Not trying to stir things up...

[Karina]

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I just want to inquire about the validity of this guy's "advice"...
So, I'm at a bar with my friends celebrating our spring break, and these guys come up to me and my friends...one of them a first year anesthesiology resident (almost second year), he went to an MD school in South Florida (hint hint) and he got into their program, I guess.

He asked why I chose DO over MD and I wasn't going to go into my whole life story and immigration status and the fact that even though I had the grades and EC's and MCAT scores, they wouldn't even look at my application because I didn't have my green card...aaaanyways...I got my green card and I'm almost done with my first year in DO school, I love it and I think I made the right decision...

However, this guy's telling me, that I HAVE to do to research in order to be considered for an MD residency...somehow I have to work harder, and PROVE myself and my credentials, if I want to have a shot at a decent residency...and that doing research was the way to do that.

I don't really like research all that much...and I don't know if this guy was just full of crap or not...but has anyone been through this? Have you done research, do you think it really helped you, or was it just something else to put in your apps and talk about during interviews? I just rather do things I enjoy, like being involved in student organizations, etc...

I just don't like how he made it seem like I pretty much had to go above and beyond, just be considered equal to an MD...is this really true?

Whatever, I didn't really like his attitude, so needless to say...he did not get the digits at the end of the night...

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
Karina

 

[gottalovemilk]

can i get the digits? .....

 

[gottalovemilk]

oh yeah. you actually had a question.

well, if you want anything in life, you have to do the extra stuff, regardless of how boring it is.

in other words, MD or DO, if you want a good residency, you have to do something other than apply. it could be research or sleeping with the residency director. you just need to apply yourself. also, board scores go a long way.

 

[Qafas]

He's full of crap. There are plenty of osteopathic students who don't so much as smell the inside of a research lab and get into excellent residencies, DO and MD. Now, if you're thinking of going into a highly competitive field or a top name residency, you would be well advised to do anything you can to spruce up your app. My advise - if you don't like research, don't do it. Find something you do enjoy that would also look good on your app. There are plenty of things to get involved in during school.
Good Luck.

 

[shminger]

At a bar for spring break... This reminds me of those "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" comericals. Are you sure he was REALLY a resident?

 

[Law2Doc]

oh yeah. you actually had a question.

well, if you want anything in life, you have to do the extra stuff, regardless of how boring it is.

in other words, MD or DO, if you want a good residency, you have to do something other than apply. it could be research or sleeping with the residency director. you just need to apply yourself. also, board scores go a long way.

Agree with this. In MD schools they routinely advise their students to do some research if they want a shot at a better residency. A decent percentage of students do research over first year summer or take a year off at some point. So it's not clear from this statement that the guy was somehow bashing DOs rather than giving you good, albeit unwanted, advice.

 

[Karina]

Well, I just think there are different paths to get to the same place. And that by chosing to do things that motivate me, I will excel at what I do and just do a great job while having a great time. Part of the reason I chose medicine, I have always enjoyed all things medical and I can see myself doing it with a smile on face and singing on my way to work in the morning.

Research is not all that interesting to me...and I mean, I could try to do a great job...that's just me, but it will take a lot of work from me. Which is why I decided to be active in student government, and a bunch of societies and being active in different ways...thinking these are also things that might help me out as well. And yes, nothing really scientific, but these things show different things about my personality and my abilities to interact with people, delegate responsibilities, manage my time, etc...

I guess I'll do my "research" and see if it's worth it for me to do something...even though I'll be doing it just to put it on my resume 🙁

Thanks for the input...and sorry if I beat around the bushes a lot... 🙂

Karina

 

[sophiejane]

What do you consider a "good" residency? You should consider this before spending a lot of time doing something just for your resume.

I think the research thing is overrated. I know plenty of DOs who have landed very high profile residencies without research.

If you aren't interested in it, it's going to be hard to keep doing it. Just participating in research is okay, but I don't think it's going to get you anymore "noticed" than a good Step I score, or more importantly, and impressive audition rotation. Getting published is another story, and will probably give you an edge in some, but not all specialties

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

A couple of thoughts on research:

1. If you don't like it, don't bother.

2. Research can sometimes be a plus to your app, but it won't likely make or break you.

3. You may want to look into doing some clinical research in something that interests you. Come up with an idea, write up a proposal, get it approved/find a mentor. If you really think you may need some research, this offers the opporunity to
- Not be in a lab
- Do something that you're truly interested in (which would be way more beneficial to your residency app)
- 1st author a paper or...
- Present a poster at an academic meeting instead


Anyway, just some ideas. Good luck.

 

[OMMFellow06]

Unfortunately too much emphasis is put on doing research and getting published. And as painful as it may be for some of us, it will likely help you to be more competitive against your MD and DO counterparts. It is not at all required, but it will likely aide your chances. Plenty of people get some great residencies without doing any research. Try to do well on boards and shine on your rotations and interviews.

 

[beastmaster]

You tell them Ripal !!

 

[Karina]

Thank you all for your input!
Good Luck to everyone!

I Love SDN 🙂

 

[dr.z]

Thank you all for your input!
Good Luck to everyone!

I Love SDN 🙂

You must be a SDN hottie too!

I don't have a green card, and I had difficulty with allopathic schools. My peers (some even a faculty at allopathic school) told me no body really cares about where you went to medical school. So I'll be happy attending DO school.

 

[Karina]

You must be a SDN hottie too!

I don't have a green card, and I had difficulty with allopathic schools. My peers (some even a faculty at allopathic school) told me no body really cares about where you went to medical school. So I'll be happy attending DO school.

Yeah, I got my green card like 3 days after I submitted AMCAS and AACOMAS...and after applying to 20 schools total, paying for everything myself with my little part-time job, I decided enough was enough and stuck with my allopathic choices. I actually liked NSU more than some of the MD schools where I interviewed at...the atmosphere was better and I liked the pre-clinical education...and so far I think I made the right decision...best of luck!

 

[Non-Trad DO]

Several people have, as usual, posted excellent information for you.
1) Top rated residencies will need to see some sort of publication.
2) A clinical topic sounds like the way for you to go
3) Make sure it will be applicable to whatever field your thinking of.
4) Even if you end going into something else be sure you include it in your CV when match season starts.