Is Research Absolutely Necessary???

[longwaytogo]

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Hi guys

I'm an MS2 who is interested in a couple of different fields. I'm planning on doing research in radiology and did summer research in yet another field. However, I may very well choose Derm in the end, which I'm still really interested in. Is it necessary to do Derm research and to publish in a Derm journal, or is it enough that I do well in school and have done research elsewhere in order to be considered for a derm spot???

Thanks!

 

[fedor]

It's a gamble. If you score -220 on Step 1, without derm research you have little to no chance. With research, you may be able to pull it off. If you score 260+, the lack of derm research won't hurt you.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

If you score 260+, the lack of derm research won't hurt you.

I'm not quite sure if this is true. Scoring well on the Step 1 in no way proves your dedication for derm, besides that you cared enough to do well. Yet, derm research and rocking your derm electives (as well as everything else)goes a long way. There are plenty of super-stars applying for derm, how will you stand out besides grades? This goes for any competitive residency.

 

[PathOne]

As has been stated many times, there's no single item on your resume that will qualify or disqualify you for a derm residency. Just remember, that the applicant pool is extremely competitive, and that you'd thus need something to make you stand out. That could be a stellar USMLE score or published research, but neither is likely to secure a spot, if not combined with other attractive qulifications. Nor would the absence of either necessarily prevent you from getting a residency, although average or below USMLE scores certainly will lessen your chances, simply because of the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Just remember, that just like getting into med school, securing a residency spot isn't just a numbers game, but involves a large number of factors.