Most students admitted to medical school have not done lab research. Moreover, about half or more of those admitted were not even science majors. Rather than make a half-hearted attempt at research, especially science lab research, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get experience in a setting where there are ill people--such as in a hospital. The quality of the time you spend is far more important than the quantity. You don't want just to be behind the scenes doing clerical work or to just be a gofer. In any case, whatever your function, and without getting in the way, as much as possible speak with and observe patients, physicians, other health care workers, and especially look inward and ask: is this what I really want to do, am I psychologically prepared and qualified for dealing with the people and the
circumstances under which I will practice. Rest assured you have the intellectual equipment. You are doing research all right, but not typical laboratory bench research. You are performing research in which YOU are the laboratory rat.
That is far more useful and meaningful to you and to admissions committees than most scientific research.
Indeed, "research" need not even be limited to science: research can be on anything, a study of a literary work, anthropological field work, a biographical study of a French writer of the 19th century, a study of a historical document, something on a period in the history of medicine, etc. Use your imagination! They are interested in how you express yourself, in your attitudes and in your intellectual equipment. The important thing is if asked about it at an interview that you be able to discuss it coherently and with enthusiasm. Anyone can tell if you are a dilletante, just using "research" to make you look good on paper.
Premedical students consistently underestimate the intelligence, perceptivity and experience
of interviewers. Only very talented con artists might get away with it!
Good luck.
