Is research ESSENTIAL for surgery?

[Desdemona]

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I'm pretty sure I want to be surgeon, maybe neuro, maybe general, but probably not ortho or plastic. I've done 3 years of undergraduate research, and I have not really enjoyed it. If I have to do research as a med student to get a surgery residency, then I will just force myself to do it...but can you match in surgery without research? Do you know anyone who has matched without research? My first summer I would rather spend abroad doing clinical volunteer work or something more clinical. I have no intention of letting my dislike for research stand in the way of my career plans, but I would rather not do research unless it's the only way. Any thoughts?

 

[Brewster]

Yes, it is possible. For general surgery, I don't think you will have a problem. For the subspecialties, research is generally considered to be more important, but is still not essential (as long as you have other things going for you).

Your best bet is to choose an attending in your field at your school as an advisor. S/he can then look over your whole application and give you advice.

 

[MacGyver]

Hey brewster,

what if i want to match in gen surg in a mediocre program. I'm thinking of oklahoma city area. Community or academic I dont really care.

is there still intense competition for places like that?

 

[Brewster]

Originally posted by MacGyver
Hey brewster,

what if i want to match in gen surg in a mediocre program. I'm thinking of oklahoma city area. Community or academic I dont really care.

is there still intense competition for places like that?

I am speaking from personal experience.

I matched at an academic, university-based, research oriented program. I had no research experience in med school (MD/MPH program took up all the extra time). I did do two summers of research in college (one biomedical, one p-chem) with one third author publication as a result of the biomedical summer.

So, I say again...it is possible. I realize that research helps, but there are many more factors than just that: LOR, clerkship grades, board scores, etc. That is why I recommended speaking with an advisor who can give more personalized information.

 

[md03]

Yep. I did. Matched in General surgery with no significant research (i did a summer program between M1 and M2 year, which turned out to be deadly and resulted in no publication).

With decent grades and board scores, you will be fine for general. Subs tend to be a little more competitive, but I know of folks that matched in neurosurgery and ENT without research.

 

[hemoccult]

Just to "chyme" in on the matter...My advisor, also the program director of our residency which is an academic program, advised me when asked about research to reply "Research, what's that?"
Sure I won't exactly say it in those words, nor did he intend me to do so. The point is, if there is some research that you are interested in, by all means feel free to participate and enjoy.

Don't just do research to "get into some field" as there are some applicants who get into competitive fields without research. Sure, their boards, grades, LOR's, and the like are probably solid, but don't suffer through research just to say you have done it.

In other words, I asked my advisor if I should drum up a research project to put it on my cv. He told me that it would not be worth my time "just to do it to say I have done it."

I guess after my long rambling, don't worry about research. Do well in school, on boards, and on rotations, and you can probably land into anything you would like.

Also, never forget to do the often neglected rectal exam. You can learn a lot from someone's rectum.
😀 😀

 

[Surgdude]

Where do you want to go for residency and what do you want to do with your life?

I did some research, similar to others, between 1st and 2nd years of med school, got no publications, and realized that even though I was capable of doing it, I really wasn't interested in doing research. At least not at the basic science level.

I didn't have a lot of problems matching into programs, but I did have pretty good scores. There are a lot of university programs that are heavy-handed in the interview process regarding research. Even though they came off as great programs to be affiliated with, I really didn't feel comfortable with the facade of "wanting to do research." A lot of university programs ask that question about your interest, to which you answer based upon your feelings. I gave a lot of them a very noncommital response.

However, there are a lot of good programs that really don't give two hoots about research. I am at a great community program that has traditionally and continues to do well on exams and fellowship placement that has minimal research unless someone exhibits the initiative to do it.

I'd say, there are a lot of places one can go and not do research. Don't get roped into it without really wanting to do it--you don't want to make your career in something you don't like! Find an environment during interviews that corresponds with your personal views and go with it!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Not necessary, at least at most programs. Obviously heavy hitting research programs will prefer residents with such experience and many may require time in the lab during residency. However, even with the upswing in Gen Surg this past year I would be loathe to state that research is required at most programs.

 

[gabbydoggie]

I just matched into my number one gen surg spot---absolutely NO research on my app. Yes, you need good board scores, good letters, good grades. Plastics--more competitive and research would help. HOWEVER, if you have published in undergrad, it is certainly NOT necessary to do more research. Be sure you know the specifics of your undergrad research prior to your interviews for residency (you will have to review--alot will be forgotten by then!) 🙂 good luck to you!!! don't sweat it; just concentrate on your classes in med school and enjoy your free time. research is the pits!

 

[docmemi]

bump

 

[Bo Hurley]

Just try to get your name on the tail end of some fluff research that will be forgotten as soon as the next edition of the journal comes out, then pretend you're interested in it during interviews.