How does this stuff look?

[Doodl3s]

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So, basically I had a question for you guys about some medical related stuff I've been doing and how helpful it really is, or is it just "the usual" for many pre-meds.

So, I'm currently going into my junior year in sept. Last summer I worked for a chief of a division at Columbia's presbyterian and was able to get my name published on one to two papers... (well, they're still in revision)... It was paid. Now at the end of last summer, and the beginning of this summer I have followed this doctor and pretty much stood right behind over his shoulder during numerous surgeries (LOVED IT😀)... Now, 2 things, how would I put these things on my resume. I did get paid for it... and how does the surgeries thing look. Does that count as "shadowing"? And does it look bad that i may be going back to the same doctor for work? (I guess its obvious i know the guy, but not through family or friend, I was a former patient). Lastly, just how big of a boost would a "published" paper be? DOesn't everyone have something published when they apply. Just curious if things like publishing and watching surgeries right next to the guy considered like REALLY GOOD? or just average things thats most of us pre-meds do anyway.

 

[trueBelief]

Watching the surgeries would be considered shadowing and almost everyone does it, but since you know this doctor personally you could ask him to write a letter of rec for you to make this experience stronger from an applications perspective.

As for publications, they can only add to your application. Most people don't have any and still get into medical school. I guess what could also matter is your position on the author list. Generally, first and second author pubs have significant value compared to be author 6 of 10 or so. Nonetheless, the pubs can only help not hurt.

 

[LizzyM]

Last summer was either research or employment, non-military depending on how you want to categorize it. Most successful applicants to the top schools have some research experience so that's pretty average. Having a publication or two is not common. 👍

Shadowing is very, very common. A LOR from a doc you've shadowed is not very useful but one from a research supervisor is very helpful.

You are doing ok. Keep at it.

 

[runrunrudolph1]

So, basically I had a question for you guys about some medical related stuff I've been doing and how helpful it really is, or is it just "the usual" for many pre-meds.

So, I'm currently going into my junior year in sept. Last summer I worked for a chief of a division at Columbia's presbyterian and was able to get my name published on one to two papers... (well, they're still in revision)... It was paid. Now at the end of last summer, and the beginning of this summer I have followed this doctor and pretty much stood right behind over his shoulder during numerous surgeries (LOVED IT😀)... Now, 2 things, how would I put these things on my resume. I did get paid for it... and how does the surgeries thing look. Does that count as "shadowing"? And does it look bad that i may be going back to the same doctor for work? (I guess its obvious i know the guy, but not through family or friend, I was a former patient). Lastly, just how big of a boost would a "published" paper be? DOesn't everyone have something published when they apply. Just curious if things like publishing and watching surgeries right next to the guy considered like REALLY GOOD? or just average things thats most of us pre-meds do anyway.

surgeries are shadowing on your application, i dont see any reason to stop shadowing him... maybe even pursue a LOR?

Shadowing and research are both pretty basic, I would venture to say most per-meds have them. Just like volunteering, its something that you HAVE to have (research a little less unless youre md/phd) but i hear that if you don't do shadowing for example it is a great disadvantage (as well as something that will likely be brought up in your interview- how do you know what you're getting into?)

 

[Doodl3s]

So i just gotta put down shadowing and the publications... as far as the research, that gets listed next the paper the research was used for?
you guys keep mentioning the LOR... luckily he has made it clear to me he I would be getting "A very strong LOR" in his own words... so apparently that should be the thing to be happy about from the way you guys make it sound!

and I know med schools love to ask "how do you know you want this"... and its such the opposite. AFTER i watched the surgeries... i never wanted to be a doctor MORE!!... like that just confirmed it for me. I actually liked the environment TBH... i could never stand sitting at a desk or things like that. I like the fast paced and always having something REAL and Important to be doing...

now if only i could get a good MCAT score and make it all useful!!

 

[LizzyM]

You should categorize research as such if you really had a role in hypothesis generation and testing or in exploratory work or an intellectual nature. If you were just washing glassware for wages, call it employment.

Publication goes on the AMCAS application in its own slot (you get 15 slots for experiences including employment, hobbies, athletics, etc).

Relax. You'll see how it all works out when the time comes to prepare the application.

 

[Doodl3s]

it wasnt LAB work... it was clinical work... I went through charts to create a database that helped reveal which type of surgery had the best post-op results... So in a sense, I was doing the bitchwork.. but this database is what the papers are all based around... Without it they couldnt do anything.

 

[LizzyM]

it wasnt LAB work... it was clinical work... I went through charts to create a database that helped reveal which type of surgery had the best post-op results... So in a sense, I was doing the bitchwork.. but this database is what the papers are all based around... Without it they couldnt do anything.

If it was just bitchwork and you couldn't really talk about the reason for the study, what it intended to prove, and the meaning of the results, you might want to call it "employment" and be done with it. However, if you are listed as an author of the research papers, you'll need to be able to explain your role in the studies if you list those papers among your "experiences".

 

[runrunrudolph1]

it wasnt LAB work... it was clinical work... I went through charts to create a database that helped reveal which type of surgery had the best post-op results... So in a sense, I was doing the bitchwork.. but this database is what the papers are all based around... Without it they couldnt do anything.

im doing the exact same thing this summer with a surgeon, and im planning on listing it as research (and than just explaining it.) I was told to know the project inside and out especially if I got my name on the paper, because adcoms will ask you questions about it to make sure you knew what was going on and actually learned from the study, otherwise they will completely blow it off.

I wouldn't tell them you did bitchwork though just a thought.

 

[Doodl3s]

hahah.. thats just the term I've heard many other pre-meds use when they were washing the labwear lol. But the surgeon whose paper it is, gave me a copy and told me to be active in the editing process. I can definitely explain the papers I'm in, and will definitely re-read them before future interviews. But I think its definitely more than employment. Not only did i create the data, I spoke to the writers of the paper showing them what I did and of course watched the surgeries the database was for firsthand as the surgeon was telling me why he did what (amazing stuff 😀) So, i guess i'll put it as research and have fun telling the adcoms about it. its even funnier that in the paper there's references to another surgeon about their results and how that other guys is going about things wrong lol. Its almost as if these surgeon's papers go back and forth disproving "the other guy"... i get a good laugh.

 

[LizzyM]

hahah.. thats just the term I've heard many other pre-meds use when they were washing the labwear lol. But the surgeon whose paper it is, gave me a copy and told me to be active in the editing process. I can definitely explain the papers I'm in, and will definitely re-read them before future interviews. But I think its definitely more than employment. Not only did i create the data, I spoke to the writers of the paper showing them what I did and of course watched the surgeries the database was for firsthand as the surgeon was telling me why he did what (amazing stuff 😀) So, i guess i'll put it as research and have fun telling the adcoms about it. its even funnier that in the paper there's references to another surgeon about their results and how that other guys is going about things wrong lol. Its almost as if these surgeon's papers go back and forth disproving "the other guy"... i get a good laugh.

Sounds like you still need to earn that publication.

Be careful about applying to the school affiliated with the other surgeon.