Do I need research?

[ecsqueezme]

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I've searched this forum for the answer to my question but the previous poster's situation was fairly different from my own.

I'm wondering if I need research as a non-trad applicant. I'm not a career changer and my undergrad degree isn't in science, so how would I go about finding research (assuming I need it)? Is it even possible to get research experience as a post grad without a science background?

 

[eteshoe]

As long as you're not applying to research power house med schools, it's not necessary.

If you're going to a 4-yr uni full time, then you could get research experience by contacting PI's who have openings in their labs. If you're taking classes while working, don't bother. Focus on getting good grades, a good enough amount of shadowing (across multiple specialties), and clinical experience since you'll have to show that y0u've contemplated what you're getting into.

 

[QofQuimica]

Formal research experience is only required for those who are applying to research programs that have the goal of training physician scientists (i.e., MD/PhD or MD/MS). If you are applying to straight MD or DO programs, then this type of research experience is nice to have but not necessary. Even at "research powerhouse" schools, a number of matriculants come in never having done any bench research prior to med school. You can certainly try doing some if you're interested, but don't feel obligated. If you want to learn about the process of doing research without jumping into a lab, you could also try signing up for a research methods class as part of your post bac.

 

[jjshooom]

I think research is always a great thing to add to your CV, regardless of whether or not it's in the science or non-science discipline. Even though its requirement might not be a hard "yes", you'll gain a lot of insight which will sooner or later be relevant to your medical school application. I'd look up the research interests of different professors you've interacted with and approach them about volunteering in their labs if you have the time.

 

[Hands1411]

Yeah I would imagine research would help your application but isn't absolutely necessary to get in, I don't think every last admitted applicant has research..plus what about people that pursued degrees in non-science/ research intensive fields?

 

[Law2Doc]

I've searched this forum for the answer to my question but the previous poster's situation was fairly different from my own.

I'm wondering if I need research as a non-trad applicant. I'm not a career changer and my undergrad degree isn't in science, so how would I go about finding research (assuming I need it)? Is it even possible to get research experience as a post grad without a science background?

I would temper the statements in the prior posts. Research is not strictly required and many get into med schools without any. HOWEVER the research focused schools (those in the top third to top half of the US News Research Ranking) all like to see an interest in research, and MANY of the people you will be applying against will have research and publications. So if you have an interest and the opportunity is there it's not a bad idea. Being a nontrad has nothing to do with the analysis -- there are no special rules for nontrads and your application has to stand up to comparison with everyone else's.

 

[ecsqueezme]

I would temper the statements in the prior posts. Research is not strictly required and many get into med schools without any. HOWEVER the research focused schools (those in the top third to top half of the US News Research Ranking) all like to see an interest in research, and MANY of the people you will be applying against will have research and publications. So if you have an interest and the opportunity is there it's not a bad idea. Being a nontrad has nothing to do with the analysis -- there are no special rules for nontrads and your application has to stand up to comparison with everyone else's.

That's been my concern, going up against so many applicants with research while I have none. I do have a genuine interest but have had a difficult time finding and pursuing opportunities. The professors whose courses I'm in now, aren't involved in any research and the few opportunities I've found, the PI wants someone with a science background or lab experience.

I don't mean to make excuses, just trying to explain my situation. What about pursuing research related to my undergrad degree? Would that be acceptable?

 

[Law2Doc]

That's been my concern, going up against so many applicants with research while I have none. I do have a genuine interest but have had a difficult time finding and pursuing opportunities. The professors whose courses I'm in now, aren't involved in any research and the few opportunities I've found, the PI wants someone with a science background or lab experience.

I don't mean to make excuses, just trying to explain my situation. What about pursuing research related to my undergrad degree? Would that be acceptable?

Research doesn't have to be 100% on target for medicine, but it should ideally be in a scientific field.

 

[Citron]

That's been my concern, going up against so many applicants with research while I have none. I do have a genuine interest but have had a difficult time finding and pursuing opportunities. The professors whose courses I'm in now, aren't involved in any research and the few opportunities I've found, the PI wants someone with a science background or lab experience.

I don't mean to make excuses, just trying to explain my situation. What about pursuing research related to my undergrad degree? Would that be acceptable?

Post #16 in this thread may be helpful http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...cle-for-fall-2017-advise-appreciated.1205758/
If I were you, I'd make a list of schools I want to apply and see how many of them are research heavy and go from there.
Nevertheless, your grades matter more, so if doing research interferes with time allotted for studying, I'd choose good grades and MCAT.