How to make the most of out-of-college time

[atomsInTheEgg]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Due to some serious family medical problems I have been out of college for the previous semester and will be out of college (at least) for the rest of this semester.

And while this whole ordeal has shown me some pretty bad parts of the medical profession, I still want to be a doctor; I really like medical science ; I want to do medical research. To that end, I'm trying to find something to show for my leave of absence (besides an awe inspiring personal statement).

Ideally, a research project that ends up in any publication would be good. Crunching statistical data might work, but it doesn't sound like something most MSTP program would care about. Theoretical biology was also considered, but again, it's not really a topic that seemingly shows strong research skills.

It might be possible for me to set up a small home lab (which sounds like fun either way), but beyond basic physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, my formal research skills are nil. On the other hand, I have access to a fair amount of space for gardening, so plant research is possible. Further, my computer skills are pretty good, and I could probably learn how to write a distributed program for some SETI like medical research. The only limit is I can't travel very far.


For the time being, I'm finding and reading through books on research and statistics, while dreaming up possible experiments, and working through various OCW's.

So, what do you guys think? Do you have any advice, book suggestions, a home lab parts list?

 

[OddNath]

Have you considered writing a review paper? This could be done jointly with a mentor at your university, though most of your communication could be done by email. This seems like a manageable way to get a publication and get your feet wet in a field. I'd be very impressed to see an applicant who had the initiative and drive to write a review paper while out dealing with family medical issues. Frankly, no one would hold it against you if you didn't do anything research-related in this time.

Then, when you get back to school next fall, you could start experimental research head-on in the same mentor's lab with ideas of experiments and a sound understanding of the field gleaned from your lit review.

I think this is more likely to be productive than starting a home lab.