Humanities Research on Residency Applications?

[thegreengreatdragon]

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Hey guys, I'm an MS1, and I know it might be a touch early to be thinking about research, but I was wondering how humanities research looks on a residency app. I definitely want to do some medical history research, more for pleasure, but I've heard about some other potential humanities projects floating around my campus.
I would definitely not limit myself to only humanities stuff, because I know that won't make me a competitive applicant, but would expending my energy on meaningful research in the humanities make me less competitive? Should I minimize this and try to do more clinical research?

 

[SeldingerFan78]

You should definitely do whatever research inspires and resonates with you. Not only are you more likely to see it through to presentation/publication, but you will be able to talk about it with passion during residency interviews. I'm an MD/MA in medical humanities who did a lot of humanities research and matched into a very competitive, procedurally-minded field. I was interviewed at 80% of programs I applied to, matched at my top choice, and the vast majority of my interviews focused on my humanities research. It makes you unique and interesting in a positive way.

 

[thegreengreatdragon]

Thanks for the confirmation! Humanities research seems a lot less popular, which is why I was having trouble figuring out its relevance to residency apps. I'm glad to hear that my interest is not misplaced, nor will it leave me at a disadvantage.

 

[SeldingerFan78]

It actually works to your advantage because it makes you unique in a positive way. I mean, these busy docs are interviewing med student after med student, so anything that makes them stop and be like "I heard you do [humanities project] tell me more about that because I don't think we've ever had someone who does that." As long as you're articulate and sincere in your response, that person is going to remember you a lot more than the 5th case report she/he asked about that day.

 

[thegreengreatdragon]

I never thought about it that way! I guess it is true that after a while, most med students' resumes start to look the same. Thanks for the advice; even beyond research, I will try to do things to distinguish myself.