Getting involved in ophtho research?

[silverlining1]

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Hello all,

Long time SDNer but now taking the leap to the ophtho forum! I'm a first year med student, currently planning for ophtho - I'm not 100% set on it, but I figure that if I change my mind, it's better to have worked towards the more competitive specialty initially.

I'm trying to get involved in research, and I'm not sure if it "matters" what specific type you do. I've spoken to one ophthalmologist already who is very willing to take me on, but his projects involve retrospective chart reviews or immunohistochemistry. Would this be considered "demanding" enough for an ophthalmology residency? Should I look for something with more lab work (such as animal models)? Or, does it matter more that I enjoyed and understood what I did and got at least one publication out of it?

Honestly, I'd prefer something that involves contact with patients or animal models; I like research that is interactive or procedural. However, this PI's proposals are tempting because they are low-key and probably easier to manage with my schedule (plus, the topics are interesting, even if my duties are not). I would appreciate any advice!

 

[MAYOphtho]

Hello all,

Long time SDNer but now taking the leap to the ophtho forum! I'm a first year med student, currently planning for ophtho - I'm not 100% set on it, but I figure that if I change my mind, it's better to have worked towards the more competitive specialty initially.

I'm trying to get involved in research, and I'm not sure if it "matters" what specific type you do. I've spoken to one ophthalmologist already who is very willing to take me on, but his projects involve retrospective chart reviews or immunohistochemistry. Would this be considered "demanding" enough for an ophthalmology residency? Should I look for something with more lab work (such as animal models)? Or, does it matter more that I enjoyed and understood what I did and got at least one publication out of it?

Honestly, I'd involve something that involves contact with patients or animal models; I like research that is interactive or procedural. However, this PI's proposals are tempting because they are low-key and probably easier to manage with my schedule (plus, the topics are interesting, even if my duties are not). I would appreciate any advice!

Any meaningful research in Ophtho is certainly helpful for matching. Additionally, doing well in med school is important as well. So the combination of research that you find interesting as well as fits into your schedule really is ideal, regardless of type of research. In the end, you need to do well in med school to get the interviews and know your research well DURING the interviews. So whatever it takes to be able to do that would be great!

good luck

 

[DOapplicant]

Research experience, especially if it results in presentations and publications, can help in the application process. One benefit of a chart review is that it does not require the time commitment that bench-top research often does. That being said, I believe research should be only pursued in the pre-clinical years insofar as it does not affect your coursework performance.

 

[fizzle]

Research experience, especially if it results in presentations and publications, can help in the application process. One benefit of a chart review is that it does not require the time commitment that bench-top research often does. That being said, I believe research should be only pursued in the pre-clinical years insofar as it does not affect your coursework performance.

Is it really possible to accomplish much in research in only the already-little time that you have in your first two years? It almost seems as if taking a research year is almost a pre-requisite now to do well...

 

[alleyesonme]

Is it really possible to accomplish much in research in only the already-little time that you have in your first two years? It almost seems as if taking a research year is almost a pre-requisite now to do well...

I do not think that taking a research year is a prerequisite, as many of the applicants that match do not, and still match at some of the top institutions.

If you are lucky enough to know that you want to go into ophtho early, then the first 2 years offer substantial time to work on a project or two, especially retrospective studies. Also, the more you get to know the faculty at your home program, the more opportunities to write up a case report or two.

During 3rd year, research productivity depends on your ability to make time while also making sure to excel in your clerkships. However, I found that I could get some meaningful work done in the evenings and weekends during some of the lighter rotations (i.e FM). In the end, you have to make the time, whether in the evenings or on the weekends. It will be much the same during residency. You should shoot to get an ARVO abstract submitted in December of 3rd year.

During 4th year, take a research elective at your home program or an away rotation at a big name institution. Work hard to get a restrospective review and a case report done in the month.

Do not fret if you do not have a 1st author accepted publication by the time applications are due. I did not. However, know your research in depth, and be able to talk about it during interviews!

Remember that programs assess your application as a whole. What makes you unique? It may not be having 6 publications.....