HPSP and Research

[StarboardMD]

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Sorry if this is a repeat thread. Feel free to point me to an applicable one if necessary. I'm just wondering about HPSP participants being able to do research while in med school. With OBC and extra rotations, it seems that I will not have the vacation time that my classmates do, and I'm afraid it might be difficult to get any substantial research done on school time. Are very many HPSPers able to do research while in school? In competitive civillian residencies, I'm told it's pretty much a necessity to have some sort of published peer-reviewed stuff. Is it the same way for mil med? How do you make time for research?

 

[MedicalCorpse]

In competitive civillian residencies, I'm told it's pretty much a necessity to have some sort of published peer-reviewed stuff. Is it the same way for mil med? How do you make time for research?

You don't. I tried to publish three articles during residency; none was supported by the staff. One became an abstract in SOAP; that's it.
The commanders just want you to show up at O-dark-30 and pass gas.
There is no "research" arm career path of Medical Corps officers anymore.
There is only Command (lobotomy required), or clinical (disillusionment and resignation from the military guaranteed).

If you want to be a clinical scientist, stay in the civilian world. Really. It's hard to get your data entered into your laptop when mortar shells are landing within yards of your bunk in country.

Hope this helps,

--
Rob Jones, M.D.
Ex-LtCol, USAF, MC
http://www.medicalcorpse.com

 

[IgD]

I disagree with MedicalCorpse and had a different experience. I found quite a number of people who were active in research and professional associations. Find a military physician mentor who is interested in academics and likes to publish papers. I was able to publish a paper during medical school and also during residency. I have two more I'm working on right now.

The military funded me to present the paper at a national research conference. On a related note, the military funded me to take the board exams at a cost of about $5k.

 

[CodeBlueMD]

First, there are no "extra"' rotations. ADTs count as electives. Research in med school has been no more difficult for me than for anyone else. Research experience is expected by the residency programs, at least for Ortho, from what I've seen. I just got back from an Ortho rotation at WRAMC. All of the residents and attendings have projects ongoing with impressive CVs / lists of publications. They have a dedicated year for research built into the program. Good luck.

 

[StarboardMD]

👍 Thanks for the help. I don't know if I'd want to do research as a career, but I thought it might be helpful to do some while in med school to sort of give me a boost when it comes to applying to residencies. I did (non-human primate) research as an undergrad, so it's helpful to hear that there are military docs who are able to get in some research time, although given MedicalCorpse's experience, perhaps it's not possible for everyone. Thanks again!

 

[NNavy21]

You will have plenty of time to do research while in medical school. You'll have time to fit it in during lighter rotations...and some schools even allow you to take a research month as a full 4th year rotation.

I would save your vacation for doing something fun. 4th year of medical school will be the nadir of your free time for the rest of your working life.


Also, you only need research if you are going to apply to competitive fields (uro, optho, plastics, ENT, derm, etc.)

 

[former military]

Research time is between 10 pm and 2 am.