Clinical interests not matching research interests

[cara susanna]

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Hi all,

I have a question. Are you at more of a disadvantage for internships, post-doc, academic positions, etc if your clinical interests don't match your research interests? I may be developing a new clinical interest and I have some research in progress related to it, but my main research program and interest (including my thesis and planned dissertation) isn't really related. I don't really want to switch over entirely to my new clinical interest for research because I just don't think I'd be as excited about it.

Thanks!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

This is complete conjecture on my part, so please take it with a grain of salt--in my opinion, I figure the biggest obstacle you'd face would just be having to show you aren't too "scattered" or unfocused. If your interest areas are each fairly well-defined, though (and it sounds like they are), I don't imagine it'd put you at much of a disadvantage. You could possibly even spin it as a plus, saying that you'd like more experience in those topics before really trying to settle in and make up your mind.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Have a concise explanation for why you made the shift, and you should be fine.