MS-1 interested in surgery, what should I do?

[hemingway]

I'm an MS-1 at an MD med school, (just a couple months in), but I hear it's never too early to start laying the foundation for when one starts to apply for residencies. I've got absolutely 0 idea of what kind of surgery I want to go into, but I know I'm interested in it from my brief/superficial clinical experiences, and I want to start prepping to be as competitive as possible. What should I do? What kind of research should I look into? Would lab/bench research in cancer or immuno or something be as beneficial as clinical research? Community service/clubs?
Should I start emailing programs to look for internships/externships in the summer between MS-1 and MS-2? If so, what kinds of programs should I look into?

Any help would be appreciated!

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[JackADeli]

I'm an MS-1 at an MD med school, (just a couple months in), but I hear it's never too early to start laying the foundation for when one starts to apply for residencies...

Actually, I would say it is way too early to lay the foundation for surgery residency application. You need to be setting the foundation for an excellent application to every residency. Your task right now is to dig in and study. Perform the best you can on every test. Work hard to assure you do spectacular on your USMLE.

...What should I do? What kind of research should I look into? Would lab/bench research in cancer or immuno or something be as beneficial as clinical research? Community service/clubs?...

You are to early in your training for this overwhelming amount of distraction from what should be your primary focus (i.e. study and learn basic sciences). What you should do is stop, take a breath, and schedule an appointment with a medical school advisor. You can also contact some of the MS4 in your school and they can big sister/big brother you a little to help redirect/refocus your efforts.

...Should I start emailing programs to look for internships/externships in the summer between MS-1 and MS-2?

I don't believe there are any internships/externships between MS1 & 2. Your clinical activities are generally quite limited until you actually pass USMLE 1. I would say "NO" to emailing programs right now. Speak with your counselor and senior medical students for any finesse points of available programs.... But really, cut the crap. You are way to misfocused for your first month. You should actually be working very hard reading and learning basic sciences in you core courseork. If you have such free time, then spend it with an advisor so he/she can get your head back in the primary game. Planning is important. The best thing you can do way above thoughts & distractions of internsips, externships, research, etc.... is to focus on your studying, ace your exams, ace your usmle. Do not plan on how you will win the superbowl before you have even played the first season game. Prepare for the opponent in front of you now.

JAD

 

[Winged Scapula]

The above is true for general surgery where your biggest ticket is your Step 1 score.

However, if you are interested in Ortho, PRS, Nsgy etc. you would be well advised to get some research experience and try and make some connections to make yourself as competitive as possible. Many of your colleagues will have some and there are projects at NIH, etc. that can be done over the summer.

Don't worry about community projects and the typical pre-med ECs. Those aren't necessary.

 

[njbmd]

I would agree with the above postings and add that you might want to touch base with the surgical specialty medical student interest group too. These groups can provide fellowship (with other medical students interested in surgery) and can offer a chance for you to interact with upperclassmen who can give you good study/board study advice.

Right now, just do your best in your studies and mastery of your coursework so that you will have a good foundation for boards.