Do Adcoms read applicants' publications?

Med School Insiders
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
N=1, but my interviewer at my state school took the time to read one of my publications.
 
I doubt they go through them but don't lie about them! They might check.
 
happyasaclam said:
Or pubmed or google them? I'm assuming not given the sheer volume of applications' people have to wade through, but I'm curious!

Thanks!
Click to expand...

They probably won't read them during the initial review, but if you're getting interviewed, be ready to discuss anything on your app. Publications included. It's not hard to identify someone who got added to a publication as a courtesy vs actual effort. My UG publication from many years ago came back to me easily with a 2 minute review because I was the only one who did the number crunching; other publications where I was in the passenger seat will need more thorough review before I go to any school.
 
Wow, we really have had a spate of dishonest folks on SDN recently, huh? Not at all thinking about lying - I ran out of space for my publications in AMCAS and was wondering if anyone would ask me about the ones I didn't include.

@NonTrad16 - thanks, and agree! I'll definitely be reviewing some of my less topical publications. 🙂
 
happyasaclam said:
Wow, we really have had a spate of dishonest folks on SDN recently, huh? Not at all thinking about lying - I ran out of space for my publications in AMCAS and was wondering if anyone would ask me about the ones I didn't include.
Click to expand...

How did you run out of space for your publications? Those are important and you should shove them all into one experience slot if necessary.

Run out of space for listing your premed club (or something similar) instead. Your publications will help you far more.
 
I only had room for selected publications (I'm a nontrad), which I think should be fine - thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!
 
The Real SVB said:
Even if they're about high-energy subatomic particles? 😏
Click to expand...

Especially if they're about high-energy subatomic particles. Or quantum mechanical uncertainty principle. Everybody loves an uncertainty principle story.
 
Actually, adcoms like quantum mechanical uncertainty principle publications and don't, at the same time ... 😉
 
If it's not published, it isn't real, unless PubMed says "Epub in progress". If I were really inquisitive, i might contact he PI to see if the applicant's role was legit.

I wouldn't bring up the paper unless asked about it.

The Real SVB said:
What if it's a forthcoming paper? Is it basically up to me to discuss them well when it comes up in interviews?
Click to expand...
 
Goro said:
If it's not published, it isn't real, unless PubMed says "Epub in progress". If I were really inquisitive, i might contact he PI to see if the applicant's role was legit.

I wouldn't bring up the paper unless asked about it.
Click to expand...
Okay, thanks. Sorry, one further question – are papers that are under R&R at a high-impact journal worth mentioning? Obviously not published yet but I have space in my pubs slot to put it
 
The Real SVB said:
What if it's a forthcoming paper? Is it basically up to me to discuss them well when it comes up in interviews?
Click to expand...

The most logical place for this is in a PI's recommendation letter. It'll go down alot smoother there; if you want to mention it in your application in addition to it being in the letter then that might also work. If it is not in your PI's letter(and you can ask your PI to put it in or if they did/didn't end up putting it in) I would definitely be cautious listing it.
 
GrapesofRath said:
The most logical place for this is in a PI's recommendation letter. It'll go down alot smoother there; if you want to mention it in your application in addition to it being in the letter then that might also work. If it is not in your PI's letter(and you can ask your PI to put it in or if they did/didn't end up putting it in) I would definitely be cautious listing it.
Click to expand...
No PI letter here
 
They didn't read mine... At all. They told me to explain my project in 1 sentences... "Flow in porous media with oil and water"
 
Some schools will pick an interviewer for you that has expertise in your field. They have been known to dissect a project in excruciating detail, to the exclusion of more important questions. Be prepared. I've seen so-called "first authors" embarrassed (or cremated) by focused questions they should have been able to answer, so don't be that person. Know your work cold.
 
I published a paper on the immunogenesis of ant colonies. I would be shocked if I didn't get at least one question about that at an interview, given the strange topic.

