controversial topics

[guitarguy]

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Hi...I have had a job during college doing various biological tasks including working with and helping "design" transgenic animals for a basic research lab. Do you think I should avoid mentioning transgenic animals in the description of this job in my amcas application? Other people have mentioned how you should avoid any controversial topics in your personal statement.

Thanks

 

[lola]

I would include it on your application in the experiences section, but then I'm pretty liberal. Even though it's a controversial topic, I think it might make your application stand out. To some, it might be negative, but others would find it interesting.

 

[TommyGunn04]

I'd be really surprised if you came across many people in admissions who think this is controversial. Most are likely to ask if you made any GFP mice, and will think it's really cool that we can make mice glow! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> But just in case, you should probably prepare to answer questions during interviews about the ethical implications of creating transgenic animals.

 

[jot]

i think any scientist/doctor or academic medical fellow would recognize the use, benefits, and limits of using transgenic animals. i don't think it even qualifies as a contreversal topic and shouldn't be an issue. its a matter-o-fact sort of thing, a tool if you will. goodluck.
-jot

 

[wgu]

I'd say go ahead and write it down. BUT be sure to be able to intellectually discuss it along w/ a good defense in case the issue ever comes up (say at an interview). So ponder it a bit philosophically. I think it is best to be honest while justified.

 

[simpleG]

My opinion is that you should write about it. I've heard people say that we shouldn't be too controversial on the personal statement, shouldn't use contractions, etc etc...shouldn't rock the boat at all. But don't you think that as doctors we should be able to stand out and not be afraid, and not worry that we'll be too "radical" for our conservative peers. If I were on an ad com, i'd be excited to hear different things, independent applicants not afraid to go against the crowd. but that's just me.