clinical vs lab research

Started by chef
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chef

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hi all,

for those who've been thru optho match, do u feel if PDs liked lab research more than clinical, or vice versa?

it's obvious that clinical research is much more of a "failsafe" method b/c one can usually get a paper out of a project in a reasonable period of time. Clinical research can be done during school yr w/o much trouble; and if u r diligent in 3-4 yrs of clinical research u can pump out 5-8 papers.

However, lab research has merits too. It's a lot tougher to publish but once u do it looks sweet. u gotta put in a lot more hrs IMHO - part time work during school yrs won't cut it - u will be lucky to be primary author on more than 2 papers. IMHO (again) novel findings from lab research sound more exciting.

Also, as a side question, i've heard that optho PDs tend to acknowledge research work outside optho more than others. (vs derm, ent, and orthopedics) Is this true?
 
Originally posted by chef
hi all,

for those who've been thru optho match, do u feel if PDs liked lab research more than clinical, or vice versa?

it's obvious that clinical research is much more of a "failsafe" method b/c one can usually get a paper out of a project in a reasonable period of time. Clinical research can be done during school yr w/o much trouble; and if u r diligent in 3-4 yrs of clinical research u can pump out 5-8 papers.

However, lab research has merits too. It's a lot tougher to publish but once u do it looks sweet. u gotta put in a lot more hrs IMHO - part time work during school yrs won't cut it - u will be lucky to be primary author on more than 2 papers. IMHO (again) novel findings from lab research sound more exciting.

Also, as a side question, i've heard that optho PDs tend to acknowledge research work outside optho more than others. (vs derm, ent, and orthopedics) Is this true?

Both have their merits. I don't think it's either or. It's rather based on what you did, how much effort you demonstrated, your responsibility, and your understanding of the project.