I don't start med school until next fall, but cardiology already seems interesting. One thing's for sure, however- I really don't care for research at all. Must I go through the motions anyway if I'm not interested in an academic cards fellowship? Thanks for the advice.
How important is research if I want to get into a non-academic cards program?
- Thread starter TheMan21
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All (about 175) of the Cardiovascular Disease fellowships, except maybe a half-dozen, are University or University-affiliated programs. So whether you're interested in research or not, the Cards guys are. Take-home point is that theres really no such thing as a non-academic cards program.
So research is almost nessecary.
Don't worry too much at this point. You might find that Cardiology is too research-oriented for your liking, and decide that you want to do something else. I mean, what you're saying (in fewer words) is: "I'm interested in being a cardiologist, but Im not interested in cardiology". Give yourself time to find something that you are interested in being and doing as well. There are plenty of specialties which are clinically focused.
Or you might decide that you actually like research.
So research is almost nessecary.
Don't worry too much at this point. You might find that Cardiology is too research-oriented for your liking, and decide that you want to do something else. I mean, what you're saying (in fewer words) is: "I'm interested in being a cardiologist, but Im not interested in cardiology". Give yourself time to find something that you are interested in being and doing as well. There are plenty of specialties which are clinically focused.
Or you might decide that you actually like research.
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You can perhaps get in without doing any good research, but without doing ANY research will be tough. If you want cards, you probably just will need ot bite the bullet either between 1st/2nd year or during beginning of 4th year to scrounge up some sort of research project.
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My definition of "good" research is being a coauthor on a publication in a reputable research journal. I'm not talking about some state medical journal or locally produced journal from your institution (unless it's Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic). I'm not talking about some poster at a local or regional meeting. I don't mean you have to publish in JACC or NEJM, but not some throw-away journal and not some case report or something. You can do those, but they are just resume filler, or a good academic exercise for you. I'm not saying not to do them, I'm saying they might be adequate for a resume building but aren't going to get you interviewed at a top program or help make your academic career.
Poster or oral presentations at AHA or ACC meetings would also count as pretty good in my book.
I'm not trying to be a snob because I only personally have 1 publication I'd put in the "good" category, with a couple of others that are more like resume filler material.
Poster or oral presentations at AHA or ACC meetings would also count as pretty good in my book.
I'm not trying to be a snob because I only personally have 1 publication I'd put in the "good" category, with a couple of others that are more like resume filler material.
