Does research in the field matter?

[831929]

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Hey guys,

I am sure a similar question has been asked before, but I am currently an M1 and interested in a surgical field. Neurosurgery has always been an interest but a gen. surgery subspecialty such as vascular have also intrigued me. I have heard that neurosurgery is a tight community and that it is important to get to know people if I were to apply that route. However, this summer the research position I have landed is not neuro related. I hope to get a lot of work done and I know that I will have at least a poster presentation to show for it at the end of summer. Will it hurt my chances in neurosurgery since I did not get involved in a neuro project? Or does productivity take precedence over the type of research I do?

Thanks!

 

[WedgeDawg]

If you are going to apply into neurosurgery, you should have, at some point before or at least during the application, research related to neurosurgery. It doesn't at all have to be something you do your first summer. Many applicants take a research year. Productivity is important too.

 

[831929]

If you are going to apply into neurosurgery, you should have, at some point before or at least during the application, research related to neurosurgery. It doesn't at all have to be something you do your first summer. Many applicants take a research year. Productivity is important too.

Thank you for the response. My institution does not have a large neurosurgery program but there is another medical center about 40 min from me that has a large residency program. Do you think there is enough time as a third year to travel that distance to take time and do research?