discussing sensitive information in MD PhD essays

[nishi]

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Hi,
I was just wondering how to go about describing my research experience without "giving away" what my lab is working on. are we supposed to state the point of our project even though its sensitive information?

 

[RxnMan]

Hi,
I was just wondering how to go about describing my research experience without "giving away" what my lab is working on. are we supposed to state the point of our project even though its sensitive information?

Are you talking about HIPAA violations? Then you should never give away patient information. Are you talking about government clearance? Then men in black suits will hunt you down if you give said information away. Have you signed a NDA (non-disclosure agreement)? Then men in gray suits will sue you if you give out info.

If your PI says don't tell anyone about their project, then ask THEM on how you should describe your work so that you can sell yourself to admissions. If none of the above is true, and your PI still tells you to say nothing, even in the broadest terms (which is what you'd write on an application anyways - you're not doing a technical article), even at the expense of your career, then tell anyone anything you want. If your PI is malignant enough not to care that they provide a good source of trained students and be an active and helpful part of their career development, then to heck with them.

 

[gbwillner]

Are you talking about HIPAA violations? Then you should never give away patient information. Are you talking about government clearance? Then men in black suits will hunt you down if you give said information away. Have you signed a NDA (non-disclosure agreement)? Then men in gray suits will sue you if you give out info.

If your PI says don't tell anyone about their project, then ask THEM on how you should describe your work so that you can sell yourself to admissions. If none of the above is true, and your PI still tells you to say nothing, even in the broadest terms (which is what you'd write on an application anyways - you're not doing a technical article), even at the expense of your career, then tell anyone anything you want. If your PI is malignant enough not to care that they provide a good source of trained students and be an active and helpful part of their career development, then to heck with them.

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