I'm a med student who will most likely be applying for neurology. I think I'm a somewhat competitive applicant with a 227 USMLE, 581 COMLEX, and a good grade and LOR from my neurology rotation. My question is in regards to research. Prior to medical school I got an MPH in Epidemiology, and during that time spent hundreds of hours in research, leading to two publications (third author behind the 2 PhD professors I worked with) and a poster presentation at a major conference. All of this research was in infectious disease epidemiology, specifically STI's. I also have one project/poster presentation from med school related to health education among underserved populations. Obviously, none of this is neurology related. Will these things help me be more competitive for neurology residencies? Or is it a more of a "oh that's nice but not very relevant" type of thing? I'm specifically interested in Ohio residencies such as OSU, CCF, Cincinnati, and Case due to family reasons. Other close by places like Indiana U are also on the list. Thanks for your help!
Does the type of research matter?
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Your research experience will only add to your application. Though neurology-related research would be more relevant (obviously), it's not an absolute requirement to match (except at very research-driven residencies). Didn't interview at OSU or Indiana, but CCF, Cinci, and Case are all spectacular programs... from my impressions, while they really valued research, it was not a necessity to them.
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(He)... but I appreciate your political correctness. 😉
Not everyone likes doing research, but neurology is a such an expansive field with so much to potentially learn and study that it's very easy to get involved.
Not everyone likes doing research, but neurology is a such an expansive field with so much to potentially learn and study that it's very easy to get involved.
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Being invited to interview at programs is multifactorial. Not only do you have to have decent enough numbers to not be screened out, but also have an interesting enough application for them to want to meet you. Location has a lot to do with it too, and I'm sure a bit of good luck can go a long way. I guess what I'm trying to say is that while there are objective measures used for selection, the process ends up being somewhat subjective. Once you get the interview, it's even more subjective - your numbers mean nothing if you're a total loose cannon. If you're a likable, confident individual who has a bit of charm, then you'll interview well and make a lasting GOOD impression - and this is the most important part.
Your numbers are good, the MPH is excellent, and you say you have a good LOR. Objectively speaking, you have a good chance. Subjectively, your fate could be decided based on if the PD looks at your application on a Tuesday or Wednesday... who knows? To increase your chances, I would apply to all the Ohio programs, and soon after, send an email to the program coordinator/PD stating your genuine interest in attending their program and your ties/desires to stay in the Ohio area. This has the potential to go a long way for you.
Once you are invited, you have to interview well, and continue to stay in contact with the 2-3 programs you plan on ranking high, and make sure they know you're interested. If you follow this general "plan", then, in my opinion, you have the potential of matching at one these programs. Also, many applicants are vehemently opposed to coming to the Ohio area, so this may help you, too. As you know, according to SDN, the U.S. only has 3 cities - LA, Chicago, and NYC.
Your numbers are good, the MPH is excellent, and you say you have a good LOR. Objectively speaking, you have a good chance. Subjectively, your fate could be decided based on if the PD looks at your application on a Tuesday or Wednesday... who knows? To increase your chances, I would apply to all the Ohio programs, and soon after, send an email to the program coordinator/PD stating your genuine interest in attending their program and your ties/desires to stay in the Ohio area. This has the potential to go a long way for you.
Once you are invited, you have to interview well, and continue to stay in contact with the 2-3 programs you plan on ranking high, and make sure they know you're interested. If you follow this general "plan", then, in my opinion, you have the potential of matching at one these programs. Also, many applicants are vehemently opposed to coming to the Ohio area, so this may help you, too. As you know, according to SDN, the U.S. only has 3 cities - LA, Chicago, and NYC.
