NO research and going into neurology?

[pazu]

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Hey, I'm looking more for reassurance than anything else, but I am applying to neurology and have no research experience in the field. I have done basic science research in biochem as an undergrad, and during 2nd year of med school, but that's about it. When asked why I haven't done neuro-related research, I'm planning to say I wanted to focus on honing my clinical skills and learning as much medicine during 3rd and 4th year, and figured residency would be a better time to figure out my research interests and pursue them with a fellowship.

Does that sound about right, or should I really work on my answer more? I'm kind of starting to freak out that I have zero research experience and I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb.

Any other advice from others who had zero research experience when applying would be helpful, thanks!

 

[typhoonegator]

You have to remember that the med-student population on SDN is not an accurate representation of all neurology applicants. There is significant population stratification, and you don't have a validation cohort, which hurts generalizability. Even though everyone on SDN appears to have a 240 board score and a PhD, I assure you that in the real world this is not the case.

Not everyone does research, and not everyone is interested in research. Remember that the vast majority of neurologists in the world are not sitting in some lab in an ivory tower academic institution, but rather they are caring for patients in the community. Most of those people are not doing research; they're trying to keep their practice going and raise their kids.

Those of us that want to devote our lives to science are going to congregate at certain institutions, places that have the big labs and the know-how to get research careers off the ground. But those programs don't just want a bunch of eggheads that aren't interested in clinical medicine; that would be terrible on several levels.

So even the big name academic programs are looking for people with a clinical mindset, although you would do well to be at least open to engaging in research. Plus, there are dozens and dozens of more clinically-oriented neurology residencies out there that do a great job of training and have much less of a research focus.

 

[PAN627]

hey if this makes you feel an better, I'm an IMG, decent board scores, I don't have any neuro research, because I changed my mind several times. I dont think everyone knows exactly what they are going to do from day one, there are a select few who do, but I wanted to do surgery for years, finally after doing some rotations, I was like this is totally not me, I think they already know what your cv looks like, they just want any explanations for major things that are red flags, for example, why did I go to a non-US school etc. I don't think they'll judge you for it. They looked at your whole app before sending you an invite, now they want you to just fill in the gaps, and see if you have a desire for the field and probably if they'd like to work with you for the next 3-4 years. Some of the people who have outstanding CVS, with a plethora of research, 260+ board scores, maybe boring vegetables in person, and trust me I think interpersonal skills and a flexible personality can go along way!

 

[buckley]

Go 4 it. I had no research whatsoever and still got the interviews. It's okaaaaaaaay!

 

[lanzarlaluna]

pazu, I'm right with you man. Thanks for everyone's advice in this thread.

This summer an attending and I tried to get something off the ground, but it never panned out. Then Step 2 studying and away rotations got in the way. *sigh* At the very least it gave me a taste of what goes into even getting a project started. In other words, I have nothing on my CAF about research.

pazu, you'll probably be asked about it here and there, but you've given your response some good thought. I kind of addressed it in my PS, saying that I'd like to test the waters of research during residency, and like you, I'd rather wait until I figure out my specific interests.