How would residency program directors view this?

[IonClaws]

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Hi everyone -

So I am currently starting in a basic science laboratory at my medical school in an area of research that I have wanted to pursue for a long time but never had the opportunity since my alma mater was somewhat lacking in it. I am strongly considering, in fact have almost decided, to take a year out after M2 year to expand the project further.

My only concern is that the project I'm undertaking in this area is largely my own idea, though the PI appears to support it after I discussed it with him. The lab has the resources to do it, but my experience with research shows that even the seemingly most simple ideas can become riddled with technical issues and progress delayed for months. I am aware that the same may occur with my project. Even if it doesn't, it's uncertain whether I could get a publication out of it.

So my question is - how would residency PDs view a year out taken for research that did not lead to a publication? I think I may be able to present a poster or two at some national conferences, but I probably will never get another opportunity again to work in this area again once I am into the clinical years and beyond. I'm not sure I'd want to throw that opportunity away.

Would it be damaging to my residency apps if I take longer to graduate from med school in order to pursue one of my biggest passions, or should I swallow my passion and do what looks best to the PDs? :/ FYI, I am planning on applying to a field that the research is relevant to (neurology), which is not all that competitive from what I've heard.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Instatewaiter]

why don't you try to swing this into a PhD.

Regardless, basic science research is looked at favorably.

 

[IonClaws]

why don't you try to swing this into a PhD.

Regardless, basic science research is looked at favorably.

I have thought about this and think you may be right.

I think I would probably end up being primarily a clinician for practicality sake...but I do have a passion for this research. And what's a few more years in school if it's spent doing something you love?

 

[tjquinn]

I took the plunge and I am currently taking a year off between MS3 and MS4 to pursue an original project that I conceived in my mind's eye. As expected, my project has been delayed by IACUC protocol authorization, finishing relevant training modules that are provided once per month at varying frequencies, setting up pilot study to demonstrate feasibility... etc.

Like you, I knew this would be a reality. So, I got involved with other people in their projects such that I am working on 4 projects at a time. If something falls through, I should at least have one publication to show for from this dedicated time.

 

[IonClaws]

I took the plunge and I am currently taking a year off between MS3 and MS4 to pursue an original project that I conceived in my mind's eye. As expected, my project has been delayed by IACUC protocol authorization, finishing relevant training modules that are provided once per month at varying frequencies, setting up pilot study to demonstrate feasibility... etc.

Like you, I knew this would be a reality. So, I got involved with other people in their projects such that I am working on 4 projects at a time. If something falls through, I should at least have one publication to show for from this dedicated time.

Thanks for your advice! Should be useful later on...

 

[evilbooyaa]

Try to get something published if you're going to take a year off. I imagine that having nothing but a poster or two does not look good. I'm taking a lab research year currently, but that is with the expectation (both from me and my PI) that I will have multiple authorships, with a few 1st author papers before this year is over, as well as posters/presentations/etc. The difference is that I am not setting up my own project and going through IACUC protocol (which is likely the biggest hurdle).

 

[Trogghunter]

Don't do it, med school >>>PhD. You might get stuck for years. Don't take a year off either, just finish. If you're not getting support, then its going to be a hell of an uphill battle, for what? You might be the .01% and get a movie made about you.

I say this from experience...research project during my first 2 years...really loved it, but my PI supported me but didn't have time to teach the little nuances of research, and the lab staff/post docs barely spoke English. I got a pub out of it, but 2 years of 10-20hrs a week during m1m2....I was like Houdini finding free time. Not. Worth. It. If you don't have instruction... I'd repeat westerns just to find that my gel gradient wasn't right, or the virus I made wasn't virulent enough, etc etc because of simple unbeknownst to me caveats. And I'm good at lab technique.

Up to you though. That's my .02


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[madchemist89]

Don't be afraid to fail. Go for it!

 

[Cali2]

Go for it. This is something you care about and you are right that if you do not plan a research career than it may be your last chance to pursue this interest. This is your life, and from your post it sounds like you'd regret not taking the opportunity.

Yes, a publication would be nice but everyone knows there are no guarantees in basic science. Beyond the life experience, this year will likely get you a letter of recommendation and something to talk about/show passion about during your interviews. Just be careful in how you present this year relative to your career goals.

 

[DrBodacious]

You really need to explicitly share your concerns in the OP with your PI. You have the potential to waste a lot of time and money. Not to say it wouldn't be a good learning experience, but I would keep the goal of doing useful research.

 

[JediZero]

Do the research. Worst case scenario, you lose a year and don't publish anything, but you're still not going to have any trouble matching IM (tons of unfilled positions every year). Best case scenario, you do publish something great, you match into a great research-focused IM program, and that sets you up well applying for a neuro fellowship. Either way, the fact that you took a year off may not look great to some PD's, but I suspect that those PD's will be more concentrated in non-research focused programs that you wouldn't like anyway, and any program with a heart should recognize that you were following your passion (provided that you make good use of your time).

Your chosen field makes this a very easy choice. Just do your best to make sure you have something to show for this year. 😉

 

[IonClaws]

Do the research. Worst case scenario, you lose a year and don't publish anything, but you're still not going to have any trouble matching IM (tons of unfilled positions every year). Best case scenario, you do publish something great, you match into a great research-focused IM program, and that sets you up well applying for a neuro fellowship. Either way, the fact that you took a year off may not look great to some PD's, but I suspect that those PD's will be more concentrated in non-research focused programs that you wouldn't like anyway, and any program with a heart should recognize that you were following your passion (provided that you make good use of your time).

Your chosen field makes this a very easy choice. Just do your best to make sure you have something to show for this year. 😉

Thanks for your encouragement, but I am a little confused about IM. I thought that IM and neurology were different residencies? Maybe someone could clarify this...

 

[JediZero]

Thanks for your encouragement, but I am a little confused about IM. I thought that IM and neurology were different residencies? Maybe someone could clarify this...

Nope, you're correct. Sorry, brain fart post-overnight in the ED. 😴

 

[Jubears09]

If it's basic research this will absolutely not be an issue, as long as you get a great letter from the PI so people know the lack of progress was due to the project itself rather than you being lazy/incompetent. Everyone knows basic research is hit or miss with publications, especially in the biomedical fields. That's why PhDs are 4+ years - often 6-7 yrs in the bio sciences. No one will hold not having a publication against you.

This is, of course, is different if you were doing a clinical project, in which case the expectation would be a publication every 4 months or so.

I say this from experience as an MS4 applying to neurology right now after having done a year of basic research. No publication, but I did get a poster at a major meeting within the field and a strong reference from my PI. No problem getting interviews at top research institutions. Several people I've interviewed with have remarked they were impressed I took the risk in an attempt to make a high impact contribution. Bottom line is if you want to go to a research oriented program doing basic research will not hurt you as long as you get a good review from your PI. You seem like you want to do this for the right reasons so I'd say definitely go for it. Feel free to PM me if you want any specific advice.