Importance of Research for residency

[dbutz02]

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How important is having a lot of research and published papers when it comes to getting residency? I haven't done any in undergrad and I just got accepted to a med school for this up coming fall. Should I do something this summer even though I was hoping to take it off and do nothing? Need some advice I don't want this to factor me out of getting a good residency in four years...and yes I know I should have gotten into something in undergrad but I go to a small liberal arts school and there aren't that many opportunites for it. I've also been extremely busy with soccer and getting all my requirements in three years. 😴

 

[fourthyearmed]

Take the summer off! Unless you're planning on doing a very competitive residency, it really doesn't matter if you haven't done research. And you can always get involved in something during med school. Actually that would probably be more useful than whatever is going on at your undergrad because you could do more clinical type research. I just finished interviewing for Pediatrics residency positions and not once was my lack of research mentioned even at places like Baylor and Vandy. If you don't want to do research, don't. If you are interested in academic medicine or something like Derm start in med school when you find something that grabs your interest.

 

[dbutz02]

"Take the summer off!"
Great news. 👍 Thanks

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Absolutely not important (unless you want to do short-track IM at the Brigham in which case, you better get a PhD). Take the summer off cuz this is essentially the last summer off you get. After MS2 year, you got boards to study for. Then the hellish MS3 year starts...there is no summer off then.

 

[Maya_RS]

Research isn't *required* but I think it definitely helps. The research I had done came up at almost every interview I went on for IM. Many of the people I interviewed with complimented me on my research. So I think research is one thing that may help to set you apart (especially if you are able to get publications)...

 

[NinerNiner999]

I suppose it would be safe to say anything that broadens your application and shows extra drive will only help - be it research or something totally unrelated to academics or medicine that you are committed to. It also depends what field you decide to go into, and what your goals are beyond residency. If you want to be a fellow, the more research experience you have the better for getting onto the fast track. If you just want a residency that will let you practice when you get out - take the summer off and you will be fine...

 

[April04]

If you truly enjoy research and are planning to have a career in academic medicine, then you should do the research. also, the more competitive the field you chose the more likely research will help. you could also compromise a little. Do 1.5 months of research then take 1.5 months for vacation. you can definitely publish something in 1.5 months, abstracts are easy to do, also could do a quick retrospective study which would entail chart review. believe me, residents do it all the time. just find a good mentor/advisor and if you really like research you can continue with it throughout medical school (although time may be an issue during 2nd and 3rd year). Ultimately, try to have some fun before 2nd year.

good luck

 

[heykki]

I'm planning on doing PhD. Would you think this would get me into some of the more competitive residencies, even though I'm an IMG?