Choosing a topic for M1 summer research

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I am finding myself a little indecisive when it comes to choosing summer research, partly because I am very open to considering almost any specialty and I feel that I am the type of person who can be convinced to truly appreciate almost any research subject.

But, I have narrowed it down to two things: brain/neurology-related and immunology. Is either one of those going to be more helpful for me, as a medical student, in my own studies? For example, will doing summer research in immunology help me better grip this subject for Step 1?

And, how many papers for a mentor should I read before I go speak with them? Should I actually read entire papers or is the abstract enough?

THANKS!

 

[HinduHammer]

I'm an m1 also and I'd do immunology in a heartbeat! Your def gonna learn more in depth about it and at least for me immunology is like a black hole so that's my $.02.

 

[Hangry]

I am finding myself a little indecisive when it comes to choosing summer research, partly because I am very open to considering almost any specialty and I feel that I am the type of person who can be convinced to truly appreciate almost any research subject.

But, I have narrowed it down to two things: brain/neurology-related and immunology. Is either one of those going to be more helpful for me, as a medical student, in my own studies? For example, will doing summer research in immunology help me better grip this subject for Step 1?

And, how many papers for a mentor should I read before I go speak with them? Should I actually read entire papers or is the abstract enough?

THANKS!

I seriously doubt research in a field will help you in your classes on that subject. You go too in-depth into a problem for it to have relevance to M1-M2 level material. Do not pick a research project based on this. There are so many other more important factors to consider.

As long as you have a general idea of the research your mentor does before you see them you should be fine. Read whatever you have to to get that idea, but going through all their papers with a fine-toothed comb is not at all necessary.