Getting involved in Research in Med School

[DBC03]

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I’m excited to get involved in clinical research in medical school, but, like many pre-meds, I’m not certain about what residency I will apply for. I have a few interests, but I’m trying to keep an open mind at this point. As far as broad interests go, I have an interest in public health issues and an interest in oncology and genetics. I realize that some of the more competitive specialities will look for research within that speciality, but if I’m not set on one particular specialty and I plan to start research during my first year or first summer, how do I determine which research project to get involved with?

(I should mention that I have been accepted at this point, so please don’t tell me I should first worry about getting in...)


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[MareNostrummm]

I’m excited to get involved in clinical research in medical school, but, like many pre-meds, I’m not certain about what residency I will apply for. I have a few interests, but I’m trying to keep an open mind at this point. As far as broad interests go, I have an interest in public health issues and an interest in oncology and genetics. I realize that some of the more competitive specialities will look for research within that speciality, but if I’m not set on one particular specialty and I plan to start research during my first year or first summer, how do I determine which research project to get involved with?

(I should mention that I have been accepted at this point, so please don’t tell me I should first worry about getting in...)


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I'm not a med student but I'm involved with a clinical research project at a local medical school. I got onto the project by just asking around and showing a lot of interest. I would say to find mentors that are very productive and see what projects you can get on ASAP. Most faculty have multiple projects going on at once and you can potentially rack up a significant amount of publications by the time you apply for residency. Even if the projects aren't all aligned with whatever speciality you end up pursuing it still looks impressive to see how productive you are (my PI holds interviews for new residents applying at a top EM program, the longer the list the more impressive. However, Derm probably only cares about Derm research). Research oriented MD schools also let you do summer fellowships where you can design your own project as well.

I didn't really answer your question on how to decide what to pursue. I just went into emergency medicine research because that's what I saw from scribing.

 

[21Rush12]

Worry about getting in first!

Honestly though, you should not worry about any of this now. You’ll have opportunities as the second half of your first year rolls around to start looking into it. You’re way too early IMO and you should just relax and celebrate your hard work paying off.

 

[DBC03]

Worry about getting in first!

Honestly though, you should not worry about any of this now. You’ll have opportunities as the second half of your first year rolls around to start looking into it. You’re way too early IMO and you should just relax and celebrate your hard work paying off.

So I’ll have plenty of time to look through possible projects? And it sounds like I can get into projects that don’t necessarily have to do with my eventual residency, right?

I’m very much looking forward to not having to take classes next semester, so I’ll continue doing research, working to make a bit more money, and enjoying a few “normal” dinners at home

I am excited to see what research is available - I just don’t want to go in the wrong direction. Sounds like that shouldn’t be too big of a problem.

One additional question: Does it make a difference if I hope to go into academic medicine?


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[21Rush12]

Yes; you will have opportunities abound. Don’t worry, if you do research in ophthalmology and decide later you want to do OB/Gyn (or insert basically any two specialties) the research will still be viewed positively. You do not have to decide by mid-first year what residency you want in order to be competitive for it.

 

[MareNostrummm]

Yes; you will have opportunities abound. Don’t worry, if you do research in ophthalmology and decide later you want to do OB/Gyn (or insert basically any two specialties) the research will still be viewed positively. You do not have to decide by mid-first year what residency you want in order to be competitive for it.

My PI doesn't even read the publications when he interviews for residency. He just notes how many pubs, the journal, etc.