Unfortunately it is also research I doubt med schools give a crap that I did 😕
 
Catalystik said:
Some schools will pick an interviewer for you that has expertise in your field. They have been known to dissect a project in excruciating detail, to the exclusion of more important questions. Be prepared. I've seen so-called "first authors" embarrassed (or cremated) by focused questions they should have been able to answer, so don't be that person. Know your work cold.
Click to expand...
Damn...ok lol time to go back and read those pesky reviewer comments then haha
Any input on putting down papers under R&R or that are forthcoming?
 
I gave them a link to my website which had pdfs of all of my publications so if they wanted to read them or skim them they could. I'm a fan of not making someone's life difficult.

I had three articles and like half a dozen presentations and a book chapter (book chapter was not pdfed). If I recall, no one asked about them despite the weird topics.
 
The Real SVB said:
I think you're the exception and not the rule. There were other burning questions about your app/story to take up their time, it seems. lol
Also, none of them were research-heavy schools either
Click to expand...

This might be true. Almost all of my interviewers kept me longer than they should have just because of the rest of the story. First and second round I applied to research heavy schools but didn't get any interviews.

Second year applying to MCG (interview year one) I was asked why I didn't apply MD/PhD which I think is the closest thing I think we can get to research questions. My LORs all talked about my role in research. I also gave them my IRB approval number too. I think they might not have needed to ask to be honest.

I was asked about my leadership roles in other things though. I was asked about something from... maybe 2001? I didn't have room for on the app (I also thought it was irrelevant) but since I linked them to my full CV, they could see it. I answered the question without missing a beat. Maybe an hour later is when I realized that wasn't listed and how they learned about it. It was a "Doh!" moment for me.
 
We absolutely despise people who do "show and tell".


Tired said:
OP - just do me a favor... don't bring copies of your publications to your interviews. I've seen this a few times at residency interviews, and it's just weird.


Me: "So tell me about this paper you published."

Them: "I brought a copy if you want to read it." [pulls out an actual journal issue, not a pdf re-print, and hands it to me with the page bookmarked]
Click to expand...
 
Catalystik said:
I agree with Goro, but see the AMCAS EC Tips thread, post #3, FAQ item 20). for a nuanced response.
Click to expand...
Ah. So the way I'm understanding it, including it would probably be, worst case scenario, neutral? It wouldn't hurt to write it and be ignored right
@Goro
 
happyasaclam said:
Or pubmed or google them? I'm assuming not given the sheer volume of applications' people have to wade through, but I'm curious!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
During the interview at my state school, my interviewer had my publication about XYZ printed and sitting on his desk. "Tell me about XYZ."

So... yeah. I'd bet on it to be safe.
 
Catalystik said:
Some schools will pick an interviewer for you that has expertise in your field. They have been known to dissect a project in excruciating detail, to the exclusion of more important questions. Be prepared. I've seen so-called "first authors" embarrassed (or cremated) by focused questions they should have been able to answer, so don't be that person. Know your work cold.
Click to expand...

Aw ****! Now I'm scared it will be some kind of PhD defense. Some people end up first author as an undergrad when they have a really supportive lab...and would be far from experts in the field.

I've glanced at the interview feedback forum here and the questions I've seen don't seem that crazy. I mean one was something like "tell us how you made aligned nanofibers" and that's totally fine because if you actually did research you would be familiar with the techniques. I loathe people who fake research. And yes, unfortunately it happens quite often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

anonymooseee
Do Adcoms know AP vs P/F?
Replies
1
Views
833
jffyx _net
jffyx _net
saltykiosk
to ADCOMS: How common are 520+, low gpa <3.5 with true reinvention applicants?
Replies
10
Views
2K
LizzyM
LizzyM
O
What do Adcoms think of wearing school colors to an interview?
Replies
18
Views
2K
LunaOri
LunaOri
BambooRoss
Are independent research publications looked down on?
Replies
14
Views
898
PickaGodnPray
PickaGodnPray
PreMedMissteps
This Q is for “insiders” (adcoms/faculty): can you likely tell which applications are from applicants who’ve likely have hired $$$ private advisors?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight
Top Bottom