How do internal medicine residencies view research in other fields?

[blahdoc]

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Hi, I have a couple of research/elective months coming up, and I'm having some trouble deciding what to do. I got offered a spot on a research team that is doing some really interest psychiatry work. I would be involved with some chart reviews that should get published fairly soon and with a long-term project that's much more involved. I really liked my psychiatry clerkship, and I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up pursuing it, but I'm still leaning towards IM at this point. My issue is that the PI only wants me if I intend to stay on for a while.

If I do start with the psych research and don't end up having time to do any other research, would I be closing any doors with the more competitive IM residencies?

Just for background, I'm an MS2 at a school with 1.5 year basic sciences. The way my schedule worked out, I've got these research months now, but not a whole lot of flexibility going forward until my MS4 year.

Thanks for any help!

 

[jlm2yb]

Categorical IM residencies don't look too much into research unless you're applying for a research track. I have a Ph.D. and many IM interviewers didn't discuss my research at all. I say do what you think is really interesting. Your passion for the project will carry through much more if you love the project, which increases your chances at publishing. I think research matters much more IM fellowships.

 

[JP2740]

Categorical IM residencies don't look too much into research unless you're applying for a research track. I have a Ph.D. and many IM interviewers didn't discuss my research at all. I say do what you think is really interesting. Your passion for the project will carry through much more if you love the project, which increases your chances at publishing. I think research matters much more IM fellowships.

Really? Every single program asked me about my research. I think having a pub went a far way for where I ended up matching (nothing IM related)

 

[jlm2yb]

Really? Every single program asked me about my research. I think having a pub went a far way for where I ended up matching (nothing IM related)

Yes. It surprised me too! I interviewed at only academic institutions. Some but not all places didn't discuss my research. Don't get me wrong - I definitely think research helps your application, but in the grand scheme of things, clerkship grades and board scores carry more weight. In OP's case, they are asking does the type of research matter? I would say not as much as it will when you apply for fellowship.