreciate it and it's very helpful. 🙂 I am completely clueless when it comes to the research side of veterinary medicine!

Also, GoldensForever, CONGRATS on your surgery residency. Wow. Huge achievement, especially if it was your first time in the match (can't remember?). Anyways, fantastic job and best of luck.

P.S. Great, that makes me even MORE nervous about a neuro residency... ACVS and ACVIM diplomates?? A PhD in neuroscience?? How is it possible to compete with that?? argh....I'm a pretty standout applicant in terms of clinical stuff, grades and leadership experience, but man....ah, well. We'll see! Thanks again!

 

[carolinaowl]

You really shouldn't be listed as an author on a paper for research you "didn't directly participate in" so I would go with the 1st author case report.

I think the level that you participate in "helping to write the paper" determines whether you "directly participated in the research". Helping analyze data and put it into into publish-able words is WAY more contribution than many co-authors make. In fact, I would venture that most co-authors of published research contribute on this level, or less. At least in my experience, in human medicine. Being a small cog in the big wheel is how you get your foot in the door.

 

[GoldensForever]

Thanks - I'm really looking forward to starting my residency, although I'm freaking out about my knowledge base. Especially compared to my incoming residentmate who will have 2 years experience on me. No matter what you do it's never enough, at least not among Type A personalities.

Didn't mean to freak you out about applying. I certainly think you should go for it if that's what you want to do. It's just that you have to highlight why you're a uniquely qualified candidate. For me, it was my undergrad degree (I think). And some random things I did stood out - externing at the Minnesota Raptor Center was a weird common thread to one of the surgeons.

P.S. The PhD and ACVS dip both got residencies this year so at least they're out of the applicant pool!

 

[Huhenyo]

1

 

[No Imagination]

Being 2nd or 3rd on research means you didn't do the bulk of the work, but you are interested in research. AND it lets you get to know a faculty member, which can only help with the letter of recommendation and who-you-know kinds of phone calls. (A lot of phone calls get made for residencies behind the scenes.)

Thats not really true.

Many time 1st Author is the person who did the majority of the writing, while the 2nd and 3rd *typically* does/did the lions share of the research. The last author is typically the person who got the funding and who's lab your in. Many journals have all sorts of rules about what First, subsequent, and last authorship 'means', so it really depends on the journal.

I would NEVER turn down any authorship, and not being first doesn't really mean anything (although being first is always cool).